Melanoma Stage IV, recurrance after 20yr with lung mets.
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Melanoma Stage IV, recurrance after 20yr with lung mets.

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Melanoma Stage IV, recurrance after 20yr with lung mets.

  • Post
    • November 17, 2011 at 4:04 am
    price9103
    Participant

    My husband had a melanoma removed from his L cheek which was all clear around edges.  No radiation or chemo treatments.  No problem for 20 yr, Oct.

    My husband had a melanoma removed from his L cheek which was all clear around edges.  No radiation or chemo treatments.  No problem for 20 yr, Oct. 2011, after dental work, noticed a swollen neck gland, went to doctor, given antibiotic with no change,  Returned to MD wk later and sent for C-T scan showing lump in neck, ENT doctor said it was probable lymphoma.  Biopsy done and reported to be melanoma.  PET scan results show 2 spots in neck and 1 in Left Upper Lobe.   Needle biopsy done on lung growth, shows Melanoma mets.  He is 88 yr old and is good health, they are doing heart and lung studies before deciding on course of treatment.  We are awaiting results and it is slow and stressful.  Marj

     

Viewing 8 reply threads
  • Replies
      • November 17, 2011 at 5:01 am
      Charlie S
      Participant

      Odd as it may sound, melanoma does recurr after many years.  In my case it was nine,.

      Though I am just 60, I was raised to respect my elders.,  My Mom is 83 and pushing 84, my Dad died  four years ago,, and my Gran was 103.

      My mother and father both  told me that they are not afraid of death, but are afraid of dying..

      So, in the frame of how I was raised and taught, , and my experience, how can I help, Marj?

      I sure want to.

      Charlie  S

       

       

        • November 18, 2011 at 1:06 am
        price9103
        Participant

        We are busy getting the heart studies done this week and Moffitt dr called today and states they are scheduling us to see the lung doctor as well as the melanoma doctor (Dr. Gonzales) and will let us know when.  They were suppose to present my husband's case to the "tumor board" today at Moffitt- this is the surgeon, pathologist, melanoma doctor, nurse, etc. the whole treatment team and that they would then prepare the plan of care and let us know what they det tcided would be the best plan of care.  We should then find out what the lung biopsy showed. 

        I just wanted to talk with others who have faced this trial and see if you had any advice or suggestions as we fact this.  We are just in a state of shock now, I think.  We just never thought this thing would come back like this.  We have watched his skin closely for any sign of a new skin cancer (he has had several of those on his face and neck) or any mole.  He goes to the Dermatology Clinic q 6mo. and more often at the first sign of any new growth.   But this came out of the blind side, just a sudden enlargement of the neck lymph node with no obvious new skin growth. 

        Thanks for listening.  We would appreciate any suggestions or advice.  Marj

        • November 18, 2011 at 1:06 am
        price9103
        Participant

        We are busy getting the heart studies done this week and Moffitt dr called today and states they are scheduling us to see the lung doctor as well as the melanoma doctor (Dr. Gonzales) and will let us know when.  They were suppose to present my husband's case to the "tumor board" today at Moffitt- this is the surgeon, pathologist, melanoma doctor, nurse, etc. the whole treatment team and that they would then prepare the plan of care and let us know what they det tcided would be the best plan of care.  We should then find out what the lung biopsy showed. 

        I just wanted to talk with others who have faced this trial and see if you had any advice or suggestions as we fact this.  We are just in a state of shock now, I think.  We just never thought this thing would come back like this.  We have watched his skin closely for any sign of a new skin cancer (he has had several of those on his face and neck) or any mole.  He goes to the Dermatology Clinic q 6mo. and more often at the first sign of any new growth.   But this came out of the blind side, just a sudden enlargement of the neck lymph node with no obvious new skin growth. 

        Thanks for listening.  We would appreciate any suggestions or advice.  Marj

        • November 18, 2011 at 1:06 am
        price9103
        Participant

        We are busy getting the heart studies done this week and Moffitt dr called today and states they are scheduling us to see the lung doctor as well as the melanoma doctor (Dr. Gonzales) and will let us know when.  They were suppose to present my husband's case to the "tumor board" today at Moffitt- this is the surgeon, pathologist, melanoma doctor, nurse, etc. the whole treatment team and that they would then prepare the plan of care and let us know what they det tcided would be the best plan of care.  We should then find out what the lung biopsy showed. 

