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Stage 3a monitoring
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Stage 3a monitoring

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Stage 3a monitoring

  • Post
    • October 4, 2015 at 4:34 am
    jena22
    Participant

      Hi, 

      I was diagnosed with Stage IIIa and had a sentinal lymphnode bioopsy in January of this year. One node was positive of the two removed and I decided, after much consideration, to move forward with the option of close monitoring, rather than interferon or full dissection or a trial. I had made this decision based on the arrangement with my doctor for CT scans or MRIs every 4-6 months. I have recently moved and in this province they apparently do not provide scans for Stage IIIa people that do not undergo treatment. I am looking for trials or other research that suggest the value of these scans. If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated.

      Thank you.  

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • October 6, 2015 at 2:38 am
        buffalogirl
        Participant

          I had the sentinal lymphnode biopsy in June. Same thing.  First was positive at .5cm.  Second was negative.  I was told they had all the cancer and then just have close monitoring.  I opted for a second opinion. 

           

          In Sept I had a lymphadanectomy and they found a 3.1 cm cancerous lymph.  Glad I got a second opinion.  I will do radiation and a trial – but not interferon.  Both PET scan and ultrasound showed a large mass.  Turns out it was very big, black and full of cancer.

            • October 21, 2015 at 4:38 am
            amelanomajourney
            Participant

              At mimimum a chest xray and abdominal ultrasound for montoring is warrented every 3-6mo.  There is no evidence that the early melanoma mets are caught the better the outcomes (no evidence directly…).  Treatment has so many side effects – I don't think it is fair to base monitoring on your decision to accept treatment – is there another melanoma oncologist in the city you could be refered to for a second opinion?

              • October 21, 2015 at 4:38 am
              amelanomajourney
              Participant

                At mimimum a chest xray and abdominal ultrasound for montoring is warrented every 3-6mo.  There is no evidence that the early melanoma mets are caught the better the outcomes (no evidence directly…).  Treatment has so many side effects – I don't think it is fair to base monitoring on your decision to accept treatment – is there another melanoma oncologist in the city you could be refered to for a second opinion?

                • October 21, 2015 at 4:38 am
                amelanomajourney
                Participant

                  At mimimum a chest xray and abdominal ultrasound for montoring is warrented every 3-6mo.  There is no evidence that the early melanoma mets are caught the better the outcomes (no evidence directly…).  Treatment has so many side effects – I don't think it is fair to base monitoring on your decision to accept treatment – is there another melanoma oncologist in the city you could be refered to for a second opinion?

                • October 6, 2015 at 2:38 am
                buffalogirl
                Participant

                  I had the sentinal lymphnode biopsy in June. Same thing.  First was positive at .5cm.  Second was negative.  I was told they had all the cancer and then just have close monitoring.  I opted for a second opinion. 

                   

                  In Sept I had a lymphadanectomy and they found a 3.1 cm cancerous lymph.  Glad I got a second opinion.  I will do radiation and a trial – but not interferon.  Both PET scan and ultrasound showed a large mass.  Turns out it was very big, black and full of cancer.

                  • October 6, 2015 at 2:38 am
                  buffalogirl
                  Participant

                    I had the sentinal lymphnode biopsy in June. Same thing.  First was positive at .5cm.  Second was negative.  I was told they had all the cancer and then just have close monitoring.  I opted for a second opinion. 

                     

                    In Sept I had a lymphadanectomy and they found a 3.1 cm cancerous lymph.  Glad I got a second opinion.  I will do radiation and a trial – but not interferon.  Both PET scan and ultrasound showed a large mass.  Turns out it was very big, black and full of cancer.

                Viewing 2 reply threads
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