Signing Your Life Over to Science
by karenulijohn
Harvey always used to tell me that he wanted to “will his body to science.” I don’t think it ever occured to him that he would be doing it while he was still living!! The radiation treatment today took no longer than about 10 minutes. He was in and out of there in no time. However, our next meeting was with the research coordinator for the study I mentioned yesterday. We went through a 30-page document describing all aspects of the study including treatment, side effects, follow up, etc. Nothing was left to the imagination. Each page had to be signed and/or initialed stating that Harvey understood the content on the page.
It would be premature to discuss the particulars of each treatment. Before he can be accepted into the study, he has to qualify. This qualification entails more tests, including another PET scan, a brain scan, EKG, and blood work. If he is finally enrolled in the study, he will begin treatment on August 21st. At that point, we will know which drug he will be taking.
On our way home, Harvey told me that he is not afraid. He is apprehensive about the schedule he will have to follow, the possible side effects, and how he is going to feel. I’m relieved that he now has a realistic view of what this diagnosis can mean. I mentioned that he might not feel like doing all of the yard work after the treatment begins, thinking that he might resist my suggestion of getting a gardener. He quickly responded that he had someone in mind. So, I thought I would suggest getting someone to do the cooking as well. He had no one in mind for that!!
karenulijohn 
Karen and Harvey,
I had no idea you were having to go through radiation, etc. I was under the impression from Mom that the surgery took care of everything. I’m sorry to hear it did not. From what you’ve described, Karen, it sounds like Harvey is a much better patient than either his father or brother were! Or my husband for that matter, too! And how fortunate he’s never had to spend time in a hospital until now. I’ll certainly keep you both in my prayers to God, as He is the great Physician, and will give you comfort and peace. Please keep us posted, and I’ve bookmarked your website, too.
Love, Lynda
So far, it looks like you’re doing only radiation — Hilma noted that you’ll probably be signed up for some type of Chemo later. I suppose you know that Chemo destroys rapidly dividing tissue, like the epithelium in your mouth, and similar cells… Harvey, you’ll lose your hair!
Right now, I know more people who have survived melanomas than those that didn’t. All the ones i’ve talked to reveal that every 4 months they have all of the “outer hide” looked at by a specialist. Turns out that squamous tissue covers the outside, goes halfway down your throat & half way up the other end too. The Dr’s will want to look at all of it, every 4 months. So get ready for some quality time with the oncologists.
Keep your chin up & keep out of the goddam sun!
Gary