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could someone kindly explain
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could someone kindly explain

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › could someone kindly explain

  • Post
    • April 18, 2016 at 9:52 pm
    Tamlin
    Participant

      Hi

      please excuse my ignorance, but could someone please explain BRAF and NRAS mutation in laymans terms please. I'm having a lymph node dissection on Wednesday and would like to know what I should ask my consultant. 

       

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    • Replies
        • April 18, 2016 at 11:01 pm
        ed williams
        Participant

          Hi Tamlin, I am by no means an expert on the subject but the basic ideas as I understand them are as follows. First your tissue that was taken at biopsy is sent out to a lab where they look for the Braf mutation and NRas mutation. If the pathologist find that you have the mutation then it open up options for targeted therapy if you progress to stage 4. Targeted therapy and Immunotherapy are the two best options for stage 4 patients at the present time. If you go to the blog that Celeste ( bubbles ) has you can find the type of drugs that are available and the combinations of targeted therapy drugs that are being given. Some Oncologist start their patients on the targeted therapy drugs, especially when tumor loads are high. While other Oncologist start their patients off on Immunotherapy drugs like Ipi or Pd-1 (Nivo, Pembro). It is still up in the air as to which direction is best, targeted or Immunotherapy first. The lymph node dissection is used to help in the staging process. I wish you the best on Wednesday!!! The drain tube is a real pain in the backside, don't be in any hurry to take it out. I have had both arms done and it is really important to find a good physiotherapist with experience with the possible side effects (Lymphodema) . Ed

            • April 19, 2016 at 1:15 am
            Bubbles
            Participant

              Hey Tamlin,

              Ed gives you some great advice.  See what happens and more smart peeps here can answer your questions as your go along.  He's right about the drain, too.  They suck.  Both armpits done here as well.  2003 and 2007.  But, I'm still here.  You have lot's of options.  SO….given the wish that you weren't here at all…..that's stil a good thing.  Wishing you well.  Celeste

              • April 19, 2016 at 1:15 am
              Bubbles
              Participant

                Hey Tamlin,

                Ed gives you some great advice.  See what happens and more smart peeps here can answer your questions as your go along.  He's right about the drain, too.  They suck.  Both armpits done here as well.  2003 and 2007.  But, I'm still here.  You have lot's of options.  SO….given the wish that you weren't here at all…..that's stil a good thing.  Wishing you well.  Celeste

                • April 19, 2016 at 1:15 am
                Bubbles
                Participant

                  Hey Tamlin,

                  Ed gives you some great advice.  See what happens and more smart peeps here can answer your questions as your go along.  He's right about the drain, too.  They suck.  Both armpits done here as well.  2003 and 2007.  But, I'm still here.  You have lot's of options.  SO….given the wish that you weren't here at all…..that's stil a good thing.  Wishing you well.  Celeste

                • April 18, 2016 at 11:01 pm
                ed williams
                Participant

                  Hi Tamlin, I am by no means an expert on the subject but the basic ideas as I understand them are as follows. First your tissue that was taken at biopsy is sent out to a lab where they look for the Braf mutation and NRas mutation. If the pathologist find that you have the mutation then it open up options for targeted therapy if you progress to stage 4. Targeted therapy and Immunotherapy are the two best options for stage 4 patients at the present time. If you go to the blog that Celeste ( bubbles ) has you can find the type of drugs that are available and the combinations of targeted therapy drugs that are being given. Some Oncologist start their patients on the targeted therapy drugs, especially when tumor loads are high. While other Oncologist start their patients off on Immunotherapy drugs like Ipi or Pd-1 (Nivo, Pembro). It is still up in the air as to which direction is best, targeted or Immunotherapy first. The lymph node dissection is used to help in the staging process. I wish you the best on Wednesday!!! The drain tube is a real pain in the backside, don't be in any hurry to take it out. I have had both arms done and it is really important to find a good physiotherapist with experience with the possible side effects (Lymphodema) . Ed

                  • April 18, 2016 at 11:01 pm
                  ed williams
                  Participant

                    Hi Tamlin, I am by no means an expert on the subject but the basic ideas as I understand them are as follows. First your tissue that was taken at biopsy is sent out to a lab where they look for the Braf mutation and NRas mutation. If the pathologist find that you have the mutation then it open up options for targeted therapy if you progress to stage 4. Targeted therapy and Immunotherapy are the two best options for stage 4 patients at the present time. If you go to the blog that Celeste ( bubbles ) has you can find the type of drugs that are available and the combinations of targeted therapy drugs that are being given. Some Oncologist start their patients on the targeted therapy drugs, especially when tumor loads are high. While other Oncologist start their patients off on Immunotherapy drugs like Ipi or Pd-1 (Nivo, Pembro). It is still up in the air as to which direction is best, targeted or Immunotherapy first. The lymph node dissection is used to help in the staging process. I wish you the best on Wednesday!!! The drain tube is a real pain in the backside, don't be in any hurry to take it out. I have had both arms done and it is really important to find a good physiotherapist with experience with the possible side effects (Lymphodema) . Ed

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