For the last 11 years I have had annual CT scans, blood work and chest x-rays to see if the choroidal melanoma had spread after the radiation treatment I had for it. Well this year the CT scan showed several highlighted areas in my liver.
After several CT scans, MRIs, blood workups and a liver biopsy, I have been diagnosed with metastatic ocular melanoma with five tumors in my liver and a tumor in a lymph node next to my trachea. My lungs and brain are clear for the moment.
The plan is to start immunotherapy on Wednesday May 3, 2017 with Keytruda at the U of M Melanoma Clinic in Ann Arbor. There is no cure for this condition, but hopefully the treatment will slow or shrink the tumors. While only 13% of patients get a benefit from this treatment, there is the possibility of some clinical trials if I do not respond to this course of treatment.
We have so many friends who have responded with so many prayers and calls and notes. It has been overwhelming to experience this kind of love and care for my family and I. I plan to use this blogspot as a site to keep everyone up to date, so please feel free to log yourself in. I would love to have you send messages and prayers via this site whenever you can. Know that our home is always open for anyone to stop in and spend time chatting. We want to know what is happening in your lives too!
Peace and all good,
Deacon Don Leach
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Thinking and praying for you Deacon Don and all that you are going through at this time. Also, thinking of you on a very happy note. Today April 27th Matt and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. Seems like yesterday that you married both of us. Matt and I are doing well and happy to be doing life together. Continued prayers for healing. Thank you for the updates.
ReplyDeleteDon, my 39 year old nephew has been on Keytruda since last fall. He is doing very well with the drug. I pray the wonder drug (and Cesar Chavez) brings you both miraculous healing.
ReplyDeleteOk, Don. I rethought about what you said yesterday. I think you wanted the miracle through Oscar Romero. That's even better!
DeleteCesar Chavez works for me too!
DeleteLots of prayers coming your way Don! For strength, for healing and for peace. With love from Mike and Edie
ReplyDeleteThinking about you BFF, just know will always keep you in prayers for healing,good health and strength. Lots of Love from Uganda
ReplyDeleteThis is heartbreaking news, Deacon Leach. I will pray for God's healing, and blessings to you and your family. I'll never forget the guidance and support you gave me while I was at AAPD.
ReplyDeleteThrough the intercession of Fr. Solanus Casey, may almighty God bring healing and strength to you, Deacon Don. Fr. Solanus, pray for us!
ReplyDelete- Tim Hinkle
We will keep you in our prayers Deacon Don. God bless you and your family-Jill and Mike David
ReplyDeleteSending my love and prayers to you and your family. God bless, Theresa
ReplyDelete