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.

Friend just diagnosed Stage IV, is there hope?

Forums General Melanoma Community Friend just diagnosed Stage IV, is there hope?

  • Post
    mlbjab
    Participant

      A high school classmate of mine was just diagnosed with stage IV melanoma after having a fairly shallow melanoma removed almost 5 yrs ago with negative SNB.  He had GI issues and tests were run that showed the melanoma is in liver, lung and adrenal glands.  He chose hospice and no treatment.  Is there not a treatment or hope for him?  I know it is his choice, but if there is any chance??  He is young (30s) and has children and a wife. 

      A high school classmate of mine was just diagnosed with stage IV melanoma after having a fairly shallow melanoma removed almost 5 yrs ago with negative SNB.  He had GI issues and tests were run that showed the melanoma is in liver, lung and adrenal glands.  He chose hospice and no treatment.  Is there not a treatment or hope for him?  I know it is his choice, but if there is any chance??  He is young (30s) and has children and a wife. 

    Viewing 38 reply threads
    • Replies
        melissa ann
        Participant

          Hi, has he had treatment of any kind?  Has he seen a melanoma specialist?  There are several treatments out there that could possibly help him.  A melanoma specialist is key.  Where does he live?  There is a ot of help to be had on this board, I am glad you posted.  Melissa

          melissa ann
          Participant

            Hi, has he had treatment of any kind?  Has he seen a melanoma specialist?  There are several treatments out there that could possibly help him.  A melanoma specialist is key.  Where does he live?  There is a ot of help to be had on this board, I am glad you posted.  Melissa

            melissa ann
            Participant

              Hi, has he had treatment of any kind?  Has he seen a melanoma specialist?  There are several treatments out there that could possibly help him.  A melanoma specialist is key.  Where does he live?  There is a ot of help to be had on this board, I am glad you posted.  Melissa

              jag
              Participant

                Are you saying he hasn't even looked into any treatments?

                  mlbjab
                  Participant

                    Yes, I'm saying that he is making the choice of hospice.  As a couple, they have decided this is best for them, but I've seen so many people on this site who have come back, even with advanced spread.  He is choosing pallitive care and the dr's are giving him months to live.

                    mlbjab
                    Participant

                      Yes, I'm saying that he is making the choice of hospice.  As a couple, they have decided this is best for them, but I've seen so many people on this site who have come back, even with advanced spread.  He is choosing pallitive care and the dr's are giving him months to live.

                      mlbjab
                      Participant

                        Yes, I'm saying that he is making the choice of hospice.  As a couple, they have decided this is best for them, but I've seen so many people on this site who have come back, even with advanced spread.  He is choosing pallitive care and the dr's are giving him months to live.

                      jag
                      Participant

                        Are you saying he hasn't even looked into any treatments?

                        jag
                        Participant

                          Are you saying he hasn't even looked into any treatments?

                          Linny
                          Participant

                            There are a number of stage IV folks here who have been around for years, so yes, there IS HOPE!

                            Over the past year the FDA approved two new drugs for treatment of melanoma: Yervoy and Zelboraf. Many folks are doing well on these drugs. There also are clinical trials he may qualify for.

                            It sounds like he's thrown in the towel and there's no reason for that. Not at all.

                            If he's not seeing a melanoma specialist, then he needs to find one and get the full lowdown on treatment options.

                            Linda

                            Linny
                            Participant

                              There are a number of stage IV folks here who have been around for years, so yes, there IS HOPE!

                              Over the past year the FDA approved two new drugs for treatment of melanoma: Yervoy and Zelboraf. Many folks are doing well on these drugs. There also are clinical trials he may qualify for.

                              It sounds like he's thrown in the towel and there's no reason for that. Not at all.

                              If he's not seeing a melanoma specialist, then he needs to find one and get the full lowdown on treatment options.

                              Linda

                              Linny
                              Participant

                                There are a number of stage IV folks here who have been around for years, so yes, there IS HOPE!

                                Over the past year the FDA approved two new drugs for treatment of melanoma: Yervoy and Zelboraf. Many folks are doing well on these drugs. There also are clinical trials he may qualify for.

                                It sounds like he's thrown in the towel and there's no reason for that. Not at all.

                                If he's not seeing a melanoma specialist, then he needs to find one and get the full lowdown on treatment options.

