Update by Derek
As you will all probably notice this is not Sarah's writing. This is her husband's attempt at an update, sorry no descriptive flowing prose, but blunt mis-spelled statements.
Sarah's week in Buffalo(mar 18-24) had it's ups and it's downs. Starting with the positive, she received 13 of 14 IL-2 doses, she showed an unbelievable ability to cope with a treatment that most can't handle very well. This is the reason why we're there, so we'll take as much as we can get. So understandably those kind of numbers mean swallowing some harsher, more prolonged side effects. These side effects appear and took there toll and some still continue to linger, but I'm happy to say since today(mar 28th) Sarah is feeling kinda normal, this is after a 7 day period of no solid food, a week and a half in bed with scary thoughts, hallucinations and confused states/dreams that melded with reality. It was really tough on her, questioning her own thoughts and working through them , separating real and the imagined. She did it, again just like last recovery, fought her mind/drug and won again.
She still can not keep her food down and suffers from out of the blue massive headaches, but she’s speaks like her lovely self again, laughs, cries and lives like her self again. Her independence is on the horizon, her walking has improved and energy level is way better, still low but on the mend. I know she's had enough of my version of mothering and needs a break.
Sarah's one in a million, so strong and special it's beyond words, I realize a lot of you only know her through her blog, and this represents her well, but let me tell ya the world has far too few people with Sarah’s love, thoughtfulness and strength. Keep thinking of Sarah, she's a fighter and in the midst of a battle.
Derek
posted by Sarah @ 5:28 PM
62 comments
62 Comments:
Best of luck with your fight, Sarah. You're an inspiration to all of us.
(and on a more personal note, you are the reason why I quit tanning and embraced my translucent skin for once and for all-- thank you!)
And hugs to you too, Derek. I can't imagine having to find the strength to go through what the two of you are going through.
A couple months ago, when the author of the similarly named song died I googled it and found this site part way down the page. Since then I've read some of the older posts and all of the recent posts. Sarah brings a humor and a humanity to this horrible experience that is beyond words.
My heart sank when I first saw Derek's name on the post but I'm so glad to hear that Sarah is pulling out of the treatments. My thoughts and hopes and prayers are with you, Sarah and Derek.
Bill in Maine
Sarah, keep fighting. You're often in my thoughts, and you're one of the strongest people I 'know'. Take care doesn't seem enough, but just keep fighting.
Derek, thank you for updating us on Sarah's progress.
Hi Derek and Sarah,
I was so happy to see an update. Thanks you so much Derek. I know Sarah through the MPIP and her blog. Sarah you are incredibly strong to go through that rough treatment. I can't believe you made it through 13 doses of your second round of IL 2. Amazing. I'm sorry that the side effects are so tough but I'm hoping against hope that the nasty IL 2 will get rid of the even nastier MM once and for all. I'm so glad you and Derek have each other. I know that makes a world of difference in the fight you are waging against this awful cancer.
My best wishes to you both, Carver
Derek, thanks so much for posting for Sarah - I was just wondering how she was doing in treatments. Take care, Sarah - I'm praying for you.
Thank you for your update Derek. My husband and I check Sarah's blog frequently. Best of luck to both of you.
Keep up the fight Sarah, you're often in my thoughts.
Derek thank you so much for posting.
Derek-thank you so much for updating. I've been checking everyday hoping this last treatment was tolerable.
There are many, many strangers praying and thinking of Sarah and you. 13 out of 14 bags? Dude!!
You are AMAZIN'
NYC
Dear Derek,
Thanks for the update. It's so good to hear that Sarah took the IL-2 treatments to 13 doses!! Good for her, BAD for mel! What determination and strong will. God bless her and you. One day at a time, a little sip at a time, a lot of love along the way. I can't tell you how good is to see Sarah's blog with the post from you. So many of us have been checking. Take care, both of you.
CarolA
i've been thinking about you a lot, Sarah... i hope your recovery from this round of treatment is fast and furious... as you can see, the hitched girls are thinking of you!
- Kudra
Sarah -
You are so strong and amazing! You're an inspiration and I am so glad Derek had a chance to post an update as I've been checking daily to see how you are doing. I found your blog randomly but I keep up with you through your posts and think of you often.
