Life throws us challenges.
How did people go with the challenge I left
you in the last post? Keep the challenge going.
Just this week I had a check up, which outlined
that my blood results were excellent. They indicated no further progress. The
other good news from this appointment was that the medication I have been on (Dabrafenib),
as a compassionate patient since December 2012, has now been listed on the Australian
Government’s PBS, which means the medication/treatment is proving successful
and allows other melanoma patients access to this medication/treatment.
My oncologist said I am looking fit,
healthy and can’t see any progression of the disease happening too soon. He mentioned
that if I do progress, I would be placed on a trial called PD-1 and this trial
could run for the next year or two. He
feels that I won’t need the trial in the next 12 months or so. He is that confident
in how well I am doing and cannot believe how much I have achieved this past 12
months.
Last weekend I raced in my first my first criterium bike race in over a year. To
say I was excited is an understatement. I finished well and have learnt a few
things….stay off the front to conserve
energy…...also 'anything is possible no hurdle is too big'. My riding buddy
Matthew Collins came along to the race as support has took the photos below. I
have been riding well and clocking the K’s up……doing an average of 150k’s a
week. I have also registered for the Tour De Cure ride in 2014, again as a
guest rider for two days. Donations are welcome head to this link: Tour De Cure
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| That's me at the front. |
My again at the front.
I am truly feeling
great and probably need to slow down a little. Like everyone I am looking
forward to Christmas with the family and celebrating another Christmas and
enjoying this time with loved ones. I especially take this Christmas as
special…last year some people probably thought 2012 Christmas was probably my
last one….however I am here for this one and many more to come.
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Christmas 2012 |
My Melanoma Support
group meetings have been going really well. My parents have been to all meetings. We’ve had a number of people and
their partners attend also. These meetings have been held at my place of work on the
second Wednesday of each month.
I also presented my
Melanoma Journey to the Middle School students and staff at my school. Another wonderful experience....an opportunity that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I also cannot
believe my two eldest girls are finishing their first year of school and
kinder. This is something I hope to continue to see in the future. I hold onto
these moments and never let them go. Moments like these should be treasured whether
you are ill or not.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their
support over the past year and Lisa and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.
I have scans first week of January.
Remember to hug your loved one's. Love to all. x