                                Linda

                                aldakota22
                                Participant

                                    I know he must be scared silly.Tell him that there is a good chance he can beat it.The odds are not in his favor but without  a fight he will definely loose.The idea many of us with this beast is to fight to stay alive till the right treatment is discovered.Remember the AIDS desease was a death sentence but now it no longer is.Just look at Magic Johnson who seems to be pretty much alive and thriving.Tell him to fight at least for his familys sake.There are many here that will offer support to him.God Bless.Keep us posted

                                  aldakota22
                                  Participant

                                      I know he must be scared silly.Tell him that there is a good chance he can beat it.The odds are not in his favor but without  a fight he will definely loose.The idea many of us with this beast is to fight to stay alive till the right treatment is discovered.Remember the AIDS desease was a death sentence but now it no longer is.Just look at Magic Johnson who seems to be pretty much alive and thriving.Tell him to fight at least for his familys sake.There are many here that will offer support to him.God Bless.Keep us posted

                                    aldakota22
                                    Participant

                                        I know he must be scared silly.Tell him that there is a good chance he can beat it.The odds are not in his favor but without  a fight he will definely loose.The idea many of us with this beast is to fight to stay alive till the right treatment is discovered.Remember the AIDS desease was a death sentence but now it no longer is.Just look at Magic Johnson who seems to be pretty much alive and thriving.Tell him to fight at least for his familys sake.There are many here that will offer support to him.God Bless.Keep us posted

                                      LynnLuc
                                      Participant

                                        I am stage 4 and I have been NED (No Evidence of Disease ) for 2 years…he needs to fight and at least try a few clinical trials using Yervoy,MDX 1106 ( anti pd-1) or B-raf . First thing is he needs a melanoma specialist, not a regular oncologist…Lynn

                                        LynnLuc
                                        Participant

                                          I am stage 4 and I have been NED (No Evidence of Disease ) for 2 years…he needs to fight and at least try a few clinical trials using Yervoy,MDX 1106 ( anti pd-1) or B-raf . First thing is he needs a melanoma specialist, not a regular oncologist…Lynn

                                          LynnLuc
                                          Participant

                                            I am stage 4 and I have been NED (No Evidence of Disease ) for 2 years…he needs to fight and at least try a few clinical trials using Yervoy,MDX 1106 ( anti pd-1) or B-raf . First thing is he needs a melanoma specialist, not a regular oncologist…Lynn

                                              LynnLuc
                                              Participant

                                                PS I saw you had lentigo maligna…so did I . It is considered slow growing and that is why mine ( which was first found/removed in 92- it came back in 96 and had it removed again ( always clean lymph nodes) in 2000…it came back again in 2009 by my heart and was over 6.8 cent at its widest area…I have been NED since March 26,2010. ( nearing 2 years!

                                                mlbjab
                                                Participant

                                                  Hi there,

                                                  Yes, I did have a lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) removed in 2008.  I got a couple reads on my pathology and it was a very low risk lesion and confirmed in situ so I don't worry about it spreading, although I do keep an eye on scar for recurrence and have had it biopsied once.  I read your patnet.  I am sorry your melanoma is now stage IV.  Cancer sucks!  Stay strong!

                                                  mlbjab
                                                  Participant

                                                    Hi there,

                                                    Yes, I did have a lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) removed in 2008.  I got a couple reads on my pathology and it was a very low risk lesion and confirmed in situ so I don't worry about it spreading, although I do keep an eye on scar for recurrence and have had it biopsied once.  I read your patnet.  I am sorry your melanoma is now stage IV.  Cancer sucks!  Stay strong!

                                                    mlbjab
                                                    Participant

                                                      Hi there,

                                                      Yes, I did have a lentigo maligna (melanoma in situ) removed in 2008.  I got a couple reads on my pathology and it was a very low risk lesion and confirmed in situ so I don't worry about it spreading, although I do keep an eye on scar for recurrence and have had it biopsied once.  I read your patnet.  I am sorry your melanoma is now stage IV.  Cancer sucks!  Stay strong!

                                                      LynnLuc
                                                      Participant

                                                        PS I saw you had lentigo maligna…so did I . It is considered slow growing and that is why mine ( which was first found/removed in 92- it came back in 96 and had it removed again ( always clean lymph nodes) in 2000…it came back again in 2009 by my heart and was over 6.8 cent at its widest area…I have been NED since March 26,2010. ( nearing 2 years!

