Category: Blog
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Cool Facts
I am amazed at the changing landscape over the past seven years when it comes to melanoma treatment options. I am happy to report I am still NED after going off the Braf/MEK combo. I am working to help fund future research project and skin cancer awareness. Next month I will start working on a…
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It’s Truly a Happy New Year
It’s truly a Happy New Year! My band of “Guardian Angels” came through for me on January 2. Back in November, my PET Scan lit up – not a good thing. That hasn’t happened in 5 years…. Needless to say, this created some excitement in the Stratos household. As always, the timing was perfect! Just…
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Happy 4th of July – I am Drug FREE
HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!! Update on me…. I am officially Drug Free! As most of you know, I’m now 5 1/2 years into Targeted Therapy, first just the BRAF inhibitor, and then both the BRAF and MEK inhibitor. 5 & 1/2 years…..Recently I’ve been having eye problems. The diagnosis is Uveitiis. According to the…
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Insurance Commentary….
I’d like to know how many of you are having trouble with your insurance company paying for your treatments and/or medications. I have what we call here in the United States a “Cadillac” insurance policy by Blue Cross / Blue Shield. For the first 4 years of my illness (stage IV melanoma) I was treated…
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Team Fighting Melanoma
Celibrating National Melanoma Awareness Month! This May my friends joined me in the fight to stop melanaoma. The dollars raised went to develop melanoma research. I want to thank each and every one of you for helping me stand-up to melanoma. Our race raised nearly $100,000. And I have to say with a little help…
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Happy New Year, Everyone!
It’s 2015, and its a “new dawn” for all things to come! I want you all to know I’m thankful for so many things….. Having another healthy year, filled with new adventures…. My husband, Mike, and my son, Sergei always by my side – they make me laugh out loud….. My amazing horse, Yildren. He…
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Five years ago today I was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma cancer and given 6 months to live. I am thankful for every day I have been given, an amazing husband, Michael Stratos who would not give up, his positive energy kept me alive to fight another day, my supportive family and friends who hung…
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FDA approved Merck’s anti-PD1
Yesterday the FDA approved Merck’s anti-PD1 drug for use in metastatic melanoma. This drug has the best response rate of any drug approved for melanoma, and everyone expects big changes because of this approval. Keytruda is only approved for patients who have progressed on ipi and, if applicable, on a BRAF inhibitor. I am quite…
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Surgeon General Takes Notice of Skin Cancer Risk
YEA TEAM! I am very excited to see the Nations Doctor (Surgeon General) stand up and take notice on a familiar skin-cancer prevention message and recognize the impact that it is having on America. Skin cancer has increased 200 % since 1973 with the dawn of the tanning beds and the hope of acquiring a…