› Forums › General Melanoma Community › New stage IV diagnosis, help!!
- This topic has 36 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 2 months ago by
qtkitycat.
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- February 1, 2013 at 9:32 pm
My fiance was just diagnosed with stage IV melanoma. He orginally had a large mole on his back removed 6/12 that was malignant. They did a cential node biopsy for 2 nodes at that time also. Everything came back cleared, no evidence of any remaining cancer.
My fiance was just diagnosed with stage IV melanoma. He orginally had a large mole on his back removed 6/12 that was malignant. They did a cential node biopsy for 2 nodes at that time also. Everything came back cleared, no evidence of any remaining cancer.
Now, 7 months later, he has been told the melanoma has spread to his lungs, liver, kidney, adrenal glands, spleen and testicle. We are both devastated with this news. The outlook is grim. They are waiting for the Braf Mutation test to come back before they proceed with any treatment. Doctors have told us there is no cure, only so many different treatments to go through until he becomes resistant to everything.
There's got to be a better outcome. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
- Replies
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- February 1, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Don't lose hope. Many on here have been stage IV for many years. If it were me, I'd be avoiding sugar and white flour carbs and go thru the recommended treatment. High blood glucose levels and insulin releasing helps cancer grow. Inform yourself as much as possible by speaking to your doc (hopefully a melanoma specialist), searching the internet, and hearing out the people here. Best wishes.
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- February 1, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Don't lose hope. Many on here have been stage IV for many years. If it were me, I'd be avoiding sugar and white flour carbs and go thru the recommended treatment. High blood glucose levels and insulin releasing helps cancer grow. Inform yourself as much as possible by speaking to your doc (hopefully a melanoma specialist), searching the internet, and hearing out the people here. Best wishes.
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- February 1, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Don't lose hope. Many on here have been stage IV for many years. If it were me, I'd be avoiding sugar and white flour carbs and go thru the recommended treatment. High blood glucose levels and insulin releasing helps cancer grow. Inform yourself as much as possible by speaking to your doc (hopefully a melanoma specialist), searching the internet, and hearing out the people here. Best wishes.
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- February 1, 2013 at 10:52 pm
Hey,
It's not exactly accurate that "there is no cure, only different treatments to go through until he becomes resistant to everything." In fact, the only drug that I know of that people almost always become resistant to is the BRAF drug that your fiance is currenty being tested for. Though "cure" is not a word melanoma doctors often use, many people become "NED" which stands for No Evidence Of Disease. Even people who are not NED can lead normal lives while going from one treatment to another. I personally have been stage IV for 3 and a half years, and have been working and generally feeling great for most of that time. As you'll see on this forum, there are new drugs coming out all the time. What I'm saying is, your fiance's diagnosis is terrible news, but it isn't necessarily as grim as you might be thinking right now. For instance, two years ago, I had cancer in my brain, liver, and lungs. I currently have no detectable cancer in any of those very important places, and I haven't had surgery in any of them (though I did have some side-effect-free radiation in my brain). These new drugs (and they are very new) can work amazingly well. So. Deep breath, make sure you're going to a melanoma specialist, and best of luck!
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- February 1, 2013 at 10:52 pm
Hey,
It's not exactly accurate that "there is no cure, only different treatments to go through until he becomes resistant to everything." In fact, the only drug that I know of that people almost always become resistant to is the BRAF drug that your fiance is currenty being tested for. Though "cure" is not a word melanoma doctors often use, many people become "NED" which stands for No Evidence Of Disease. Even people who are not NED can lead normal lives while going from one treatment to another. I personally have been stage IV for 3 and a half years, and have been working and generally feeling great for most of that time. As you'll see on this forum, there are new drugs coming out all the time. What I'm saying is, your fiance's diagnosis is terrible news, but it isn't necessarily as grim as you might be thinking right now. For instance, two years ago, I had cancer in my brain, liver, and lungs. I currently have no detectable cancer in any of those very important places, and I haven't had surgery in any of them (though I did have some side-effect-free radiation in my brain). These new drugs (and they are very new) can work amazingly well. So. Deep breath, make sure you're going to a melanoma specialist, and best of luck!
