Taking a break from Interferon
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Taking a break from Interferon

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Taking a break from Interferon

  • Post
    • March 27, 2013 at 4:52 pm
    Wolverine
    Participant

    I am stage IIIC melanoma with unknown primary.  I have been taken Interferon since November 2012.  Overall I have done fine with the exception of being wiped out (tired) and a little weight loss.  I haven't had the energy to exercise.  I am seriously considering taking off for the spring/summer.  As I understand, Interferon has not been proven to extend overall survival rates.  I have come to the opinion that I have a better chance of survival if I am not worn down and unable to stay active.

    Wishing everyone well.

    I am stage IIIC melanoma with unknown primary.  I have been taken Interferon since November 2012.  Overall I have done fine with the exception of being wiped out (tired) and a little weight loss.  I haven't had the energy to exercise.  I am seriously considering taking off for the spring/summer.  As I understand, Interferon has not been proven to extend overall survival rates.  I have come to the opinion that I have a better chance of survival if I am not worn down and unable to stay active.

    Wishing everyone well.

Viewing 8 reply threads
  • Replies
      • March 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm
      Fen
      Participant

      I stopped after 6 months and never regretted it.  The data isn't strong and I had a terrible time with it – I was in a wheelchair towards the end.  For me, there have been long term cognitive and emotional side effects (just my subjective opinion).  Whatever you decide to do don't look back.  I have been NED since then.   Good luck!

      Fen

      • March 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm
      Fen
      Participant

      I stopped after 6 months and never regretted it.  The data isn't strong and I had a terrible time with it – I was in a wheelchair towards the end.  For me, there have been long term cognitive and emotional side effects (just my subjective opinion).  Whatever you decide to do don't look back.  I have been NED since then.   Good luck!

      Fen

      • March 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm
      Fen
      Participant

      I stopped after 6 months and never regretted it.  The data isn't strong and I had a terrible time with it – I was in a wheelchair towards the end.  For me, there have been long term cognitive and emotional side effects (just my subjective opinion).  Whatever you decide to do don't look back.  I have been NED since then.   Good luck!

      Fen

        • March 28, 2013 at 2:05 pm
        Wolverine
        Participant

        Thank you very much Fen.  

        • March 28, 2013 at 2:05 pm
        Wolverine
        Participant

        Thank you very much Fen.  

        • March 28, 2013 at 2:05 pm
        Wolverine
        Participant

        Thank you very much Fen.  

      • March 28, 2013 at 12:17 am
      Hstevens0072
      Participant
      I did the full year… And was diagnosed stage 4 13 months later. I don’t regret doing the interferon but I wonder sometimes if it was worth it. It is a tough row to hoe.
      Best of luck with whatever you decide.
      Holly
      • March 28, 2013 at 12:17 am
      Hstevens0072
      Participant
      I did the full year… And was diagnosed stage 4 13 months later. I don’t regret doing the interferon but I wonder sometimes if it was worth it. It is a tough row to hoe.
      Best of luck with whatever you decide.
      Holly
      • March 28, 2013 at 12:17 am
      Hstevens0072
      Participant
      I did the full year… And was diagnosed stage 4 13 months later. I don’t regret doing the interferon but I wonder sometimes if it was worth it. It is a tough row to hoe.
      Best of luck with whatever you decide.
      Holly
      • March 29, 2013 at 3:06 am
      ncdaniel
      Participant

      Wolvrine, My wife electeced not to do interferon at all since the chance of good results seem questionable. At the U of M ( Michigan) we were told 10% effective at best with some studies suggesting more in the 2% range. I would study this a lot.

      Go Bucks , NC Daniel

      • March 29, 2013 at 3:06 am
      ncdaniel
      Participant

      Wolvrine, My wife electeced not to do interferon at all since the chance of good results seem questionable. At the U of M ( Michigan) we were told 10% effective at best with some studies suggesting more in the 2% range. I would study this a lot.

      Go Bucks , NC Daniel

      • March 29, 2013 at 3:06 am
      ncdaniel
      Participant

      Wolvrine, My wife electeced not to do interferon at all since the chance of good results seem questionable. At the U of M ( Michigan) we were told 10% effective at best with some studies suggesting more in the 2% range. I would study this a lot.

      Go Bucks , NC Daniel

Viewing 8 reply threads
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