Laura’s Story

Site created on January 14, 2024

Seven and a half years out from an OM Ocular Melanoma diagnosis and three and a half out from a MUM Metastatic Ulveal Melanoma diagnosis, I am finally starting this Caring Bridge to keep people updated as things are getting a little more real :-). I go in for open abdominal surgery this Friday (1/19/2024) and hope to be accepted to the very challenging but also promising TIL Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte trial at UPMC Pittsburg after that first surgical step. 

I have had amazing support from family and friends from the beginning - even as I chose to not share this 'health challenge' widely. I was probably afraid people would read about the decidedly dismal prognosis (I am two years beyond median survival) and hold a fear based expectation. I am a firm believer in the power of the mind! I wanted to kept working, training, traveling and living as if this stage IV  cancer deemed incurable was not really impacting much. I am humbled and ready to ask for prayers, that people hold the positive vision of continued healing of my whole being, even the miracle of physical cure.  

During 2020-21  I got six  liver targeted immunotherapy treatments at Jefferson in Philly followed by radiation locally at Dartmouth. I am now blessed with a stable liver which is KEY in this rare and difficult form of melanoma.  A single lung metastasis was radiated in 2022 and quarterly scans have tracked slow progression to the other lung and the hip. Small lesions were found early 2023 in the RP retro-peritoneum (back abdominal lining).  My oncologist informed me I was not eligible for any trials and she did not recommend systemic immunotherapy with serious side effects, with only 1 in 10 chance of some effect. Her words: "Keep kicking the can down the road".  

Things are now acute with a large and aggressive tumor in my peritoneum (front abdominal lining) compromising my digestive organs. The up side is that makes the first phase of the TIL trial available to me, which requires having a substantial tumor to resect.  I go in for extensive testing to determine if I am 'strong enough' to go through the chemo therapy.  It completely takes out one's immune system before they re-install the TILs (tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) that UPMC Pittsburgh can hopefully culture from the excised tumor.  1 in 3 fellow courageous "MuMies" (MuM= Metastatic Uveal Melanoma) are experiencing partial or full response - this could be the vehicle for the miracle!

More than ever, I am doing what I can with rigorous functional fitness, yoga, qigong, meditation,  tapping, paleo/keto diet,  supplements, herbs, homeopathy, naturopathic detox programs, energy balancing as well as psychotherapy. I am privileged to be guided by the best oncologists, palliative doctor, oncological nutritionists and naturopaths as well as psychotherapist. I am supported beyond measure by loving family and friends. Quality of life is still my priority, continuing to give such as I can even as I receive so much. Thriving beyond surviving. 

The most important part to me is heart connection with others and spiritual connection with nature and Spirit.  I have growing peace it will all unfold for the highest best. Deepest gratitude for your prayers and caring! 

May we all be healthy, joyous and free. 
Laura






Newest Update

Journal entry by Laura Moberg

Finally I have news! Want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for all the loving care and support I have felt in this time of waiting to see where this mega fork in the road would take me.

Happily, I have been open to the possibility that I would NOT have potent TILs and there would be opportunity in that (just recovering after major surgery and not doing devastating treatment). I surrendered it to the Universe and I got the verdict today. NO potent TILs for me so the path is back on moving forward with natural and energy treatment only. I can wish the cancer was not now in the intestines and lymph system, as well as lungs, bones and retroperitoneum, but it is what it is.

There is always continued Whack a Mole/Met with radiation/resection. The only other option conventional medicine has to offer is Ipi/Nivo immunotherapy that works a treat for skin melanoma but my oncologist said in clear terms last October was not to be recommended. There is another trial that might have been an option, but the drug maker has decided to only offer it to people who have had no other treatment. All the other trials are oriented to a blood marker group I do not have. Life! Clear is Kind. 

I had high hopes (yes, I am sad) and was deeply touched by how many of you offered to be there with me in Pittsburgh and for the many months of recovery after. Lots of good processing on accepting help :-). 

Love, light, and working on the laughter,
laura


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