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Brain Tumors vs No Brain Tumors?

Forums General Melanoma Community Brain Tumors vs No Brain Tumors?

  • Post
    momof2kids
    Participant

      I know many out there have never had any Brain Tumors, but others of us, like myself, have had Brain Tumors (One removed via Craniotimy , the other removed via Gamma Knife).

      I'm assuming that having Brain Tumors/had Brain Tumors is worse than those out there who have never had any Brain Tumors.  Are getting Brain Tumors as easy to get as other tumors in your organs/body parts, or is it tougher for the cancer to travel to the brain, so if you are lucky enough to never get Brain Tumors, you're a lucky one, etc?

      I know many out there have never had any Brain Tumors, but others of us, like myself, have had Brain Tumors (One removed via Craniotimy , the other removed via Gamma Knife).

      I'm assuming that having Brain Tumors/had Brain Tumors is worse than those out there who have never had any Brain Tumors.  Are getting Brain Tumors as easy to get as other tumors in your organs/body parts, or is it tougher for the cancer to travel to the brain, so if you are lucky enough to never get Brain Tumors, you're a lucky one, etc?

      Are there any reports/data out there that proves having Brain Tumors in the past, or currently, that we are less likely to survive, than those out there who have never had Brain Tumors?  I'm assuming there is, but I'm still just stuck on this end of life rut I'm stuck in, wondering how many years I have left if I'm lucky, and if no new Brain Tumors come back to haunt me again.

      I'm just not ready to accept living everyday happy as can be, happy to be on this earth, I'm still stuck in this I'm going to die before I'm 40 unless I'm extremely lucky.

      I know there's plenty of Stage IV survivors out there, but did many of them have Brain Tumors, or were they the lucky ones to only have regular body tumors, and never touched the Brain?  I know none of us have control over how long we're here, but I am hoping that mine will be 10+ years, just to see my kids grow up, but I don't feel that the treatments out there will give me that (I'm BRAF negative, so right there I lose a few treatments/drugs).

       

    Viewing 35 reply threads
    • Replies
        Karin L
        Participant

          Big hugs.  I cannot offer any help but I can tell you I relate to your anxiety.  I am newly convinced I have brain tumors.  Driving myself crazy.  I have had ringing in my ears for over 2wks now which could mean a bunch of things, but my thoughts of course tell me brain tumors *sigh*.  I quit taking aspirin and no help.  I haven't had an MRI for 10mos. and my next CT is not due until Dec. 9th.  Of course, the liver mets that were stable last scan are growing too (in my thoughts).  This disease is ridiculous.  So….I whine with you (hug).

          Karin 

          Karin L
          Participant

            Big hugs.  I cannot offer any help but I can tell you I relate to your anxiety.  I am newly convinced I have brain tumors.  Driving myself crazy.  I have had ringing in my ears for over 2wks now which could mean a bunch of things, but my thoughts of course tell me brain tumors *sigh*.  I quit taking aspirin and no help.  I haven't had an MRI for 10mos. and my next CT is not due until Dec. 9th.  Of course, the liver mets that were stable last scan are growing too (in my thoughts).  This disease is ridiculous.  So….I whine with you (hug).

            Karin 

            Karin L
            Participant

              Big hugs.  I cannot offer any help but I can tell you I relate to your anxiety.  I am newly convinced I have brain tumors.  Driving myself crazy.  I have had ringing in my ears for over 2wks now which could mean a bunch of things, but my thoughts of course tell me brain tumors *sigh*.  I quit taking aspirin and no help.  I haven't had an MRI for 10mos. and my next CT is not due until Dec. 9th.  Of course, the liver mets that were stable last scan are growing too (in my thoughts).  This disease is ridiculous.  So….I whine with you (hug).

              Karin 

              CarolA
              Participant

                Search for CaroleK or Carole.    She doesn't come to the board often anymore.   There are some posts from her that would encourage you as she has is a survivor of ten years and had brain tumors and I think lung tumors.   I think you could use that boost of positivity that is her journey.   Stay strong.

                CarolA
                Participant

                  Search for CaroleK or Carole.    She doesn't come to the board often anymore.   There are some posts from her that would encourage you as she has is a survivor of ten years and had brain tumors and I think lung tumors.   I think you could use that boost of positivity that is her journey.   Stay strong.