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- February 1, 2013 at 10:52 pm
Hey,
It's not exactly accurate that "there is no cure, only different treatments to go through until he becomes resistant to everything." In fact, the only drug that I know of that people almost always become resistant to is the BRAF drug that your fiance is currenty being tested for. Though "cure" is not a word melanoma doctors often use, many people become "NED" which stands for No Evidence Of Disease. Even people who are not NED can lead normal lives while going from one treatment to another. I personally have been stage IV for 3 and a half years, and have been working and generally feeling great for most of that time. As you'll see on this forum, there are new drugs coming out all the time. What I'm saying is, your fiance's diagnosis is terrible news, but it isn't necessarily as grim as you might be thinking right now. For instance, two years ago, I had cancer in my brain, liver, and lungs. I currently have no detectable cancer in any of those very important places, and I haven't had surgery in any of them (though I did have some side-effect-free radiation in my brain). These new drugs (and they are very new) can work amazingly well. So. Deep breath, make sure you're going to a melanoma specialist, and best of luck!
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- February 2, 2013 at 12:14 am
I'm sorry that your fiance is going thru this (and you too)! This is not a club anyone wants to join. But there are those of us who were either diagnosed at Stage IV or progressed to IV and are still here – very much living..
You've come to the right place to learn from people who have gone thru it all either as patient or care giver. Many of us have gone thru multiple surgeries, treatments and/or trials. I went thru quite a bit myself unti I finally found a treatment that worked for me ("ipi" or Yervoy) in killing off the melanoma in my lungs, adrenal gland, etc. I was originally diagnosed right out of the gate at Stage IV in Aug 2005 and was NED (No evidence of disease) in 2009.
So ask all the questions you want, learn as much as you can about treament options, find a true Melanoma specialist (this is key) and advocate strongly for him.
Rocco, IV since 2005, Ipi responder, NED
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- February 2, 2013 at 12:14 am
I'm sorry that your fiance is going thru this (and you too)! This is not a club anyone wants to join. But there are those of us who were either diagnosed at Stage IV or progressed to IV and are still here – very much living..
You've come to the right place to learn from people who have gone thru it all either as patient or care giver. Many of us have gone thru multiple surgeries, treatments and/or trials. I went thru quite a bit myself unti I finally found a treatment that worked for me ("ipi" or Yervoy) in killing off the melanoma in my lungs, adrenal gland, etc. I was originally diagnosed right out of the gate at Stage IV in Aug 2005 and was NED (No evidence of disease) in 2009.
So ask all the questions you want, learn as much as you can about treament options, find a true Melanoma specialist (this is key) and advocate strongly for him.
Rocco, IV since 2005, Ipi responder, NED
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- February 3, 2013 at 6:14 am
Hi,
Sorry you have to join our ranks, but you’ve come to a good place.That’s pretty crummy bedside manner from the doctor. I would run, not walk, to a melanoma specialist.
With the advent of new drugs like Yervoy and Zelboraf, more and more people like Rocco are NED and living their lives.
Please keep us posted.
Karen -
- February 3, 2013 at 6:14 am
Hi,
Sorry you have to join our ranks, but you’ve come to a good place.That’s pretty crummy bedside manner from the doctor. I would run, not walk, to a melanoma specialist.
With the advent of new drugs like Yervoy and Zelboraf, more and more people like Rocco are NED and living their lives.
Please keep us posted.
Karen -
- February 3, 2013 at 6:14 am
Hi,
Sorry you have to join our ranks, but you’ve come to a good place.That’s pretty crummy bedside manner from the doctor. I would run, not walk, to a melanoma specialist.
With the advent of new drugs like Yervoy and Zelboraf, more and more people like Rocco are NED and living their lives.
Please keep us posted.
Karen
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- February 2, 2013 at 12:14 am
I'm sorry that your fiance is going thru this (and you too)! This is not a club anyone wants to join. But there are those of us who were either diagnosed at Stage IV or progressed to IV and are still here – very much living..