Thanks Derek for the update. YOu are both incredible and so fortunate to have each other during this horrible period.
Beth
Thanks for the update Derek. I'm one of the people that only know Sarah through her blog.
Sarah, you are an inspiration. 13 bags!!!! That's fantastic. I am so impressed. Glad to see you're home and on the mend.
Katrina
So glad to hear Sarah is doing well. Keep up the fight, you are an inspiration
Thank you so much for taking your time out to keep us updated. Please let her know that we are all thinking of her alot, and that we are wishing her so much strength and recovery right now.
I think about her and hope for her every day.
Hey Sarah,
Keep up the fight.
Sarah,
I think of you & root for you everyday. Keep up the good work!... I'm always checking for updates.
There is a mad strength in you, Sarah! Keep kicking mel's ass and showing us all how it's done. Peace.
What a beautiful post buddy! Derek, you are such a sweetie...just like your wife! You two are so perfect together and the strongest team fighting this craziness.
Love and huge hugs! Nikki
Sarah, you are an amazing woman. I am another of those who only know you via your blog, but I am constantly in awe of your strength and courage. It was wonderful to read the latest update your hubby posted.
Keep up the fight; my thoughts are with you both, and I look forward to your future posts.
Hi Dereck,
Thank you for the update.
I am thinking of you and Sarah. I don't know what else to say. I've been through it and I know what it is like. It can be so scary, keep holding on. Right now I am picturing Sarah surrounded by light, love and strength.
I send you both all my love.
K
Thank you for the update. Sarah and Derek, you are both in my thoughts.
I hope things continue to improve.
Sarah,
You kick ass. I know that your strength will pay off and the melanoma will vanish.
Derek,
Are you sure you've never written poetry? Your "flowy prose" just screams lit major.
-MM
Thank you Derek for the update. I check everyday and have been thinking of Sarah a lot.
So good to hear that she is on the up and up (and that MM is facing very strong opposition).
Feel better Sarah, sending you love from Oz.
Kristyx
Thanks so much for taking the time to update all of us, Derek. I am one of Sarah's fellow MPIP'ers who has gotten to "know" her through her blog, and have been checking here regularly to see if there has been an update about how she is doing with her IL-2 treatments...thinking of her daily and wishing you both only the best of luck!!
Sarah's strength, honesty, courage and willingness to share her story in such an open, and moving way never stop amazing me; and I know I am just one of many. She is such a fighter, and I am crossing my fingers (and toes!) that she beats the living #$*^ outta mel once and for all!!
Only the best wishes to you, too, Derek, as I am sure it takes a huge amount of strength to face this fight right alongside your love...how very hard it must be for both of you...
Stay tough & LIVE strong~Shannon (stage IV MPIP'er)
Hey you guys,
thanks for the update. You are amaizing, both of you. Sarah - you are strong and brave woman, who is not willing to give up her life to some stupid melanoma. I honour you for that and think of you often - of your strenght and love for life. Derek, your devotion and love is an inspiration. All the best, and never give up. Thinking of you.
Sarah, you have such strength. I think about you every day and pray for you every night. When I saw Derek's title my heart sank but I am so happy to hear that you are starting to feel at least a little bit better. Derek you are an angel! Thinking of you both...
Derek,
Thank you so much for the update on Sarah. I can feel the love you have for each other. I'm so sorry that melanoma is part of your lives. I'm praying that Sarah will respond completely to the IL-2.
I know Sarah from MPIP. We miss her.
The hallucinations must be terrifying for her and for you.
Sending positive thoughts and energy your way.
Stay Strong
King (Kathie)
Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets
Tons of well wishes!!! Ya got a lot of people pulling for ya! We follow thru your blog. Way to go on those bags!!
Westchester County, NY
Wow. All I can think is wow. You are such an inspiration Sarah and Derek. Keep fighting! You are both often in my thoughts.
Dear Derek,
Thank you for posting on behalf of Sarah. I don't know either of you personally, but I have been reading Sarah's blog since my stage IV diagnosis in December.