                  CarolA
                  Participant

                    Search for CaroleK or Carole.    She doesn't come to the board often anymore.   There are some posts from her that would encourage you as she has is a survivor of ten years and had brain tumors and I think lung tumors.   I think you could use that boost of positivity that is her journey.   Stay strong.

                    momof2kids
                    Participant

                      It's just so depressing knowing there's already treatments I can't have because I'm not BRAF + , and all these other trials out there that many think may be good ones once FDA approved someday (years from now), I'm just terrified I'll miss out on those if I don't make it til then. 

                      I'm just terrified of more Brain Tumors coming back, and other tumors spreading to other organs.

                      I'm currently on Yervoy, but I read it only works in like 15% of people, another small group of people of course, like all the other treatments, I can only hope after my next 2 injections, and I get my results, that spots have shrunk.  If I get enlargement (I have a spot in my lung & liver, 2 of them are 4+ cm, like the doctor said I might, I honestly think I'll have a heart attack.

                       

                      momof2kids
                      Participant

                        It's just so depressing knowing there's already treatments I can't have because I'm not BRAF + , and all these other trials out there that many think may be good ones once FDA approved someday (years from now), I'm just terrified I'll miss out on those if I don't make it til then. 

                        I'm just terrified of more Brain Tumors coming back, and other tumors spreading to other organs.

                        I'm currently on Yervoy, but I read it only works in like 15% of people, another small group of people of course, like all the other treatments, I can only hope after my next 2 injections, and I get my results, that spots have shrunk.  If I get enlargement (I have a spot in my lung & liver, 2 of them are 4+ cm, like the doctor said I might, I honestly think I'll have a heart attack.

                         

                        momof2kids
                        Participant

                          It's just so depressing knowing there's already treatments I can't have because I'm not BRAF + , and all these other trials out there that many think may be good ones once FDA approved someday (years from now), I'm just terrified I'll miss out on those if I don't make it til then. 

                          I'm just terrified of more Brain Tumors coming back, and other tumors spreading to other organs.

                          I'm currently on Yervoy, but I read it only works in like 15% of people, another small group of people of course, like all the other treatments, I can only hope after my next 2 injections, and I get my results, that spots have shrunk.  If I get enlargement (I have a spot in my lung & liver, 2 of them are 4+ cm, like the doctor said I might, I honestly think I'll have a heart attack.

                           

                            Lisa13
                            Participant

                              I know your fear all to well. Even though I've never had a brain tumour, there is always a chance anyone of us can get one. 

                              As hard as it is, you can't let your mind focus too much on how long you're going to live. Right now, you're "healthy" and alive and you could very well have many, many years ahead of you. One thing about ipi, the 15% responders were those from a clinical trial involving people who were very sick and had large tumour burden in more than one organ.  Just the other day, I read those numbers will improve as more people use ipi at an earlier stage or used on people who are not very sick. You may have have more than 1 site of mets, but you are not symptomatic and still have lots of hope.  Out of curiousity, can you have surgery to remove the mets in your lung or liver? 

                              As your Dr. for your blood work next time you go. Look at your LDH and your Absolute Lymphocye numbers. Both these numbers will give you a small idea of how you're doing.  You want you LDH numbers to go down and those lymphocytes to go up.   Your bloodwork will also tell your Dr, if your cancer to some degree to regressing or progressing.

                              Keep thinking ipi is going to work – don't let your mind believe this will fail. You have kids who need their Mom and you can do this! The mind if a powerful thing!

                              By the way, there is a woman on this site (Carol) who doesn't come on here much at all. She had lung and brain mets and did nothing but holistic. She is NED!  People survive Stage 4 melanoma for many years – there are stats that prove that and you could very well be one of them.

                              Lisa – Stage 4

                              Lisa13
                              Participant

                                I know your fear all to well. Even though I've never had a brain tumour, there is always a chance anyone of us can get one. 

                                As hard as it is, you can't let your mind focus too much on how long you're going to live. Right now, you're "healthy" and alive and you could very well have many, many years ahead of you. One thing about ipi, the 15% responders were those from a clinical trial involving people who were very sick and had large tumour burden in more than one organ.  Just the other day, I read those numbers will improve as more people use ipi at an earlier stage or used on people who are not very sick. You may have have more than 1 site of mets, but you are not symptomatic and still have lots of hope.  Out of curiousity, can you have surgery to remove the mets in your lung or liver? 

                                As your Dr. for your blood work next time you go. Look at your LDH and your Absolute Lymphocye numbers. Both these numbers will give you a small idea of how you're doing.  You want you LDH numbers to go down and those lymphocytes to go up.   Your bloodwork will also tell your Dr, if your cancer to some degree to regressing or progressing.