You've come to the right place to learn from people who have gone thru it all either as patient or care giver. Many of us have gone thru multiple surgeries, treatments and/or trials. I went thru quite a bit myself unti I finally found a treatment that worked for me ("ipi" or Yervoy) in killing off the melanoma in my lungs, adrenal gland, etc. I was originally diagnosed right out of the gate at Stage IV in Aug 2005 and was NED (No evidence of disease) in 2009.
So ask all the questions you want, learn as much as you can about treament options, find a true Melanoma specialist (this is key) and advocate strongly for him.
Rocco, IV since 2005, Ipi responder, NED
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- February 3, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Your post sounds like me just two short weeks ago. I've found tremendous psychological relief from this forum. The melanoma survivors on this site are awesome.
Your situation is very similar to mine, with my husband of 38 years being the one diagnosed. Believe me, I can relate to your fear. And we had an oncologist who said very similar things to us. I refused to go back and see that man.
Instead we found a melanoma oncologist at Dana Farber. They got us in within two days of my contacting them. My husband is going through some radiation, then gamaknife radiation for a brain tumor, then Zelboraf in another week or so to start fighting this beast.
Best of luck. Be strong.
Janet
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- February 3, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Your post sounds like me just two short weeks ago. I've found tremendous psychological relief from this forum. The melanoma survivors on this site are awesome.
Your situation is very similar to mine, with my husband of 38 years being the one diagnosed. Believe me, I can relate to your fear. And we had an oncologist who said very similar things to us. I refused to go back and see that man.
Instead we found a melanoma oncologist at Dana Farber. They got us in within two days of my contacting them. My husband is going through some radiation, then gamaknife radiation for a brain tumor, then Zelboraf in another week or so to start fighting this beast.
Best of luck. Be strong.
Janet
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- February 5, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Hi Janet,
Your doctors name is Vijay, coincidentally my drs name is Vijay Suhag. He also told me there was no cure. He upsets me every time, I’m looking to replace him. I have a specialist that I also see and its night and day difference! I’m recently diagnosed to stage 4 from 2c last year. Your on the right track by doing the braf testing. Curious if he’s had a brain mri? My dr didn’t order it until I complained of headaches 6 weeks after my pet scan showed wide spread, so find out if his brain is clear. This opens up more doors to clinical trials. There are a lot of promising treatments. My plan is zelboraf to reduce tumor load then ipi. Having a plan helps but again its been amazingly different seeing a specialist. Its very important to research the trials ask questions, ask more questions then ask more. Knowledge is power!! Curious of where you live, maybe someone can recommend someone in your area. Hang in there, stay positive, and live life to the fullest. {{{Big hug}}}
All my best,
Denise -
- February 5, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Hi Janet,
Your doctors name is Vijay, coincidentally my drs name is Vijay Suhag. He also told me there was no cure. He upsets me every time, I’m looking to replace him. I have a specialist that I also see and its night and day difference! I’m recently diagnosed to stage 4 from 2c last year. Your on the right track by doing the braf testing. Curious if he’s had a brain mri? My dr didn’t order it until I complained of headaches 6 weeks after my pet scan showed wide spread, so find out if his brain is clear. This opens up more doors to clinical trials. There are a lot of promising treatments. My plan is zelboraf to reduce tumor load then ipi. Having a plan helps but again its been amazingly different seeing a specialist. Its very important to research the trials ask questions, ask more questions then ask more. Knowledge is power!! Curious of where you live, maybe someone can recommend someone in your area. Hang in there, stay positive, and live life to the fullest. {{{Big hug}}}
All my best,
Denise -
- February 5, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Hi Janet,
Your doctors name is Vijay, coincidentally my drs name is Vijay Suhag. He also told me there was no cure. He upsets me every time, I’m looking to replace him. I have a specialist that I also see and its night and day difference! I’m recently diagnosed to stage 4 from 2c last year. Your on the right track by doing the braf testing. Curious if he’s had a brain mri? My dr didn’t order it until I complained of headaches 6 weeks after my pet scan showed wide spread, so find out if his brain is clear. This opens up more doors to clinical trials. There are a lot of promising treatments. My plan is zelboraf to reduce tumor load then ipi. Having a plan helps but again its been amazingly different seeing a specialist. Its very important to research the trials ask questions, ask more questions then ask more. Knowledge is power!! Curious of where you live, maybe someone can recommend someone in your area. Hang in there, stay positive, and live life to the fullest. {{{Big hug}}}