        I just wanted to talk with others who have faced this trial and see if you had any advice or suggestions as we fact this.  We are just in a state of shock now, I think.  We just never thought this thing would come back like this.  We have watched his skin closely for any sign of a new skin cancer (he has had several of those on his face and neck) or any mole.  He goes to the Dermatology Clinic q 6mo. and more often at the first sign of any new growth.   But this came out of the blind side, just a sudden enlargement of the neck lymph node with no obvious new skin growth. 

        Thanks for listening.  We would appreciate any suggestions or advice.  Marj

      • November 17, 2011 at 5:01 am
      Charlie S
      Participant

      Odd as it may sound, melanoma does recurr after many years.  In my case it was nine,.

      Though I am just 60, I was raised to respect my elders.,  My Mom is 83 and pushing 84, my Dad died  four years ago,, and my Gran was 103.

      My mother and father both  told me that they are not afraid of death, but are afraid of dying..

      So, in the frame of how I was raised and taught, , and my experience, how can I help, Marj?

      I sure want to.

      Charlie  S

       

       

      • November 17, 2011 at 5:01 am
      Charlie S
      Participant

      Odd as it may sound, melanoma does recurr after many years.  In my case it was nine,.

      Though I am just 60, I was raised to respect my elders.,  My Mom is 83 and pushing 84, my Dad died  four years ago,, and my Gran was 103.

      My mother and father both  told me that they are not afraid of death, but are afraid of dying..

      So, in the frame of how I was raised and taught, , and my experience, how can I help, Marj?

      I sure want to.

      Charlie  S

       

       

      • November 17, 2011 at 8:29 am
      JerryfromFauq
      Participant

      Marj, I sure hate to hear this.  is he seeing a melanoma specialist?  There is so much going on in the melanoma field now that he should see a melanoma specialist.  They should run tests on the tumors for what is called BRAF mutations, If the original tumor was on the inside of his check they should check for c-kit oncoprotein expression in the tumors.  Targeted chemo drugs have been developed for these two kinds of melanoma.  The targeted oral drugs are the easiest on one to take and may be the most effective.  There are other drugs in clinical trials that you may want to look into as well.

          Please let us know what is happening with your husband and feel welcome to ask any questions that come to mind.  We will do whatever we can to help.

        • November 18, 2011 at 12:53 am
        price9103
        Participant

        The Melanoma doctor at moffitt is Dr. R. Gonzales in the Cutaneous Clinic.  They called today and said they were setting up appt for us with the Lung doctor and Dr. Gonzales and would call with appt date and time.  We still do not have the final results of the Stage?? I just said stage IV based on the recurrance, neck nodes positive and mass or spots on the lungs that they were doing the needle bx. to check for melanoma or another cancer??.  I am a retured Onc. RN but have been retired for 11 yr and there has been lots of new things since then.  I worked with some of the first trials of IL2 so I am quiet familiar with the side effects of that stuff and they were doing a few IPI trials so I know how tough that stuff is on people.  I have read about Temodar and it seems to have had lots of positive results.  I just found this site and wanted to check with people who have been on this side of treatments and see what advice you can give us.  We are overwhelmed with this sudden illness.  We have been enjoying our retirement and traveling, etc. and now we are just playing the waiting game.

        Any advice or help would be d.preciated. Marj.

        • November 18, 2011 at 12:53 am
        price9103
        Participant

        The Melanoma doctor at moffitt is Dr. R. Gonzales in the Cutaneous Clinic.  They called today and said they were setting up appt for us with the Lung doctor and Dr. Gonzales and would call with appt date and time.  We still do not have the final results of the Stage?? I just said stage IV based on the recurrance, neck nodes positive and mass or spots on the lungs that they were doing the needle bx. to check for melanoma or another cancer??.  I am a retured Onc. RN but have been retired for 11 yr and there has been lots of new things since then.  I worked with some of the first trials of IL2 so I am quiet familiar with the side effects of that stuff and they were doing a few IPI trials so I know how tough that stuff is on people.  I have read about Temodar and it seems to have had lots of positive results.  I just found this site and wanted to check with people who have been on this side of treatments and see what advice you can give us.  We are overwhelmed with this sudden illness.  We have been enjoying our retirement and traveling, etc. and now we are just playing the waiting game.