                                                        LynnLuc
                                                        Participant

                                                          PS I saw you had lentigo maligna…so did I . It is considered slow growing and that is why mine ( which was first found/removed in 92- it came back in 96 and had it removed again ( always clean lymph nodes) in 2000…it came back again in 2009 by my heart and was over 6.8 cent at its widest area…I have been NED since March 26,2010. ( nearing 2 years!

                                                        NancyGM
                                                        Participant

                                                          I have been stage IV / NED (no evidence of disease) for FOUR years . I only had metastasis to my lung, but I did a chemo pill called Temodar (temozolamide) for 11 months. It had minimal side effects- didn't loose my hair, nausea was controlled well with other drugs. A little hope can go a long way sometimes. There are those who have had a full and durable response to a treatment. Best of luck to your friend.

                                                          NancyGM
                                                          Participant

                                                            I have been stage IV / NED (no evidence of disease) for FOUR years . I only had metastasis to my lung, but I did a chemo pill called Temodar (temozolamide) for 11 months. It had minimal side effects- didn't loose my hair, nausea was controlled well with other drugs. A little hope can go a long way sometimes. There are those who have had a full and durable response to a treatment. Best of luck to your friend.

                                                            NancyGM
                                                            Participant

                                                              I have been stage IV / NED (no evidence of disease) for FOUR years . I only had metastasis to my lung, but I did a chemo pill called Temodar (temozolamide) for 11 months. It had minimal side effects- didn't loose my hair, nausea was controlled well with other drugs. A little hope can go a long way sometimes. There are those who have had a full and durable response to a treatment. Best of luck to your friend.

                                                              jmmm
                                                              Participant
                                                                My husband was given 6-9 months in January 2011 wit tumors in lymph nodes, lungs, GI tract, and brain. Thanks to 4 surgeries, Yervoy and Zelboraf, he is still here and feeling fairly good. He still has tumors, but we are squeezing in as much as we can with our young boys. Definitely don’t give up! Since diagnosis, he’s been zip lining in Belize, took our kids to DisneyWorld, and celebrated a years worth of holidays we didn’t think we’d have. Find a melanoma specialist and fight! There are several treatments…none are curative, but they can definitely buy more time.
                                                                jmmm
                                                                Participant
                                                                  My husband was given 6-9 months in January 2011 wit tumors in lymph nodes, lungs, GI tract, and brain. Thanks to 4 surgeries, Yervoy and Zelboraf, he is still here and feeling fairly good. He still has tumors, but we are squeezing in as much as we can with our young boys. Definitely don’t give up! Since diagnosis, he’s been zip lining in Belize, took our kids to DisneyWorld, and celebrated a years worth of holidays we didn’t think we’d have. Find a melanoma specialist and fight! There are several treatments…none are curative, but they can definitely buy more time.
                                                                  jmmm
                                                                  Participant
                                                                    My husband was given 6-9 months in January 2011 wit tumors in lymph nodes, lungs, GI tract, and brain. Thanks to 4 surgeries, Yervoy and Zelboraf, he is still here and feeling fairly good. He still has tumors, but we are squeezing in as much as we can with our young boys. Definitely don’t give up! Since diagnosis, he’s been zip lining in Belize, took our kids to DisneyWorld, and celebrated a years worth of holidays we didn’t think we’d have. Find a melanoma specialist and fight! There are several treatments…none are curative, but they can definitely buy more time.
                                                                    Gene_S
                                                                    Participant

                                                                      Hello,

                                                                      My husband was diagnosed with his first melanoma in Jan. 2008 and his first SNB came back negative.  He has had 4 surgeries and was NED for 6 to 9 months between each.

                                                                      Oct. 2010  we found out he had another spot on his head and it was pressing on the spine, which made it inoperable.  Upon scans found out he had it in his liver and lungs as well.  In March 2011 he went into a clinical trial for Ipi (Yervoy).  The one on his head is totally gone and the lungs as well.  He still has some in his liver but considering it was 5 x 6 and now under 2 x 2 we consider things are going well.  If my husband had not been put into this clinical trial or tried something who knows if he would still be here.