All my best,
Denise -
- February 8, 2013 at 2:47 am
Hi Denise,
My husband has had brain MRI and there is a lesion in his parietal lob. We are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. cyberknife procedure Friday Feb 8. He has no symptoms from this lesion. Luckily we have an awesome neurosurgeon who ordered a complete Central Nervous System workup, and that's how we found numerous tumors, including one in the brain (we thought he had a ruptured disk because of his back pain). I'm a little confused when you say that a brain tumor opens more doors to clihical trials — our melanoma oncologist at Dana Farber indicated that brain tumors elkimited him from clinical trials!,. Our plan is similar to yours – zelboraf starting next week (feb 13) and ipi if and when the zelboraf stops working. Of course, yesterday we found out that the insurance is denying coverage for zelboraf due to tiny differential in my husband's BRAF results. Hopefully this will be cleared up soon. I need some sleep! You asked where we live – we are in the Boston area, about an hour west of Boston, so we are going to Dana Farber. We also have a condo in SE FLorida, and we hope to fly down there by the end of February once Don starts the Zelboraf. We are looking for a melanoma specialist in SE FLorida (anywhere between Miami and West Palm Beach) to help us while we are there.
Denise, my sincerest best wishes to you, along with hugs and I can't even think of words to say. You stay strong, lady. I am a survivor myself of Hodgkins Lymphoma (12 year ago) and our daughter at age 16 battled Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System — and she has been a survivor now for 10 years! So, we've been down this road before. Never thought I'd have to do it a third time. But I have lot of plans for this man over the next 20+ years… (we are getting ready to retire and grow old together!). Love and Hugs to you!!!!!
Janet
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- February 8, 2013 at 2:47 am
Hi Denise,
My husband has had brain MRI and there is a lesion in his parietal lob. We are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. cyberknife procedure Friday Feb 8. He has no symptoms from this lesion. Luckily we have an awesome neurosurgeon who ordered a complete Central Nervous System workup, and that's how we found numerous tumors, including one in the brain (we thought he had a ruptured disk because of his back pain). I'm a little confused when you say that a brain tumor opens more doors to clihical trials — our melanoma oncologist at Dana Farber indicated that brain tumors elkimited him from clinical trials!,. Our plan is similar to yours – zelboraf starting next week (feb 13) and ipi if and when the zelboraf stops working. Of course, yesterday we found out that the insurance is denying coverage for zelboraf due to tiny differential in my husband's BRAF results. Hopefully this will be cleared up soon. I need some sleep! You asked where we live – we are in the Boston area, about an hour west of Boston, so we are going to Dana Farber. We also have a condo in SE FLorida, and we hope to fly down there by the end of February once Don starts the Zelboraf. We are looking for a melanoma specialist in SE FLorida (anywhere between Miami and West Palm Beach) to help us while we are there.
Denise, my sincerest best wishes to you, along with hugs and I can't even think of words to say. You stay strong, lady. I am a survivor myself of Hodgkins Lymphoma (12 year ago) and our daughter at age 16 battled Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System — and she has been a survivor now for 10 years! So, we've been down this road before. Never thought I'd have to do it a third time. But I have lot of plans for this man over the next 20+ years… (we are getting ready to retire and grow old together!). Love and Hugs to you!!!!!
Janet
-
- February 8, 2013 at 2:47 am
Hi Denise,
My husband has had brain MRI and there is a lesion in his parietal lob. We are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. cyberknife procedure Friday Feb 8. He has no symptoms from this lesion. Luckily we have an awesome neurosurgeon who ordered a complete Central Nervous System workup, and that's how we found numerous tumors, including one in the brain (we thought he had a ruptured disk because of his back pain). I'm a little confused when you say that a brain tumor opens more doors to clihical trials — our melanoma oncologist at Dana Farber indicated that brain tumors elkimited him from clinical trials!,. Our plan is similar to yours – zelboraf starting next week (feb 13) and ipi if and when the zelboraf stops working. Of course, yesterday we found out that the insurance is denying coverage for zelboraf due to tiny differential in my husband's BRAF results. Hopefully this will be cleared up soon. I need some sleep! You asked where we live – we are in the Boston area, about an hour west of Boston, so we are going to Dana Farber. We also have a condo in SE FLorida, and we hope to fly down there by the end of February once Don starts the Zelboraf. We are looking for a melanoma specialist in SE FLorida (anywhere between Miami and West Palm Beach) to help us while we are there.