        Any advice or help would be d.preciated. Marj.

        • November 18, 2011 at 12:53 am
        price9103
        Participant

        The Melanoma doctor at moffitt is Dr. R. Gonzales in the Cutaneous Clinic.  They called today and said they were setting up appt for us with the Lung doctor and Dr. Gonzales and would call with appt date and time.  We still do not have the final results of the Stage?? I just said stage IV based on the recurrance, neck nodes positive and mass or spots on the lungs that they were doing the needle bx. to check for melanoma or another cancer??.  I am a retured Onc. RN but have been retired for 11 yr and there has been lots of new things since then.  I worked with some of the first trials of IL2 so I am quiet familiar with the side effects of that stuff and they were doing a few IPI trials so I know how tough that stuff is on people.  I have read about Temodar and it seems to have had lots of positive results.  I just found this site and wanted to check with people who have been on this side of treatments and see what advice you can give us.  We are overwhelmed with this sudden illness.  We have been enjoying our retirement and traveling, etc. and now we are just playing the waiting game.

        Any advice or help would be d.preciated. Marj.

      • November 17, 2011 at 8:29 am
      JerryfromFauq
      Participant

      Marj, I sure hate to hear this.  is he seeing a melanoma specialist?  There is so much going on in the melanoma field now that he should see a melanoma specialist.  They should run tests on the tumors for what is called BRAF mutations, If the original tumor was on the inside of his check they should check for c-kit oncoprotein expression in the tumors.  Targeted chemo drugs have been developed for these two kinds of melanoma.  The targeted oral drugs are the easiest on one to take and may be the most effective.  There are other drugs in clinical trials that you may want to look into as well.

          Please let us know what is happening with your husband and feel welcome to ask any questions that come to mind.  We will do whatever we can to help.

      • November 17, 2011 at 8:29 am
      JerryfromFauq
      Participant

      Marj, I sure hate to hear this.  is he seeing a melanoma specialist?  There is so much going on in the melanoma field now that he should see a melanoma specialist.  They should run tests on the tumors for what is called BRAF mutations, If the original tumor was on the inside of his check they should check for c-kit oncoprotein expression in the tumors.  Targeted chemo drugs have been developed for these two kinds of melanoma.  The targeted oral drugs are the easiest on one to take and may be the most effective.  There are other drugs in clinical trials that you may want to look into as well.

          Please let us know what is happening with your husband and feel welcome to ask any questions that come to mind.  We will do whatever we can to help.

      • November 17, 2011 at 2:29 pm
      Janner
      Participant

      In an odd way, his age may help him.  Things grow slower at that age, including cancer.  My father is 86 and has at least 3 types of cancer.  He's at least stage III with melanoma, has primary lung cancer and metastatic prostate cancer.  He also has cancer in his thyroid but we don't know if it is primary or metastatic from one of his other cancers.  He did a high dose radiation (3 visits) on the lung cancer, they cherry picked a melanoma filled lymph node from under his arm.  We chose not to have all the lymph nodes removed as a quality of life issue.  He still has nodules in his lungs they are monitoring, but nothing is growing fast.  Prostate cancer was handled with drugs but he has gone off of them for again, quality of life.  He hated the side effects.  He has done minimal treatments to buy him time without affecting quality of life too much.  He's done amazingly well and is still kicking several years later. My Dad's melanoma doctor would have done invasive procedures because it was "standard".  But standard doesn't always coincide with quality of life.  I was very knowledgeable about melanoma (I have it too) and was able to suggest alternate possibilities to discuss with his oncologist.  It took his onc a little while to see that "standard" wasn't always optimal, but once he did – he was on board with minimal treatment and very good monitoring.  I suggest you really consider what your husbands wants to do ahead of time and figure out the least stressful way of getting there.  Continue to ask questions!

