Very Sick Melanoma Warriors Out There

I know I am starting this post on a down note, but let's face it folks, this disease is evil. Brian and I have several melanoma friends who are down for the count right now, and it really puts Brian's present condition in perspective.

Please say a special prayer for...

Bryce Brown, 33 years old, wife and 6 mo. old daughter. He was NED for the past 5 years. A checkup in mid-July said things looked great, all tests looked fine. He said he felt fine, aside from a little shortness of breath. The oncologist decided to further investigate, and the disease is running rampant and out of control. That is why I always warn about the "you're fine" diagnosis. It is hard to read about this otherwise healthy man being brought to his knees, and to know and understand the desperation of his wife and family. I never stop praying for miracles, and I pray that the Browns get that miracle, and also for peace.

Also please pray for Mike and Sheila, and so many others suffering from melanoma, and the many other forms of cancer.

Brian is feeling ok. I will say that the hair is all still in place in visible spots, although he reports that he noticed a significant amount of hair in the shower today. Today started his 3rd week, and this is the week. I have really wondered anyway because he shaved his face last Monday, leaving his usual mustache and goatee. And he basically looks as clean shaven today as 7 days ago, which isn't usually the case. So my theory, albeit not necessarily an expert theory, is that his hair growth has been stunted.

He's taking this somewhat in stride. He seemed to kid about it a little, but now that it is impending, it isn't seeming to be as easy as he thought it might be. If this is what it takes, then so be it. Either way, I see it as becoming a sensitive issue with him, and I hope we can respect and help him with this.

The chemo is causing some major nerve pain in his left leg, which is hampering his mobility and really making him feel like he has regressed. He should be so proud of his achievements and progress; yet, when he sees himself, he feels like a failure. He is in a lot of pain and we are hoping to be able to better manage that in the coming days. I can encourage only so far, and then it is something I frankly feel that he has the right to be ticked off about it. Not everything in life has to be turned into a learning lesson or a moment of strength or a time to look at the good side of things. Sometimes it just sucks.

He did venture out tonight to the middle school open house and was able to meet lots of new students. He is really having a hard time adjusting to the fact that he isn't going to be there to start the year. He loves his job and he loves the people he works with (yes Cindy, he does love you), and that is where he wants to be. It is difficult to accept the fact that this disease is taking yet another thing from him, and we can only hope and pray that will be temporary and he can return by Christmas. It is our biggest hope that he would be returning then, as that would likely mean the chemo has worked and we have continued treatment for an extended period. We can only ask as this poison runs through his body to kill the cancer that this would be God's will too.

I'm planning a melanoma booth at Relay for Life. The Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation (founded after their late daughter, 20 years old, went to get a mole checked on her thigh in Apr. 2000 and died just 7 months later) has provided me with a large amt. of materials to distribute about doing monthly skin checks and what to watch for on moles for you and your kids. I'll also have Melanoma Awareness car magnets and bracelets for sale. Most of all, I am very excited about the pictures for this event. I am planning to post Melanoma Warriors and Melanoma Angels, and Gregory, fellow stage 4'er, has given me some shock factor pictures of the removal of his cheek. I have found something amazing in my gathering of those who are sick and those who have died, and it will amaze you too. These people were randoming gathered, they offered their pictures or those of loved ones. And it is scary because about 75% or more of them are 30-35 years old! Time and again. Wow.

Brian was able to enjoy the morning with Tye and the girls on their first day of school. Any outing is a huge event, so more often than not, he has been forgoing any trips. He is going to try to get in a few sessions of therapy this week on TTh before resting up for the next round of chemo on Monday.

Thanks for your continued prayers.
Jenni