                                Keep thinking ipi is going to work – don't let your mind believe this will fail. You have kids who need their Mom and you can do this! The mind if a powerful thing!

                                By the way, there is a woman on this site (Carol) who doesn't come on here much at all. She had lung and brain mets and did nothing but holistic. She is NED!  People survive Stage 4 melanoma for many years – there are stats that prove that and you could very well be one of them.

                                Lisa – Stage 4

                                Lisa13
                                Participant

                                  I know your fear all to well. Even though I've never had a brain tumour, there is always a chance anyone of us can get one. 

                                  As hard as it is, you can't let your mind focus too much on how long you're going to live. Right now, you're "healthy" and alive and you could very well have many, many years ahead of you. One thing about ipi, the 15% responders were those from a clinical trial involving people who were very sick and had large tumour burden in more than one organ.  Just the other day, I read those numbers will improve as more people use ipi at an earlier stage or used on people who are not very sick. You may have have more than 1 site of mets, but you are not symptomatic and still have lots of hope.  Out of curiousity, can you have surgery to remove the mets in your lung or liver? 

                                  As your Dr. for your blood work next time you go. Look at your LDH and your Absolute Lymphocye numbers. Both these numbers will give you a small idea of how you're doing.  You want you LDH numbers to go down and those lymphocytes to go up.   Your bloodwork will also tell your Dr, if your cancer to some degree to regressing or progressing.

                                  Keep thinking ipi is going to work – don't let your mind believe this will fail. You have kids who need their Mom and you can do this! The mind if a powerful thing!

                                  By the way, there is a woman on this site (Carol) who doesn't come on here much at all. She had lung and brain mets and did nothing but holistic. She is NED!  People survive Stage 4 melanoma for many years – there are stats that prove that and you could very well be one of them.

                                  Lisa – Stage 4

                                  nielshugo
                                  Participant

                                    Hello Lisa and all others 🙂

                                    I hope that my story could help some people, in the beginning of 2010 i was told, that i had malignt melamom all over, –  IL-2 took it all away except for a tumor in my brain. The brain, doctor told me, is protecting the brain from the IL-2  treatment so the treatment will not reach any tumor in the brain, so they cut the tumor out and me waking up with all functions intact.

                                    To day i am not consideret sick, – but i guess the cancer can return any moment. I dont know why IL-2 worked so good in me, – but i  ate a d vitamin pill every day, since a sientist wrote, that the body can not identify and fight cancer, without D vitamin, so i took a D vitamin every day since. I was also begining to eat all recomended in  the book "Good food against cancer" written by 2 canadian scientists Richard Beliveau and Denis Gingras and then i prayed a lot to God.

                                    Kisses and cross my fingers.

                                    Niels

                                    nielshugo
                                    Participant

                                      Hello Lisa and all others 🙂

                                      I hope that my story could help some people, in the beginning of 2010 i was told, that i had malignt melamom all over, –  IL-2 took it all away except for a tumor in my brain. The brain, doctor told me, is protecting the brain from the IL-2  treatment so the treatment will not reach any tumor in the brain, so they cut the tumor out and me waking up with all functions intact.

                                      To day i am not consideret sick, – but i guess the cancer can return any moment. I dont know why IL-2 worked so good in me, – but i  ate a d vitamin pill every day, since a sientist wrote, that the body can not identify and fight cancer, without D vitamin, so i took a D vitamin every day since. I was also begining to eat all recomended in  the book "Good food against cancer" written by 2 canadian scientists Richard Beliveau and Denis Gingras and then i prayed a lot to God.

                                      Kisses and cross my fingers.

                                      Niels

                                      nielshugo
                                      Participant

                                        Hello Lisa and all others 🙂

                                        I hope that my story could help some people, in the beginning of 2010 i was told, that i had malignt melamom all over, –  IL-2 took it all away except for a tumor in my brain. The brain, doctor told me, is protecting the brain from the IL-2  treatment so the treatment will not reach any tumor in the brain, so they cut the tumor out and me waking up with all functions intact.

                                        To day i am not consideret sick, – but i guess the cancer can return any moment. I dont know why IL-2 worked so good in me, – but i  ate a d vitamin pill every day, since a sientist wrote, that the body can not identify and fight cancer, without D vitamin, so i took a D vitamin every day since. I was also begining to eat all recomended in  the book "Good food against cancer" written by 2 canadian scientists Richard Beliveau and Denis Gingras and then i prayed a lot to God.

                                        Kisses and cross my fingers.

