# TeamMartin# Say No to Melanoma!

I don't even know where to begin. These past 2 months have been a dwindling downward spiral of health and hope. As a 43 year old nurse, I have always tried to keep healthy and stay on track with yearly physicals and appts. Several months ago I began to experience symptoms of sinus and congestion. I was able to consult with a physician and was given antibiotics and steroids which had to be repeated twice due to no effect. I later followed up with a nurse practitioner at my primary care provider office and was given meds for asthma and bronchitis. Wasn't getting better so I ended up going to a Stand Alone Clinic and was diagnosed with pneumonia. My Chest X-ray was abnormal and I was advised I needed to go to the ER and be admitted ASAP.
I did what was advised and have been hospitalized since Jan 31,2016. Once admitted I have had test after test, from CT scans to MRIs, several thoracentesis and biopsies. The end result was my worst nightmare. Cancer had found a way into my life without an invite. Plus it was Stage 4. Malignant. Melanoma- Skin Cancer.
Things have been looking up for me and my partner in 2016. We had recently got engaged, we have been fostering to adopt twin boys and I recently received a promotion at work. Things seemed to be going great. Our dreams were actually coming true. Then, we were hit with this news. I am a candidate to receive a new drug that is hardly on any shelf that has 80-90 percent success rate. However it is extremely expensive. I must take it by IV every 3 weeks for life. In addition , my oncologist wants me to begin radiation daily to help shrink a tumor that is 6.5 inches surrounding my aorta and major blood vessels. I have been building up fluid inside my front chest wall that had decreased by breathing and oxygen saturation and even blood pressure. As of today, they have removed 7 liters of fluid. It's hard to breath and let alone talk sometimes. I miss seeing and raising my boys. So proud that the grandparents are here to help out during this time of need. We have canceled the wedding to focus to what is in front of us. Our goal is to marry sooner than later and have a small reception to celebrate much later. We hope to adopt our sons and continue to carry on our Dreams of becoming a family. It's a difficult time, but we look to God to build our faith and trust in HIM and look to our family and friends for support and love. There is no telling when I may be released from the hospital but I believe I am here for a reason. I will fight this battle to the end. Can you help me along the way? Thank you for your support , prayers and giving spirit. Love & Hugs!