An Old Drug with a New Use.
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An Old Drug with a New Use.

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › An Old Drug with a New Use.

  • Post
    • May 15, 2013 at 5:20 am
    Cindy VT
    Participant

    In 2006 when I was stage IIIB melanoma, I had several surgeries including in my brain, and I did interferon high dose for a week.  In 2005 I had a hysterectomy.  I was put on estradiaol. 

    My Oncologist put me on another drug called Megestrol, or Megace.  I thought It was suppose to take care of hot flashes,

    but apparently this drug stops tumors from growing, mostly in Breast Cancer Patients, but I was given it and maybe my tumors are not growing because of this drug?

    In 2006 when I was stage IIIB melanoma, I had several surgeries including in my brain, and I did interferon high dose for a week.  In 2005 I had a hysterectomy.  I was put on estradiaol. 

    My Oncologist put me on another drug called Megestrol, or Megace.  I thought It was suppose to take care of hot flashes,

    but apparently this drug stops tumors from growing, mostly in Breast Cancer Patients, but I was given it and maybe my tumors are not growing because of this drug?

    I think it would be something to ask about.  Maybe it works with melanoma patients too.

Viewing 8 reply threads
  • Replies
      • May 15, 2013 at 6:52 pm
      randallgford
      Participant

      That's interesting – our oncologist put my husband on that drug to stimulate

      his appetite – he lost alot of weight on radiation.

      • May 15, 2013 at 6:52 pm
      randallgford
      Participant

      That's interesting – our oncologist put my husband on that drug to stimulate

      his appetite – he lost alot of weight on radiation.

      • May 15, 2013 at 6:52 pm
      randallgford
      Participant

      That's interesting – our oncologist put my husband on that drug to stimulate

      his appetite – he lost alot of weight on radiation.

      • May 15, 2013 at 7:15 pm
      Janner
      Participant

      This is synthetic progestin – a hormone – similar to natural progesterone.  If melanoma were hormone related, then it might be of use.  There has been some talk over the years that melanoma could be related to hormones because it occurs in child bearing women.  But there are also other reasons why that might occur.  Not sure if anyone has ever reached a final decision on this.  But if your melanoma isn't hormone related, I doubt it will be any type of cure.  And hormones have their own issues…

      • May 15, 2013 at 7:15 pm
      Janner
      Participant

      This is synthetic progestin – a hormone – similar to natural progesterone.  If melanoma were hormone related, then it might be of use.  There has been some talk over the years that melanoma could be related to hormones because it occurs in child bearing women.  But there are also other reasons why that might occur.  Not sure if anyone has ever reached a final decision on this.  But if your melanoma isn't hormone related, I doubt it will be any type of cure.  And hormones have their own issues…

      • May 15, 2013 at 7:15 pm
      Janner
      Participant

      This is synthetic progestin – a hormone – similar to natural progesterone.  If melanoma were hormone related, then it might be of use.  There has been some talk over the years that melanoma could be related to hormones because it occurs in child bearing women.  But there are also other reasons why that might occur.  Not sure if anyone has ever reached a final decision on this.  But if your melanoma isn't hormone related, I doubt it will be any type of cure.  And hormones have their own issues…

      • May 16, 2013 at 5:28 pm
      Cooper
      Participant

      Just to clear up:  you had brain mets and you were stage IIIb?  You would be stage IV.

      • May 16, 2013 at 5:28 pm
      Cooper
      Participant

      Just to clear up:  you had brain mets and you were stage IIIb?  You would be stage IV.

      • May 16, 2013 at 5:28 pm
      Cooper
      Participant

      Just to clear up:  you had brain mets and you were stage IIIb?  You would be stage IV.

        • May 16, 2013 at 9:44 pm
        Cindy VT
        Participant

        No I did not have brain mets.  I had a slow growing tumor and the neuro-oncology physician said….get it out of there.

        The neuro surgeon who did the surgery said if it comes back…radiation therapy would be the next phase.

        My mother read tons of information about MM and she has told me that many of the things I experienced were part of this disease.  The tumor?  again who knows.  But thanks for calling me on that.  I am Stage IIIB since 2006 when I had my surgery.  When I spoke to my doctor in 2010 after the fluid in my lungs and heart, he said even if you are NED you are still stage IIIB. 

        I wish all the best. 

        • May 16, 2013 at 9:44 pm
        Cindy VT
        Participant

        No I did not have brain mets.  I had a slow growing tumor and the neuro-oncology physician said….get it out of there.

        The neuro surgeon who did the surgery said if it comes back…radiation therapy would be the next phase.

        My mother read tons of information about MM and she has told me that many of the things I experienced were part of this disease.  The tumor?  again who knows.  But thanks for calling me on that.  I am Stage IIIB since 2006 when I had my surgery.  When I spoke to my doctor in 2010 after the fluid in my lungs and heart, he said even if you are NED you are still stage IIIB. 

        I wish all the best. 

        • May 16, 2013 at 9:44 pm
        Cindy VT
        Participant

        No I did not have brain mets.  I had a slow growing tumor and the neuro-oncology physician said….get it out of there.

        The neuro surgeon who did the surgery said if it comes back…radiation therapy would be the next phase.

        My mother read tons of information about MM and she has told me that many of the things I experienced were part of this disease.  The tumor?  again who knows.  But thanks for calling me on that.  I am Stage IIIB since 2006 when I had my surgery.  When I spoke to my doctor in 2010 after the fluid in my lungs and heart, he said even if you are NED you are still stage IIIB. 

        I wish all the best. 

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