Denise, my sincerest best wishes to you, along with hugs and I can't even think of words to say. You stay strong, lady. I am a survivor myself of Hodgkins Lymphoma (12 year ago) and our daughter at age 16 battled Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System — and she has been a survivor now for 10 years! So, we've been down this road before. Never thought I'd have to do it a third time. But I have lot of plans for this man over the next 20+ years… (we are getting ready to retire and grow old together!). Love and Hugs to you!!!!!
Janet
-
- February 3, 2013 at 11:26 pm
Your post sounds like me just two short weeks ago. I've found tremendous psychological relief from this forum. The melanoma survivors on this site are awesome.
Your situation is very similar to mine, with my husband of 38 years being the one diagnosed. Believe me, I can relate to your fear. And we had an oncologist who said very similar things to us. I refused to go back and see that man.
Instead we found a melanoma oncologist at Dana Farber. They got us in within two days of my contacting them. My husband is going through some radiation, then gamaknife radiation for a brain tumor, then Zelboraf in another week or so to start fighting this beast.
Best of luck. Be strong.
Janet
-
- February 8, 2013 at 1:43 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time! -
- February 8, 2013 at 1:43 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time! -
- February 8, 2013 at 1:43 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time! -
- February 8, 2013 at 1:44 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time! -
- February 8, 2013 at 1:44 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time! -
- February 8, 2013 at 1:44 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time! -
- February 8, 2013 at 1:46 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time! -
- February 8, 2013 at 1:46 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time!-
- February 8, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Thank you all for you supportive comments. It means the world to both of us.
We are seeing Dr. Vijay Trisal from City of Hope office in Lancaster, CA. He is a oncological surgeon we saw when the original mole was removed along with SNB. He had another doctor in his office come and meet with us for treatment, this is the one with the horrible bedside manner, Dr. Nimit Sudan also with City of Hope.
We still are waiting to hear back on the B raf Mutation test. So we are still in limbo
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- February 8, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Thank you all for you supportive comments. It means the world to both of us.
We are seeing Dr. Vijay Trisal from City of Hope office in Lancaster, CA. He is a oncological surgeon we saw when the original mole was removed along with SNB. He had another doctor in his office come and meet with us for treatment, this is the one with the horrible bedside manner, Dr. Nimit Sudan also with City of Hope.
We still are waiting to hear back on the B raf Mutation test. So we are still in limbo
-
- February 8, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Thank you all for you supportive comments. It means the world to both of us.
We are seeing Dr. Vijay Trisal from City of Hope office in Lancaster, CA. He is a oncological surgeon we saw when the original mole was removed along with SNB. He had another doctor in his office come and meet with us for treatment, this is the one with the horrible bedside manner, Dr. Nimit Sudan also with City of Hope.
We still are waiting to hear back on the B raf Mutation test. So we are still in limbo
-
- February 8, 2013 at 1:46 am
Let me begin by saying all of the responses I have read are right on! I am a one year survivor of Melanoma stage 4, Let me simpllify it for you! Firstly you must have a seasoned veteran doctor focused on Melanoma! This is an absolute must! Travel if you must, it will be the best investment, I promise. Secondlly adjust your diet! No high fructose corn syrup, no preservatives, as much organic as you can afford, and exercise 3 times a week. Thirdly, but really first, trust and believe in G-D, he will see you through this. Finally but not really embrace your family for support, they will carry you through this, I promise. Be positive and remember there are new treatments and drugs coming out weekly. We are all in this together! At some point you will be helping other folks like I am helping you, again I promise. Prayers for us all keep smiling and enjoying one day at a time!
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Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
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