The sound of my voice, and awesome thing to hear.

Today I had the opportunity to talk at the patient melanoma seminar at Huntsman Cancer Institute.  I was on a panel of cancer survivors.  I was one of five who shared their stories and how they have dealt with the treatments and side effects.  I have spent this last week going through old posts to figure out what happened when.  It was a sweet sorrowful trip.  I laughed a lot and cried a little.  I realized how important you all are in supporting me and my family through our trials.  I read some posts Peggy wrote, that I don't recall ever reading before.  Some making fun of me, and making me laugh, some praising me and making me cry.  I was up late last night reading posts and putting together my talk.  I didn't sleep well and was up early.  I guess sometimes I still get nervous talking to people.  Which is weird because I don't normally have a problem talking to people.  I learned about some new treatments coming down the pike, which are awesome!  They have been able to get some new treatments that inject a cold like vaccine into the tumor and the body creates antibodies which kill the tumors all over the body.  It was a really good seminar with tons of information.  I have a lot of information to digest and get some clarity on which ones might work for me.  So.. it was a great thing to attend.  I was able to talk with the leading specialist on TIL procedures in the nation - Dr. Patrick Hwu.  He had been talking to my Dr. about my situation and had some interesting things to tell me.  We looked a TIL back in 2012, it is the one where they take a sample of the tumor, grow antibodies from the tumor and then reintroduce them back in, where they go and kill the tumors.  He told me that I should try a few different options before looking at TIL.  They are new options and are a lot less intrusive and toxic than the previous treatments I have endured.  So good news all around.  They recorded the seminar and I will be posting a link to it when they make it available.

That is all for now.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy Layne.

Bring it!!!!!

Ok, No news on the cancer update.  But things are going well.  Peggy has about a week left for schooling.  Shaeli looks to be graduating, Caity is still a pill, and Morgan is still dorkus son of dork.  Having said that, the stress around the Layne household has increased.  On April 1st, I found myself unemployed.  I am now looking to better myself through meditation, and trying not to pull my hair out filling out all the stupid paperwork and forms that are required to file for unemployment.  Tell me this, I have a letter from my employer, but I need to give my DNA, put my children up as possible indentured servants, and promise to open my house to occupying troops.  Ok, I am really going off the deep end here, but I see what I have had to go through to get approved for unemployment and can't figure out how people are able to take advantage of it.  And don't even talk to me about food stamps or medical assistance, they make you feel like a criminal and look into all of your friends and their friends, friends.  Ok, me going off again.

But I tell you all of the crap to share one other thing with you.  All things were put back into perspective, last Friday (April 11).  A friend from years ago let us know she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I took this opportunity to realize that my current trials are trivial.  I remember what it was like when I was diagnosed.  My empathy for this family has made me reevaluate my attitude and show a more gratitude for the good things I have.  If you have a minute in your prayers keep those who are suffering with ailments to the forefront if you would.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Love your friend,
Andy