Last Tuesday I received dose number 12 of Nivolumab out of 13. Suddenly I’m at the end of treatment and I can hardly believe it! Bloods remain good, nothing on the last scan, dermatology gets a green tick too! All sounding pretty positive.

I realised a few weeks ago it’s a year since the initial diagnosis. That date was the 7th of August (I didn’t remember – I had to look it up). What I do remember is going to a conference in Adelaide the next day, organising scans during the breaks and eventually being brave enough to read the report from the pathologist. I vividly remember having a day off with Rod and finally having a proper cry saying “It’s not supposed to be like this!” Unfortunately we don’t always get to choose.

The gastritis has continued, but it’s so much better. I had a scope in Mansfield which showed nothing – no dodgy cells, no tumours and very little inflammation. Again I had the privilege of being cared for by a very kind nurse. We’d chatted about the melanoma; when I asked her post op if they found any tumours (to which she replied no, none) I had a little happy cry. She went to get tissues, but was also having a cry. I told her we’ve done a lot of crying over good news in the past year!

The day after the scope, I had an appointment with a dietician. He was fab. He is suspicious of gluten (as I am) and thinks I have an intolerance. Since I’ve been GF, I really have felt better. I have continued with the low FODMAP diet and am feeling good 6 days out of 7. He asked if ate chocolate…I said I didn’t like where this conversation was going! I said I did eat dark chocolate, but he sadly told me this can create an issue with the oesophageal muscles, causing them to relax and thus, reflux. I am now 2 weeks dark chocolate free. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I have still had some symptoms, so looks like chocolate might be off the hook! Hooray!

Other things that occurred this past month:

• Jess returned from Europe (without her luggage – it did turn up eventually)
• We had a day in Melbourne spending time watching Jessica’s school production “School of Rock” where she is one of the main choreographers. Ringwood SC is pretty famous for their school productions and there is little reason why. The students are incredible and are well supported by some dedicated teachers.
• Bike riding!
• Hamish caught Influenza A
• In preparation for our overseas travel, I’ve now administered Rod’s immunotherapy twice. Hopefully you can tell from the picture below how big the needle is! He is super brave and doesn’t flinch – they breed them tough in Reservoir!
• We’re also trying to sell a house

As you can see, it’s busy busy here. I feel it would be busy without the scans, bloods, appointments, treatment…With less than 4 weeks until we leave, we’re making lists of things to organise before we leave, and buying any last minute items. I promise I will get the travel blog activated soon – perhaps on the weekend coming.

Take care all, I’m keen to share the last of the treatments with you before we retire this blog (for good!).

Love Bel