E44: NED to METS in 3 month span with Kat McCrea

A Cure in Sight is joined by Katariina McCrea from Cookeville, TN  to discuss being newly diagnosed with mets (cancer spread) 15 months after her initial eye diagnosis and treatment.  Due to the nature of her diagnosis, and a few nuances that are unique to her story, this was both a shock, and not a shock–but Kat shares how she has been coping, some of the thought process her medical team has approached treatment with, and how she copes on the day to day. A few highlights from her journey so far: - initially diagnosed with a retina detachment later found to be a massive choroidal/ciliary body tumor -   successful brachytherapy, tempered by the news of a difficult biopsy result: class 2, prame positive, with many genetic mutation markers -  starting an adjuvant clinical trial with the hope of reducing the chance of future spread, and helping further research for someone else - receiving the news this month that 2 spots, long seen as stable, had grown and there were many micro-metastases throughout the liver - what treatment options were given and why? - how do you keep going forward despite all odds?  Living with mets is something most of us dread as omies, but it is a reality for far too many. If you’re also willing to share your journey of living with metastatic uveal melanoma, please email [email protected] to be featured on the podcast or social media platforms. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Eye Believe Survivorship Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee October 14-15. REGISTER HERE! (Welcome reception for in person attendees on October 13, 6:00 PM) (Virtual and in person options.) Lookin’ For a Cure TEXAS 5K Walk for Ocular Melanoma  NOVEMBER 5, 2022; 8 AM  Register here and be sure to bring friends and family to walk with us! (Virtual option available) Lookin’ For a Cure LA 5K Walk for Ocular Melanoma in memory of Laurie Walters NOVEMBER 12, 2022 REGISTER here and feel free to bring friends and family along! (virtual options available)    Email [email protected] for questions regarding any upcoming events! ********* Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, or  Instagram @acureinsight, for more stories, tips, research news, and ideas to help you navigate this journey with OM! *A Cure in Sight is a 501c3 organization. All donations made can help fund our podcast to educate patients, fund research, aid patients, and more! Donate $10 $15 $20 today to help A Cure in Sight in their quest to find a cure. Contribute via  PAYPAL OR VENMO or reach out directly to [email protected]  The Eye Believe Podcast is brought to you by Castle Biosciences. Castle Biosciences is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. The Company aims to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors.  This podcast was hosted by Danet Peterson and produced by Page Fronczek.