I found out today that Tara Swanson passed away yesterday on Valentine's Day of Melanoma. I met Tara through Dr. Lavalais. She was diagnosed a few months before I was and we were both Stage III and we saw the same doctors at MD Anderson. Back in May her melanoma spread to her liver. Tara was always so positive and was a tremendous help to me, giving me all kinds of advice and what to expect with the treatment. I cannot believe she is gone. My mind has been going through so many emotions today - sadness, hurt, anger and guilt. This is a horrible cancer and it has taken such a beautiful and lively person. She tried to keep the news from me about it spreading to her liver in order to protect me from getting discouraged. I did not know her a long time, but I have a feeling that was how Tara was - always thinking about others before herself. I feel guilty that I just had clear scans. It's not fair. Her son must now grow up without his mother and I cannot imagine how her parents are taking this. They were always with her at her appointments and were so supportive. I know she will be missed by so many.
2 comments:
kerri, i commented on your post at mpip earlier-i know i am not the one with melanoma, but tara's death has given me more anxiety and fear than i have had since marcus was first diagnosed. i love you girl-stay strong and contact me if you need anything.
Kerri, I am so sorry about the loss of Tara Swanson. I did not know Tara, but my heart goes out to her family. She sounded like a great person and friend.
I too get guilty feelings when it comes to my disease. I have been one of the lucky ones that was able to stabilzed the Beast. With that in mind, I have spent untold hours, days weeks, and months trying to understand this disease.
I have been in contact with many of the "experts' in the field. I want to do my part and help find cures/stabization for Melanoma. I am in the process of writing a technical post called "Melanoma and the “Magic Bullet” (Monoclonal Antibodies)
The introduction can be found on my carepage "jimmybreitfeller"
See I think I found a pathway to stabization using you own immune system. As you might know, I have be stabilized for over two years comming from a stage IV Melanoma with 40+ tumors in my lungs. without surgery. They all have disappered due to my immune system.
I did not find the Holy Grail, but I think I am onto something big. I hope this is not a one in a million
thing.
Thank for your time
Jimmy B
Melanoma_Missionary
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