                                        Niels

                                      James from Sydney
                                      Participant

                                        Just want to let you know that i met a guy at a Support Group meeting last year who told us that he started with subq's then Bowel mets then Brain Met.   He had them removed surgically. Not uncommon to hear his story except when i asked him when his last surgery was and he responded 1994!  So there is hope, hang onto it.

                                        best wishes

                                        James

                                        James from Sydney
                                        Participant

                                          Just want to let you know that i met a guy at a Support Group meeting last year who told us that he started with subq's then Bowel mets then Brain Met.   He had them removed surgically. Not uncommon to hear his story except when i asked him when his last surgery was and he responded 1994!  So there is hope, hang onto it.

                                          best wishes

                                          James

                                            James from Sydney
                                            Participant

                                              I forgot to mention then only treatment he had after his last Operation was Whole Brain Radiation back in 1994. 

                                              James

                                              James from Sydney
                                              Participant

                                                I forgot to mention then only treatment he had after his last Operation was Whole Brain Radiation back in 1994. 

                                                James

                                                James from Sydney
                                                Participant

                                                  I forgot to mention then only treatment he had after his last Operation was Whole Brain Radiation back in 1994. 

                                                  James

                                                James from Sydney
                                                Participant

                                                  Just want to let you know that i met a guy at a Support Group meeting last year who told us that he started with subq's then Bowel mets then Brain Met.   He had them removed surgically. Not uncommon to hear his story except when i asked him when his last surgery was and he responded 1994!  So there is hope, hang onto it.

                                                  best wishes

                                                  James

                                                  momof2kids
                                                  Participant

                                                    I do have lots of questions for my doctor this Friday Oct 14th, when I go for my 3rd injection of Yervoy.  Last time they offered me my blood work results, and I said I'd take them, but I forgot to actually get them. I'll have to make sure to ask for them this time.

                                                    I am going to ask about surgery on my liver & lung, if it's even an option or if it will be further down the road after I've tried other treatments first, etc.  I just don't want to miss the opportunity if it's already available and now is the time to do it.

                                                    I do feel so good when I read about others surviving Stage IV, and those who never had Brain tumors, I just wondered if they were better off  since they never had brain tumors before, like it was easier to survive without them.  I've seen others on here who have like 5-20 or more spots on their brain and it's just devastating to see that people out there have to suffer thru that, and the ones who make it thru, more power to them.

                                                    Thanks Lisa, I do forget sometimes that many who were on these trials the past few years, were already near the end of their life, or had alot more tumors, etc than I myself do.  I just want this 1st treatment to work so badly.    I read about these other great trials out there, that are years away from being FDA approved, and I just want to be part of those if possible, I will travel, etc, I just want the best care like everyone wants, we all want the best and all want the chance to make it years & years!

                                                     

                                                     

                                                    momof2kids
                                                    Participant

                                                      I do have lots of questions for my doctor this Friday Oct 14th, when I go for my 3rd injection of Yervoy.  Last time they offered me my blood work results, and I said I'd take them, but I forgot to actually get them. I'll have to make sure to ask for them this time.

                                                      I am going to ask about surgery on my liver & lung, if it's even an option or if it will be further down the road after I've tried other treatments first, etc.  I just don't want to miss the opportunity if it's already available and now is the time to do it.

                                                      I do feel so good when I read about others surviving Stage IV, and those who never had Brain tumors, I just wondered if they were better off  since they never had brain tumors before, like it was easier to survive without them.  I've seen others on here who have like 5-20 or more spots on their brain and it's just devastating to see that people out there have to suffer thru that, and the ones who make it thru, more power to them.

                                                      Thanks Lisa, I do forget sometimes that many who were on these trials the past few years, were already near the end of their life, or had alot more tumors, etc than I myself do.  I just want this 1st treatment to work so badly.    I read about these other great trials out there, that are years away from being FDA approved, and I just want to be part of those if possible, I will travel, etc, I just want the best care like everyone wants, we all want the best and all want the chance to make it years & years!

                                                       

                                                       

                                                      momof2kids
                                                      Participant

                                                        I do have lots of questions for my doctor this Friday Oct 14th, when I go for my 3rd injection of Yervoy.  Last time they offered me my blood work results, and I said I'd take them, but I forgot to actually get them. I'll have to make sure to ask for them this time.

                                                        I am going to ask about surgery on my liver & lung, if it's even an option or if it will be further down the road after I've tried other treatments first, etc.  I just don't want to miss the opportunity if it's already available and now is the time to do it.

