Hope is: Being diagnosed with a terminal metastatic cancer where the only treatment is 40 yrs old and offers no hope, but having the gumption to push forward and challenge the system.
Hope is: When all is lost, entering into a clinical trial with hopes that the patients that come after you will survive based on your decision to continue to fight.
Hope is: When the clinical trial you offered yourself into, becomes an approved treatment solution for a previously untreatable cancer.
Hope is: Being alive and being able to see and hear about the successes you voluntarily gave yourself up to, so others could survive.
Hope is: A new approved drug that is changing the way we cure cancer. Because you pushed forward.
Yes, I am still here and I have seen many changes in the last 12 yrs of cancer treatment. When all was lost, the doctors told me that the purpose was to keep me alive for just a little bit longer in hopes that a new treatment would come along. We went three months, then six months, then longer, because I was willing to fight.
My treatment was painful, but the doctors obliged and kept the pain to a minimum. I had no life but I wasn't quitting. Then things started to get better and here I am today and in the last month I watched the Federal govt of Canada approve the treatment plan I worked so hard to trial.
Hope comes full circle when you believe in it!!
When Lacey, posted this thread, I had to think about it for my story is all about hope and determination. I want you to hope and continue to push forward.
I can do it (did it) and am still here!! I even got placed into hospice for my final days. While I don't remember much about that time, my family continued to fight and got me a chance at a new, "fresh off the shelf" drug. They took me out of hospice and drove me to the cancer clinic where I received the first batch of this new wonder drug. I went from being kept alive on straight oxygen to breathing on my own in a two week period. Today I have no evidence of disease. 7 years ago now.
It is a very tough battle. Myself and my family kept hope in their hearts throughout the entire journey and even to this day. I found out that cancer is not one to mess around with. It does not play well with others, but it can be fought and I am living proof.
Don't give up hope!
Note: my trial drug was Traflinar. Now approved as a combo drug with Mekinist for all Melanoma patients in a adjuvant setting. AMAZING!!
https://saveyourskin.ca/wp-content/uploads/Media-Release_SYSF-Applauds-HC-Approval-of-Novartis-Adjuvant-Combo_-Nov-2-2018-v2.pdf?fbclid=IwAR082yuQhhMOFCpB0JLfDua_8yuSz1wOkIIVkFbgEMiNb9FhPJRzxm17DuQ