                                                                      Please tell him to see a melanoma specialist as there are many things that can help extend life and maybe even make him NED (no evidence of disease).  He should not give up on life so easily and try to extend it to get as much as possible  out of life with his wife and kids.

                                                                      Best of luck to you friend and I will pray he finds some help.

                                                                      Judy (loving wife and caregiver to Gene Stage IV)

                                                                      Gene_S
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        Hello,

                                                                        My husband was diagnosed with his first melanoma in Jan. 2008 and his first SNB came back negative.  He has had 4 surgeries and was NED for 6 to 9 months between each.

                                                                        Oct. 2010  we found out he had another spot on his head and it was pressing on the spine, which made it inoperable.  Upon scans found out he had it in his liver and lungs as well.  In March 2011 he went into a clinical trial for Ipi (Yervoy).  The one on his head is totally gone and the lungs as well.  He still has some in his liver but considering it was 5 x 6 and now under 2 x 2 we consider things are going well.  If my husband had not been put into this clinical trial or tried something who knows if he would still be here.

                                                                        Please tell him to see a melanoma specialist as there are many things that can help extend life and maybe even make him NED (no evidence of disease).  He should not give up on life so easily and try to extend it to get as much as possible  out of life with his wife and kids.

                                                                        Best of luck to you friend and I will pray he finds some help.

                                                                        Judy (loving wife and caregiver to Gene Stage IV)

                                                                        Gene_S
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          Hello,

                                                                          My husband was diagnosed with his first melanoma in Jan. 2008 and his first SNB came back negative.  He has had 4 surgeries and was NED for 6 to 9 months between each.

                                                                          Oct. 2010  we found out he had another spot on his head and it was pressing on the spine, which made it inoperable.  Upon scans found out he had it in his liver and lungs as well.  In March 2011 he went into a clinical trial for Ipi (Yervoy).  The one on his head is totally gone and the lungs as well.  He still has some in his liver but considering it was 5 x 6 and now under 2 x 2 we consider things are going well.  If my husband had not been put into this clinical trial or tried something who knows if he would still be here.

                                                                          Please tell him to see a melanoma specialist as there are many things that can help extend life and maybe even make him NED (no evidence of disease).  He should not give up on life so easily and try to extend it to get as much as possible  out of life with his wife and kids.

                                                                          Best of luck to you friend and I will pray he finds some help.

                                                                          Judy (loving wife and caregiver to Gene Stage IV)

                                                                          dodgedh2
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            I agree with what has already been stated. FIGHT! I have been NED four nearly four years (in June) after having found to have met to the bone (sacrum). There has been tremendous progress on fighting melanoma over the last few years. I strongly suggest that they seek out a melanoma specialist. Only when they have an informed decision, should they make one that almost certainly means death. Personally, I would go as far as to TRY some of the treatments that would be suggested by a melanoma specialist before "giving up". A response to treatment would give more hope, where as , failure to respond to any treatment could then be used to justify there original decision. I pray that they will be swayed by the arguments here and at LEAST see a melanoma specialist first.

                                                                            dodgedh2
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              I agree with what has already been stated. FIGHT! I have been NED four nearly four years (in June) after having found to have met to the bone (sacrum). There has been tremendous progress on fighting melanoma over the last few years. I strongly suggest that they seek out a melanoma specialist. Only when they have an informed decision, should they make one that almost certainly means death. Personally, I would go as far as to TRY some of the treatments that would be suggested by a melanoma specialist before "giving up". A response to treatment would give more hope, where as , failure to respond to any treatment could then be used to justify there original decision. I pray that they will be swayed by the arguments here and at LEAST see a melanoma specialist first.

                                                                              dodgedh2
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                I agree with what has already been stated. FIGHT! I have been NED four nearly four years (in June) after having found to have met to the bone (sacrum). There has been tremendous progress on fighting melanoma over the last few years. I strongly suggest that they seek out a melanoma specialist. Only when they have an informed decision, should they make one that almost certainly means death. Personally, I would go as far as to TRY some of the treatments that would be suggested by a melanoma specialist before "giving up". A response to treatment would give more hope, where as , failure to respond to any treatment could then be used to justify there original decision. I pray that they will be swayed by the arguments here and at LEAST see a melanoma specialist first.

                                                                                  mlbjab
                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                    I am not sure it's even my place to say anything, and I haven't yet, but I might.  It is his personal choice.  I think I will just put a link to this site on his caringbridge page.  I appreciate all the responses and admire all of your strength!