                                                        I do feel so good when I read about others surviving Stage IV, and those who never had Brain tumors, I just wondered if they were better off  since they never had brain tumors before, like it was easier to survive without them.  I've seen others on here who have like 5-20 or more spots on their brain and it's just devastating to see that people out there have to suffer thru that, and the ones who make it thru, more power to them.

                                                        Thanks Lisa, I do forget sometimes that many who were on these trials the past few years, were already near the end of their life, or had alot more tumors, etc than I myself do.  I just want this 1st treatment to work so badly.    I read about these other great trials out there, that are years away from being FDA approved, and I just want to be part of those if possible, I will travel, etc, I just want the best care like everyone wants, we all want the best and all want the chance to make it years & years!

                                                         

                                                         

                                                        KatyWI
                                                        Participant

                                                          About being disappointed that you're not BRAF-eligible…I was too, and then I found this article:

                                                          http://www.clinicaloptions.com/Oncology/Conference%20Coverage/Clin%20Onc%20June%202010/Tracks/Melanoma/Capsules/8548.aspx

                                                          You have to register to read it, but it's free.  The gist is this:  A retrospective study was done in Australia on stage IV and unresectable stage III patients.  Five year overall survival was the SAME for non-BRAF & BRAF-positive who received BRAF drugs.  And the five year OS survival number in this group was around 50%.  That's a hell of a lot better than the 10-15% we often hear.  Remember that those 10-15% numbers are old data.  This Australia study is dated 2010.

                                                          I hear your struggles…it can be really tough to live in the here and now with this beast.  Although tomorrow may feel pretty uncertain, you do still get a choice – are you going to let melanoma take your today?  I'm not. 

                                                          Warmly,

                                                          KatyWI

                                                          KatyWI
                                                          Participant

                                                            About being disappointed that you're not BRAF-eligible…I was too, and then I found this article:

                                                            http://www.clinicaloptions.com/Oncology/Conference%20Coverage/Clin%20Onc%20June%202010/Tracks/Melanoma/Capsules/8548.aspx

                                                            You have to register to read it, but it's free.  The gist is this:  A retrospective study was done in Australia on stage IV and unresectable stage III patients.  Five year overall survival was the SAME for non-BRAF & BRAF-positive who received BRAF drugs.  And the five year OS survival number in this group was around 50%.  That's a hell of a lot better than the 10-15% we often hear.  Remember that those 10-15% numbers are old data.  This Australia study is dated 2010.

                                                            I hear your struggles…it can be really tough to live in the here and now with this beast.  Although tomorrow may feel pretty uncertain, you do still get a choice – are you going to let melanoma take your today?  I'm not. 

                                                            Warmly,

                                                            KatyWI

                                                            KatyWI
                                                            Participant

                                                              About being disappointed that you're not BRAF-eligible…I was too, and then I found this article:

                                                              http://www.clinicaloptions.com/Oncology/Conference%20Coverage/Clin%20Onc%20June%202010/Tracks/Melanoma/Capsules/8548.aspx

                                                              You have to register to read it, but it's free.  The gist is this:  A retrospective study was done in Australia on stage IV and unresectable stage III patients.  Five year overall survival was the SAME for non-BRAF & BRAF-positive who received BRAF drugs.  And the five year OS survival number in this group was around 50%.  That's a hell of a lot better than the 10-15% we often hear.  Remember that those 10-15% numbers are old data.  This Australia study is dated 2010.

                                                              I hear your struggles…it can be really tough to live in the here and now with this beast.  Although tomorrow may feel pretty uncertain, you do still get a choice – are you going to let melanoma take your today?  I'm not. 

                                                              Warmly,

                                                              KatyWI

                                                              o2bcheri
                                                              Participant

                                                                 

                                                                HI…

                                                                first of all… big hugs..

                                                                i do not have Melanoma.. or any other cancer.. My best friend has it.. and i am here to learn all i can for his sake..

                                                                I am a big fan of holistic healing..

                                                                and at this point.. if i were you.. i would take as much control of healing my body as possible..

                                                                My best friend brushes his skin daily.. uses the Baiden mitten.. he is on macro diet… no bad habits…

                                                                Suzanne Sommers has a book out called Knockout.. supposed to be amazing..

                                                                there was also a site of a dr posted her a few mos back about a dr who cured himself of melabnoma with a combination

                                                                of two cancer drugs.. supposedly he is having great success…

                                                                i have the site bookmarked… if you would like. i will post for you…

                                                                 

                                                                keep going… 

                                                                 

                                                                xx

                                                                o2bcheri
                                                                Participant

                                                                   

                                                                  HI…

                                                                  first of all… big hugs..