She is such an inspiration, so strong, such a fighter, and someone who clearly loves life!!!
I just completed two rounds of IL-2 myself and am just finishing my month long recouperation. Please let her know that the nightmares disappear, the appetite and strength return, and life is good again.
You are both in my thoughts and I pray that the IL-2 works for you.
-Christina
WOW! Great news Derek, and glad to hear from you as well. You said it all, and you both are certainly made for each other. The Love, strength you both have is a written testament to us all. Thank you both for the hope and spirit you both share with us, and the great prognosis of her last treatment. Waiting to hear more.
Derek,
Great blog! Miss Sarah so much and Love her. So glad she has you to be there for her. Your a fantastic person and my thoughts are will both you. Hope to talk to you soon...
Also Sarah I am soooo sorry to hear about Heather. I know how you cared for her.
Love you guys! Love lizzy
D&S
Stay strong and keep fighting. We love you and you are always in our thoughts.
M&J
thank you so much Derek for updating us. think of you and of Sarah every day. keep up the good fight, my thoughts and prayers are with you both. you are both amazing!!!!!
Hey Sarah,
Still checking back and hoping that you're doing ok. Your story seems to put a lot of life's little problems in perspective for me. Keep up the fight.
Still checking on you Sarah. Hope everything is ok.
-Katrina
God bless you, your family, friends, health care workers. I found you via Phil (Night Rider) of Holy Chalice.
You have many prayers supporting your struggle.
Dear Sarah and Derek,
God's Holy Angel's keep watch over you, you folks are in my prayers, keep the faith many pray for you.
I came across your blog site by doing some searches, but I believe that God's Holy Angels had directed my search to your blog.
God Love's you both and keeps watch. Trust in God's graces and come to know that you are God's Children.
God Bless You,
Phil ( aka The Night Rider ) From Holy Chalice
Sarah & Derek,
I'm thinking of you both. I've been checking in in hopes of some good news. You've got so many people behind you. Keep fighting Sarah!
Wishing you both the very best,
Terri
My grandmother died of multiple myeloma. She had incredible strength and perseverance, up until the end.
Though I don't know Sarah, it sounds like she is a fighter, too. That's great, because it serves as a model of strength for others to mimic.
Godspeed in your recovery, Sarah. Cancer doesn't have to define you, so by God, don't let it!
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you keep fighting. & i'll keep praying.
Thank you for the update.
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ...
Thinking of you, Sarah and Derek. You have a lot of people rooting for you.
Wishing you lots of strength and determination, Sarah...though it doesn't sound like you need it! I'm keeping you both in my thoughts. Take care - Stacey (S&M)
Dear Sarah,
Even if you are currently unable to write, I hope you are still checking this and know that people are praying for you and wishing you comfort and strength right now.
Sending good thoughts your way,
-Christina
Still checking...
I hope you're ok.
-Katrina
Thinking of both you and derek and I keep checking.
Getting worried because it's been so long. Derek, can you give us an update, please!
Thinking of you Sarah and wishing you strength and health. Terri
We are still here, sending our best wishes and hoping you are doing well. Best of luck.
I'm thinking of both of you, Derek and Sarah.
Wishing you strength and love.
We're with you both and sending all our positive vibes your way. Don't feel like you have to post, but know that so many people are hoping the best for you.
Love you,
Lori
Thinking of you often...
Thinking about you. Hope you are doing well. It is obvious how strong you are.Know that there are lots of people thinking about you and praying for both of you.
Where are you Sarah? We are very worried.
Martine
Thinking of you Sarah. Many people from MPIP are asking after you. I hope that all is well and that the IL-2 is doing its thing.
Love from Oz
Kristyx
Hi Sarah - hope you're ok. Still checking on you.
Now: May 9, 2007
Katrina
What a wonderful heartwrenching story Sarah sure is an inspiration. I am suffering from Chronic illness at the moment normaly I am so up beat but I hit the bottom this week. I am stuck in a dark whole thanks Derek for telling us about Sarah your love for her oozed out of every word you typed.I to have a special man who loves me, for a moment I forgot thank you so very much both of you may God put his tender
mercy upon both of you God bless you both xxxxx
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