                                                                                    mlbjab
                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                      I am not sure it's even my place to say anything, and I haven't yet, but I might.  It is his personal choice.  I think I will just put a link to this site on his caringbridge page.  I appreciate all the responses and admire all of your strength!

                                                                                      mlbjab
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        I am not sure it's even my place to say anything, and I haven't yet, but I might.  It is his personal choice.  I think I will just put a link to this site on his caringbridge page.  I appreciate all the responses and admire all of your strength!

                                                                                      SStamps
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        Is it  insurance or money? I do not know how he is feeling but from a caregiver for a stage 4 warrior I would encourage your friend to fight so he can show his children how to never give up! Celebrate one more birthday, anniversary, holiday even another weekend!  Around this time last year my husband started having bad headaches that led to the stage 4 diagnoses brain, bone, and lung. Has had recent radiation for a spinal tumor and is fighting leptomeningeal. We are in Houston now for scans to see if the treatment for the leptomeningeal is helping.  It may be selfish of me but I am glad he is fighting for us and our family.  I pray your friends will change their minds and put up a fight.

                                                                                        Samantha

                                                                                        SStamps
                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                          Is it  insurance or money? I do not know how he is feeling but from a caregiver for a stage 4 warrior I would encourage your friend to fight so he can show his children how to never give up! Celebrate one more birthday, anniversary, holiday even another weekend!  Around this time last year my husband started having bad headaches that led to the stage 4 diagnoses brain, bone, and lung. Has had recent radiation for a spinal tumor and is fighting leptomeningeal. We are in Houston now for scans to see if the treatment for the leptomeningeal is helping.  It may be selfish of me but I am glad he is fighting for us and our family.  I pray your friends will change their minds and put up a fight.

                                                                                          Samantha

                                                                                          SStamps
                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                            Is it  insurance or money? I do not know how he is feeling but from a caregiver for a stage 4 warrior I would encourage your friend to fight so he can show his children how to never give up! Celebrate one more birthday, anniversary, holiday even another weekend!  Around this time last year my husband started having bad headaches that led to the stage 4 diagnoses brain, bone, and lung. Has had recent radiation for a spinal tumor and is fighting leptomeningeal. We are in Houston now for scans to see if the treatment for the leptomeningeal is helping.  It may be selfish of me but I am glad he is fighting for us and our family.  I pray your friends will change their minds and put up a fight.

                                                                                            Samantha

                                                                                              fdess056
                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                Hi Samantha.  i was intrigued by your response to "Friend" in that i have a case very similar to your husband's.  I was diagnosed stage 3C in 2009 with a  primary on my forehead and metastasis to my parotid gland and 2 neck lymph nodes.  After surgery, radiation and Interferon I was NED for 20 months.  I'm now stage 4;  bone (knee), lung and leptominingeal. (left lobe of brain)   I'm waiting for my radiation onc to call me with an appointment, for Gamma Knife on the brain.  No talk yet of ommaya.  You and your husband are in my thoughts.  Please keep us informed of his progress through the IL2.

                                                                                                frankd brooklyn

                                                                                                fdess056
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  Hi Samantha.  i was intrigued by your response to "Friend" in that i have a case very similar to your husband's.  I was diagnosed stage 3C in 2009 with a  primary on my forehead and metastasis to my parotid gland and 2 neck lymph nodes.  After surgery, radiation and Interferon I was NED for 20 months.  I'm now stage 4;  bone (knee), lung and leptominingeal. (left lobe of brain)   I'm waiting for my radiation onc to call me with an appointment, for Gamma Knife on the brain.  No talk yet of ommaya.  You and your husband are in my thoughts.  Please keep us informed of his progress through the IL2.

                                                                                                  frankd brooklyn

                                                                                                  fdess056
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    Hi Samantha.  i was intrigued by your response to "Friend" in that i have a case very similar to your husband's.  I was diagnosed stage 3C in 2009 with a  primary on my forehead and metastasis to my parotid gland and 2 neck lymph nodes.  After surgery, radiation and Interferon I was NED for 20 months.  I'm now stage 4;  bone (knee), lung and leptominingeal. (left lobe of brain)   I'm waiting for my radiation onc to call me with an appointment, for Gamma Knife on the brain.  No talk yet of ommaya.  You and your husband are in my thoughts.  Please keep us informed of his progress through the IL2.