                                                                  i do not have Melanoma.. or any other cancer.. My best friend has it.. and i am here to learn all i can for his sake..

                                                                  I am a big fan of holistic healing..

                                                                  and at this point.. if i were you.. i would take as much control of healing my body as possible..

                                                                  My best friend brushes his skin daily.. uses the Baiden mitten.. he is on macro diet… no bad habits…

                                                                  Suzanne Sommers has a book out called Knockout.. supposed to be amazing..

                                                                  there was also a site of a dr posted her a few mos back about a dr who cured himself of melabnoma with a combination

                                                                  of two cancer drugs.. supposedly he is having great success…

                                                                  i have the site bookmarked… if you would like. i will post for you…

                                                                   

                                                                  keep going… 

                                                                   

                                                                  xx

                                                                  o2bcheri
                                                                  Participant

                                                                     

                                                                    HI…

                                                                    first of all… big hugs..

                                                                    i do not have Melanoma.. or any other cancer.. My best friend has it.. and i am here to learn all i can for his sake..

                                                                    I am a big fan of holistic healing..

                                                                    and at this point.. if i were you.. i would take as much control of healing my body as possible..

                                                                    My best friend brushes his skin daily.. uses the Baiden mitten.. he is on macro diet… no bad habits…

                                                                    Suzanne Sommers has a book out called Knockout.. supposed to be amazing..

                                                                    there was also a site of a dr posted her a few mos back about a dr who cured himself of melabnoma with a combination

                                                                    of two cancer drugs.. supposedly he is having great success…

                                                                    i have the site bookmarked… if you would like. i will post for you…

                                                                     

                                                                    keep going… 

                                                                     

                                                                    xx

                                                                    jag
                                                                    Participant
                                                                      First brain tumor 2006, last one 2008. Brain metastases are by no means a death sentence.
                                                                        Penny S.
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          Well, I am new to this ball park, I've been surfing this site since my Dad got the news he had Melanoma 2yrs ago, and today  he landed into a new ball park and  I landed here after reading your post.  

                                                                           Dad has been fighting this ugly beast for two years, first a spot on the chest, it looked like a blood bluster, our GP thought it was nothing to worry about, (WRONG).  It turned out to be melanoma, after surgery   test showed at that time it had not spread.   18 months later it showed up in the lungs, lots of small tumors everywhere.  He  was referred and met the requirements for ALT-801 clinical trial. The treatment halted the tumors and no new growth for 3 months after the treatment, then 2 larger tumors started to grow.  Dr. recommended Yervoy, minor side effects thru the 2nd treatment. Then things started to change and so has Dad mentally , we called the Dr and after MRI today we find out he has 3 spots on the brain in different area's  surgery is not looking like an option,  radiation has been mentioned. We go this Thursday for consult.  If you don't mind please tell me about  your treatment.

                                                                          Penny S.
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            Well, I am new to this ball park, I've been surfing this site since my Dad got the news he had Melanoma 2yrs ago, and today  he landed into a new ball park and  I landed here after reading your post.  

                                                                             Dad has been fighting this ugly beast for two years, first a spot on the chest, it looked like a blood bluster, our GP thought it was nothing to worry about, (WRONG).  It turned out to be melanoma, after surgery   test showed at that time it had not spread.   18 months later it showed up in the lungs, lots of small tumors everywhere.  He  was referred and met the requirements for ALT-801 clinical trial. The treatment halted the tumors and no new growth for 3 months after the treatment, then 2 larger tumors started to grow.  Dr. recommended Yervoy, minor side effects thru the 2nd treatment. Then things started to change and so has Dad mentally , we called the Dr and after MRI today we find out he has 3 spots on the brain in different area's  surgery is not looking like an option,  radiation has been mentioned. We go this Thursday for consult.  If you don't mind please tell me about  your treatment.

                                                                            Penny S.
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              Well, I am new to this ball park, I've been surfing this site since my Dad got the news he had Melanoma 2yrs ago, and today  he landed into a new ball park and  I landed here after reading your post.  

                                                                               Dad has been fighting this ugly beast for two years, first a spot on the chest, it looked like a blood bluster, our GP thought it was nothing to worry about, (WRONG).  It turned out to be melanoma, after surgery   test showed at that time it had not spread.   18 months later it showed up in the lungs, lots of small tumors everywhere.  He  was referred and met the requirements for ALT-801 clinical trial. The treatment halted the tumors and no new growth for 3 months after the treatment, then 2 larger tumors started to grow.  Dr. recommended Yervoy, minor side effects thru the 2nd treatment. Then things started to change and so has Dad mentally , we called the Dr and after MRI today we find out he has 3 spots on the brain in different area's  surgery is not looking like an option,  radiation has been mentioned. We go this Thursday for consult.  If you don't mind please tell me about  your treatment.

