My story in brief

2007 it all kicked off. Maybe another time I’ll give more details. Let’s just say we started on this incredible journey that hasn’t ended.
Amy ( not her real name), my loving partner, was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma.
2009 it was back and again 2011 and 2013. Starting to see a pattern?
Back in the olden days surgery was the only option.
Melanoma treatment has advanced in recent years with immunotherapy and radiation and we’ve done them all.

I’ve lost track of how many surgeries she’s had but there have been at least 7 major surgeries, multiple minor ones, she’s lost approximately 20 organs and is now considered palliative but not actively dying. She can’t be cured. They can only treat her symptoms. That’s what palliative means.
In the past 18 months she’s had 30ish infections ranging from yeast infections ( from antibiotics) to sepsis.

I’m tired. So bloody tired I can barely type. Every time I blink I wonder if my eyelids will come back up!

About Amy…

She is the best patient one could ask for. She’s patient, loving, positive and kind. She believes she will regain most aspects of her life and that’s what pushes her forward.

Me…

My name is Sue and we’ve been married since 2015 and together since 1998. That’s a long time! I am Amy’s primary care giver but I get some support from nurses.

I’m retired now and like to garden and decorate our home and I’ve had a few people hire me to do their spaces which I loved. Unfortunately, the past 7 years has been constant cancer without the 2 year breaks we used to get so any thoughts of expanding that business are over.

As I move along with this blog I’ll fill in some of the blanks but for now that’s where things are at.

If you’re out there with melanoma know that I get it and if you are a melanoma caregiver know that I am in your court.