Melissa Anderson

As many of you know, Melissa was diagnosed with melanoma five years ago.  At that time, the cancer was isolated to lymph nodes under her arm which were successfully removed through surgery.  Since then she has continued regular check-ups at the Mayo Clinic.  On August 15, Melissa was back in Rochester for her latest check-up; however, this check-up would not turn out to be a regular one by far.  Her PET scan showed the cancer has returned and was found on her liver and spleen. A biopsy was done on her liver in order to do BRAF testing which indicates whether the cancer cells are a mutated or wild style type.  The type then determines the treatment course. Unfortunately, the BRAF testing has failed multiple times so her physicians have chosen to move ahead and treat her like it is the more aggressive wild style form.  She will start IPI/NIVO treatments tomorrow.  

Melissa is at Mayo where she has a great team of physicians and through her work at 3M she has also had the fortune to be connected with a leading melanoma expert, Dr. Patrick Hwu, from MD Anderson in Texas.  

Keep this STRONG Redhead in your prayers and thank you for all the love, encouragement and support.   

God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested.  He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.  James 1:12