This is Keris Story. Rest In Peace Keri. Keri McCarthy Keri was # 2 out of 5 children,(2 girls, 3 boys),she grew up in Somerville Ma.,and went on to become a hairdresser after school.Like most of us(before knowing what Melanoma does) Keri preferred herself being tan,and did use tanning beds,as well as tanned outside when possible. Spring of 2004 Keri noticed a small bump on her leg,(looked like a pinkish/red pimple),and every time she would shave her legs, she noticed that it would bleed,as well as itch.Keri had mentioned it to her mother,but given the fact that they did not know about Melanoma, did not think a whole lot about it. Keris mom was reading an article in a womans magazine on skin cancer,and saw a picture that resembled very much the spot on Keris leg,however in the magazine the photo was showing Basil Cell skin cancer. Ann Marie got on the phone, and was able to get an appointment that same afternoon for Keri, she was concerned after seeing that article, and wanted to get that spot looked at right away.The dermatologist was not concerned, did no biopsy,and even attempted to freeze it off,telling them that if it came back,at that point they would do a biopsy. December 2004 (9 months after Keri had that spot frozen off) not only did it return,but this time it came back with different colors going through it,so the doctor biopsied it this time (stating that it was mainly for vanity purposes),and 5 days later Keri was diagnosed with Stage 2C Melanoma. Keri underwent surgery in Feb. 2005 to have it removed,as well as some lymph nodes,making sure that it had not traveled,and at this point it had not.Keri also was directed to be on Interferon treatment for a year,but due to such difficult side effects,Keri only continued for a couple months. The doctor felt confident that he had gotten it all,reassuring Keri and her family that the worst should be over. Keri was NED for 3 years,(No Evidence of Disease),and in that time she had gotten married, and really wanted to try for a baby,feeling safe that the Melanoma was gone..Keri had trouble getting pregnant,and ended up having to go through some fertility treatments,but Finally a Successful pregnancy!! Excitement and Joy quickly turned 14 weeks into the pregnancy,when Tumors began to uncontrollably pop up in her legs,having to go in for Major surgery,(awake due to safety of fetus) to have them removed,as well as undergoing radiation treatments.The doctors wanted her to abort the baby, but she just could not do it.Melanoma was back with a vengeance and it was out of control in her body. Keri underwent radiation throughout her entire pregnancy,trying to keep up with too many tumors to count,but STILL at this point shockingly it remained only in her leg area, STILL clean lymph nodes.Quinn was born September of 2007,a healthy baby boy,however mommy was in the fight for her life...Keri had Tumors starting at her ankle,going all the way up to her inner thigh,both inside and outside her leg,she participated in clinical trials,had skin grafts, as well as several other avenues to try and beat this horrible disease,including one treatment of Chemo. March 2010 (one week before her birthday) a Pet scan revealed that she now had a spot on her lung,and sternum,now fear is setting in due to the fact that it is no longer concentrated in the main area. May 5th she began having small seizures,and a major one happening on May 13th.. Keri earned her Angel wings May 21,2010 , leaving behind a precious 2 yr and 9 month old baby boy,and a very loving and supportive family. Keris journey with Melanoma lasted 6 grueling years,and now it is her families Mission to get the information out there ANY and EVERY way they can.. Please Protect your Skin..You have to be your own advocate,and trust your instincts,do NOT be shy,or afraid to be assertive,when in doubt cut it out! Rest In Peace Keri Patricia McCarthy March 16, 1975 - May 21, 2010 https://youtube/watch?v=sTis_br9gTs
Posted on: Sun, 18 Jan 2015 20:30:20 +0000
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