Greetings
I used to be a regular here back around the years 2000 to 2007 when mpip.org had the chat room. The combination of posting and live chat was a good way to take the edge off worrying about what’s next with this cancer. Many friends were made and I attended the likely last group get together near the Duke University campus. Unfortunately, the website “melasuckanoma.com” that had pictures of all the events of the years appears to be gone.
I started out stage 1A in 1999 and progressed to stage 3B in 2004 with a lymph node in my right axilla. I wound up getting the axilla dissection and 5 rounds of radiation and then I opted for clinical trial for an experimental vaccine called Mel43 from UVA instead of the routine Interferon. I worked for Schering Plough in the mid 70’s and was considered as an engineer to help build the Interferon plant in Ireland well before all this happened to me, but they chose another team member. Two years ago I had a new melanoma lesion on my back that was excised at Fox Chase in Philadelphia. Years ago I got a machine to help with the lymphedema in my right arm called FlexiTouch. It helps a bit but the arm is always swollen
Over the years I had scan after scan and luckily stayed NED and was able to work and I just retired from a chemical engineering career. As a side note, in my high school years, I joined the chess club and teamed up with George R R Martin who was a year ahead of me. Still playing online chess but not so good anymore but I did beat George a few times back then !!
I have always tried to take some supplements all these years but who knows if they helped or not but I plan on staying the course. Overall I am a big proponent of trying to optimize my own immune system to do the best it can fighting cancer cells and other diseases.
Wishing everyone here fighting melanoma the best and prayers for the best outcome possible. I always remember nervously reading the scan reports and looking for the word “Unremarkable” as that was a good thing.
Just wanted all to know that there is always hope for good outcomes.
Mike from NJ
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