      Best wishes,

      Janner

        • November 18, 2011 at 1:12 am
        price9103
        Participant

        Thanks for those words of wisdom.  I think you are right about the quality of life.  He says he has had 88 yr of relatively good health and a good life, so he doesn't want to just have lots of treatments and lots of suffering, if he can't have a fair quality of life, he will do nothing and just try to enjoy life as long as we can.  The prospect of tolerating chemotherapy nausea and vomiting or ICU for resp. problems are just too much.  He is doing good now and we are able to go and do about anything we want to do now.  So thanks again for you advice and help.  Moffitt is to call and let us know about our appt to find out what they suggest as the best plan of care.  I will let you know when I find that out.  Thanks again, Marj

        • November 18, 2011 at 1:12 am
        price9103
        Participant

        Thanks for those words of wisdom.  I think you are right about the quality of life.  He says he has had 88 yr of relatively good health and a good life, so he doesn't want to just have lots of treatments and lots of suffering, if he can't have a fair quality of life, he will do nothing and just try to enjoy life as long as we can.  The prospect of tolerating chemotherapy nausea and vomiting or ICU for resp. problems are just too much.  He is doing good now and we are able to go and do about anything we want to do now.  So thanks again for you advice and help.  Moffitt is to call and let us know about our appt to find out what they suggest as the best plan of care.  I will let you know when I find that out.  Thanks again, Marj

        • November 18, 2011 at 1:12 am
        price9103
        Participant

        Thanks for those words of wisdom.  I think you are right about the quality of life.  He says he has had 88 yr of relatively good health and a good life, so he doesn't want to just have lots of treatments and lots of suffering, if he can't have a fair quality of life, he will do nothing and just try to enjoy life as long as we can.  The prospect of tolerating chemotherapy nausea and vomiting or ICU for resp. problems are just too much.  He is doing good now and we are able to go and do about anything we want to do now.  So thanks again for you advice and help.  Moffitt is to call and let us know about our appt to find out what they suggest as the best plan of care.  I will let you know when I find that out.  Thanks again, Marj

      • November 17, 2011 at 2:29 pm
      Janner
      Participant

      In an odd way, his age may help him.  Things grow slower at that age, including cancer.  My father is 86 and has at least 3 types of cancer.  He's at least stage III with melanoma, has primary lung cancer and metastatic prostate cancer.  He also has cancer in his thyroid but we don't know if it is primary or metastatic from one of his other cancers.  He did a high dose radiation (3 visits) on the lung cancer, they cherry picked a melanoma filled lymph node from under his arm.  We chose not to have all the lymph nodes removed as a quality of life issue.  He still has nodules in his lungs they are monitoring, but nothing is growing fast.  Prostate cancer was handled with drugs but he has gone off of them for again, quality of life.  He hated the side effects.  He has done minimal treatments to buy him time without affecting quality of life too much.  He's done amazingly well and is still kicking several years later. My Dad's melanoma doctor would have done invasive procedures because it was "standard".  But standard doesn't always coincide with quality of life.  I was very knowledgeable about melanoma (I have it too) and was able to suggest alternate possibilities to discuss with his oncologist.  It took his onc a little while to see that "standard" wasn't always optimal, but once he did – he was on board with minimal treatment and very good monitoring.  I suggest you really consider what your husbands wants to do ahead of time and figure out the least stressful way of getting there.  Continue to ask questions!

      Best wishes,

      Janner

      • November 17, 2011 at 2:29 pm
      Janner
      Participant

      In an odd way, his age may help him.  Things grow slower at that age, including cancer.  My father is 86 and has at least 3 types of cancer.  He's at least stage III with melanoma, has primary lung cancer and metastatic prostate cancer.  He also has cancer in his thyroid but we don't know if it is primary or metastatic from one of his other cancers.  He did a high dose radiation (3 visits) on the lung cancer, they cherry picked a melanoma filled lymph node from under his arm.  We chose not to have all the lymph nodes removed as a quality of life issue.  He still has nodules in his lungs they are monitoring, but nothing is growing fast.  Prostate cancer was handled with drugs but he has gone off of them for again, quality of life.  He hated the side effects.  He has done minimal treatments to buy him time without affecting quality of life too much.  He's done amazingly well and is still kicking several years later. My Dad's melanoma doctor would have done invasive procedures because it was "standard".  But standard doesn't always coincide with quality of life.  I was very knowledgeable about melanoma (I have it too) and was able to suggest alternate possibilities to discuss with his oncologist.  It took his onc a little while to see that "standard" wasn't always optimal, but once he did – he was on board with minimal treatment and very good monitoring.  I suggest you really consider what your husbands wants to do ahead of time and figure out the least stressful way of getting there.  Continue to ask questions!

      Best wishes,

      Janner

Viewing 8 reply threads
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
About the MRF Patient Forum

The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

Popular Topics