                                                                            jag
                                                                            Participant
                                                                              First brain tumor 2006, last one 2008. Brain metastases are by no means a death sentence.
                                                                              jag
                                                                              Participant
                                                                                First brain tumor 2006, last one 2008. Brain metastases are by no means a death sentence.
                                                                                momof2kids
                                                                                Participant

                                                                                  Thanks for replying everyone, all great replies, and being new to all of this (I'm 4 months into this), I'm still totally unknowledgeable about most items, like the BRAF, so it's good to know that there's nothing better/worse having it/not having it from what that talks about.

                                                                                  o2bcheri, yes, if you have a link, please post it.  

                                                                                  Jag, it's good to know that you haven't had anymore Brain tumors since 2008, of course, I hope it stays that way.  I'm just hoping I'm the same way once my spots are gone, or if I have to do another treatment to get rid of them, just don't want anymore of those.

                                                                                   

                                                                                  momof2kids
                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                    Thanks for replying everyone, all great replies, and being new to all of this (I'm 4 months into this), I'm still totally unknowledgeable about most items, like the BRAF, so it's good to know that there's nothing better/worse having it/not having it from what that talks about.

                                                                                    o2bcheri, yes, if you have a link, please post it.  

                                                                                    Jag, it's good to know that you haven't had anymore Brain tumors since 2008, of course, I hope it stays that way.  I'm just hoping I'm the same way once my spots are gone, or if I have to do another treatment to get rid of them, just don't want anymore of those.

                                                                                     

                                                                                    momof2kids
                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                      Thanks for replying everyone, all great replies, and being new to all of this (I'm 4 months into this), I'm still totally unknowledgeable about most items, like the BRAF, so it's good to know that there's nothing better/worse having it/not having it from what that talks about.

                                                                                      o2bcheri, yes, if you have a link, please post it.  

                                                                                      Jag, it's good to know that you haven't had anymore Brain tumors since 2008, of course, I hope it stays that way.  I'm just hoping I'm the same way once my spots are gone, or if I have to do another treatment to get rid of them, just don't want anymore of those.

                                                                                       

                                                                                      dian in spokane
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        Yes, there are people out there in this community who have survived brain tumors. Most of those, I believe, have had surgical removal or directed radiation to individual tumors. Our gal Nic from Oz had an astonishing number of crainiotomies. But, CaroleK is a great example for you because she had surgical removal ten years ago and has not again been visited by melanoma. I hope that YOU will be like her, not even visiting this place anymore in ten years because melanoma has not darkened your door again.

                                                                                        But I know you are too much in the thick of things to see that ahead of you right now.

                                                                                        It used to be easier  for me to search this board based on certain criteria, so I can't navigate as well. I know there are a few people who used to come here besides Carole too, who I could point to. But I bet I can find Carole and get you in touch with her if you'd like.

                                                                                        I do not know, statistically, if a metastasis to the brain from melanoma can kill one faster than one to the liver or lung, but I can tell you that it kills in many ways. Since I've been here, I've seen a few folks go from brain tumors, but more from other tumors, bone tumors, liver tumors, lung tumors, plenty from just overall tumor burdon all over their bodies, subcutaneous and in organs, and perhaps most heartbreaking, one young woman died with a tumor that wrapped around the arteries of her heart, and finally her heart itself. I remember a young woman who died just 6 weeks after giving birth, she found out about her melanoma during her pregnancy.  

                                                                                        There's no getting away from your statistical prognosis, but there's also the chance that YOU will be the one we are pointing at in ten years and telling newcomers about your miraculous rebound. Statistics are all about numbers, not individual people.

                                                                                        I've yet to see any logic, justice or order to the way that melanoma kills.

                                                                                        dian in spokane
                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                          Yes, there are people out there in this community who have survived brain tumors. Most of those, I believe, have had surgical removal or directed radiation to individual tumors. Our gal Nic from Oz had an astonishing number of crainiotomies. But, CaroleK is a great example for you because she had surgical removal ten years ago and has not again been visited by melanoma. I hope that YOU will be like her, not even visiting this place anymore in ten years because melanoma has not darkened your door again.