                                                                                                    frankd brooklyn

                                                                                                  Theresa123
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    I almost gave up too.  I felt like suicide after my dx in June, 2009 with advanced Stage IV, and a Doctor who told me I had 3 months to live.  Here I am, almost 3 years later!!  Tell him not to give up.  There is always hope.  Clinical trials, for one thing.  Go to Angeles Clinic, or National Institute of Health.

                                                                                                    God Bless

                                                                                                    Terri

                                                                                                    Theresa123
                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                      I almost gave up too.  I felt like suicide after my dx in June, 2009 with advanced Stage IV, and a Doctor who told me I had 3 months to live.  Here I am, almost 3 years later!!  Tell him not to give up.  There is always hope.  Clinical trials, for one thing.  Go to Angeles Clinic, or National Institute of Health.

                                                                                                      God Bless

                                                                                                      Terri

                                                                                                      Theresa123
                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                        I almost gave up too.  I felt like suicide after my dx in June, 2009 with advanced Stage IV, and a Doctor who told me I had 3 months to live.  Here I am, almost 3 years later!!  Tell him not to give up.  There is always hope.  Clinical trials, for one thing.  Go to Angeles Clinic, or National Institute of Health.

                                                                                                        God Bless

                                                                                                        Terri

                                                                                                        mlbjab
                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                          I thought I'd update this post.  He lost his battle approx a month ago, it was very difficult in the end but they kept a positive attitude.  The day before his memorial her son was dx with a tumor in his chest that they suspected was malignant.  He is 17.   Thankfully,  it was a teratoma.  She has a blog that is quite uplifting.

                                                                                                          http://joyfulonpurpose.com/

                                                                                                          mlbjab
                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                            I thought I'd update this post.  He lost his battle approx a month ago, it was very difficult in the end but they kept a positive attitude.  The day before his memorial her son was dx with a tumor in his chest that they suspected was malignant.  He is 17.   Thankfully,  it was a teratoma.  She has a blog that is quite uplifting.

                                                                                                            http://joyfulonpurpose.com/

                                                                                                            mlbjab
                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                              I thought I'd update this post.  He lost his battle approx a month ago, it was very difficult in the end but they kept a positive attitude.  The day before his memorial her son was dx with a tumor in his chest that they suspected was malignant.  He is 17.   Thankfully,  it was a teratoma.  She has a blog that is quite uplifting.

                                                                                                              http://joyfulonpurpose.com/

                                                                                                              JerryfromFauq
                                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                                Thank you for your post.  Yes, it was his decision.  This  also shows oihers what is quite sure to happen if one does not fight.  We have others have fought and went as fast.  We also have some that have had active stage 4 disease for as long as16 years that are fighting on.  We also know some that were given, at stage 4, months to live over 20 years ago and and have almost forgotten that they ever had melanoma.

                                                                                                                No guaratee if one fights, BUT, AT STAGE 4, pretty much one as to what happens if one doesn't.

                                                                                                                Glad to hear the son's was not malinant.

                                                                                                                JerryfromFauq
                                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                                  Thank you for your post.  Yes, it was his decision.  This  also shows oihers what is quite sure to happen if one does not fight.  We have others have fought and went as fast.  We also have some that have had active stage 4 disease for as long as16 years that are fighting on.  We also know some that were given, at stage 4, months to live over 20 years ago and and have almost forgotten that they ever had melanoma.

                                                                                                                  No guaratee if one fights, BUT, AT STAGE 4, pretty much one as to what happens if one doesn't.

                                                                                                                  Glad to hear the son's was not malinant.

                                                                                                                  JerryfromFauq
                                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                                    Thank you for your post.  Yes, it was his decision.  This  also shows oihers what is quite sure to happen if one does not fight.  We have others have fought and went as fast.  We also have some that have had active stage 4 disease for as long as16 years that are fighting on.  We also know some that were given, at stage 4, months to live over 20 years ago and and have almost forgotten that they ever had melanoma.

                                                                                                                    No guaratee if one fights, BUT, AT STAGE 4, pretty much one as to what happens if one doesn't.

                                                                                                                    Glad to hear the son's was not malinant.

                                                                                                                Viewing 38 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