Dandy-Walker - A malformation in the cerebellum of the brain. Mearrik has a very mild form of it but so far is not showing any mental or physical impairment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandy-Walker_syndrome
Melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer. This is what I have.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanoma
Sentinel node biopsy - The removal and biopsy of the so-called sentinel or "first" lymph reached by moving cancer cells.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel_lymph_node
Adjuvant therapy - Adjuvant therapy refers to additional treatment, usually given after surgery where all detectable disease has been removed, but where there remains a statistical risk of relapse due to occult disease.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adjuvant_cancer_therapy
Interferon - Treatment that boosts the immune system and has been shown to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. This is the treatment that I am on.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interferon
PICC line - Peripherally inserted central catheter. It's an IV line that starts in a small vein in my arm and goes up through the veins in my arm and shoulder and then down into my chest. It stays in my arm throughout the induction phase of treatment (about 5 or 6 weeks) and it is used to deliver the drugs instead of starting a new IV each day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripherally_inserted_central_catheter
ALT/ALS - Enzymes present in liver cells. Raised levels of these enzymes indicate acute liver damage and since high-dose interferon is known to cause liver damage, my ALT and ALS levels are checked twice a week.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liver_function_tests