                                                                                          But I know you are too much in the thick of things to see that ahead of you right now.

                                                                                          It used to be easier  for me to search this board based on certain criteria, so I can't navigate as well. I know there are a few people who used to come here besides Carole too, who I could point to. But I bet I can find Carole and get you in touch with her if you'd like.

                                                                                          I do not know, statistically, if a metastasis to the brain from melanoma can kill one faster than one to the liver or lung, but I can tell you that it kills in many ways. Since I've been here, I've seen a few folks go from brain tumors, but more from other tumors, bone tumors, liver tumors, lung tumors, plenty from just overall tumor burdon all over their bodies, subcutaneous and in organs, and perhaps most heartbreaking, one young woman died with a tumor that wrapped around the arteries of her heart, and finally her heart itself. I remember a young woman who died just 6 weeks after giving birth, she found out about her melanoma during her pregnancy.  

                                                                                          There's no getting away from your statistical prognosis, but there's also the chance that YOU will be the one we are pointing at in ten years and telling newcomers about your miraculous rebound. Statistics are all about numbers, not individual people.

                                                                                          I've yet to see any logic, justice or order to the way that melanoma kills.

                                                                                          dian in spokane
                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                            Yes, there are people out there in this community who have survived brain tumors. Most of those, I believe, have had surgical removal or directed radiation to individual tumors. Our gal Nic from Oz had an astonishing number of crainiotomies. But, CaroleK is a great example for you because she had surgical removal ten years ago and has not again been visited by melanoma. I hope that YOU will be like her, not even visiting this place anymore in ten years because melanoma has not darkened your door again.

                                                                                            But I know you are too much in the thick of things to see that ahead of you right now.

                                                                                            It used to be easier  for me to search this board based on certain criteria, so I can't navigate as well. I know there are a few people who used to come here besides Carole too, who I could point to. But I bet I can find Carole and get you in touch with her if you'd like.

                                                                                            I do not know, statistically, if a metastasis to the brain from melanoma can kill one faster than one to the liver or lung, but I can tell you that it kills in many ways. Since I've been here, I've seen a few folks go from brain tumors, but more from other tumors, bone tumors, liver tumors, lung tumors, plenty from just overall tumor burdon all over their bodies, subcutaneous and in organs, and perhaps most heartbreaking, one young woman died with a tumor that wrapped around the arteries of her heart, and finally her heart itself. I remember a young woman who died just 6 weeks after giving birth, she found out about her melanoma during her pregnancy.  

                                                                                            There's no getting away from your statistical prognosis, but there's also the chance that YOU will be the one we are pointing at in ten years and telling newcomers about your miraculous rebound. Statistics are all about numbers, not individual people.

                                                                                            I've yet to see any logic, justice or order to the way that melanoma kills.

                                                                                            momof2kids
                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                              I found Carol's profile, but it won't let me contact her, if anyone knows how, please let me know.

                                                                                              Thanks for the info, I just figured once you got brain tumors, that they'd be a constant ordeal and keep coming back, it's great to know that this isn't always the case.

                                                                                              momof2kids
                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                I found Carol's profile, but it won't let me contact her, if anyone knows how, please let me know.

                                                                                                Thanks for the info, I just figured once you got brain tumors, that they'd be a constant ordeal and keep coming back, it's great to know that this isn't always the case.

                                                                                                momof2kids
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  I found Carol's profile, but it won't let me contact her, if anyone knows how, please let me know.

                                                                                                  Thanks for the info, I just figured once you got brain tumors, that they'd be a constant ordeal and keep coming back, it's great to know that this isn't always the case.

                                                                                                  Amazing info and stories! My mom recently moved from stage III to stage IV with 7 brain mets. She had a stroke from the brain mets because one bled. She's had gamma knife brain radiation on 6 of them and will be going back for the 7th one soon. I've been researching drug treatment options. It is hopeful to read these inspiring stories!!!

                                                                                                  Amazing info and stories! My mom recently moved from stage III to stage IV with 7 brain mets. She had a stroke from the brain mets because one bled. She's had gamma knife brain radiation on 6 of them and will be going back for the 7th one soon. I've been researching drug treatment options. It is hopeful to read these inspiring stories!!!

                                                                                                  Amazing info and stories! My mom recently moved from stage III to stage IV with 7 brain mets. She had a stroke from the brain mets because one bled. She's had gamma knife brain radiation on 6 of them and will be going back for the 7th one soon. I've been researching drug treatment options. It is hopeful to read these inspiring stories!!!

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                                                                                              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.

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