Stage 3A new to board

Hi Aaron,

I am not sure what the benefit of Interferon would be when your scans are clear.  Perhaps other Stage IIIers have insights.  MDA does not have every single treatment available, even though they are an outstanding insitution with many fine doctors.  I am Stage IV and enrollled in a trial at MDA right now, in fact.  Watch and wait is an option that some in your situation find preferable to the Interferon side effects.  I am sure that would not be an easy decision to make, but it sounds like the side effects are making it very difficult to function, and the benefits seem to you to be unclear.

There are not as many clinical trials available for Stage IIIers as Stage IVs, especially with no measurable disease – kind of a good news, bad news thing I guess you could say.  One trial that is available to you is this one:

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT00636168?term=Ipilimumab+and+melanoma&recr=Open&rank=3&show_locs=Y#locn

It is not at MDA, but up in Dallas.  It is a randomized trial, so you have only a 50% chance of getting Ipilimumab (which is a very promising treatment with few side effects) but that is higher than the 0% chance you have when you are Stage III NED.  Just a thought.  Best wishes to you in gathering informationa and making decisions.

Best,

Jim

Hi Aaron,

I am not sure what the benefit of Interferon would be when your scans are clear.  Perhaps other Stage IIIers have insights.  MDA does not have every single treatment available, even though they are an outstanding insitution with many fine doctors.  I am Stage IV and enrollled in a trial at MDA right now, in fact.  Watch and wait is an option that some in your situation find preferable to the Interferon side effects.  I am sure that would not be an easy decision to make, but it sounds like the side effects are making it very difficult to function, and the benefits seem to you to be unclear.

There are not as many clinical trials available for Stage IIIers as Stage IVs, especially with no measurable disease – kind of a good news, bad news thing I guess you could say.  One trial that is available to you is this one:

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT00636168?term=Ipilimumab+and+melanoma&recr=Open&rank=3&show_locs=Y#locn

It is not at MDA, but up in Dallas.  It is a randomized trial, so you have only a 50% chance of getting Ipilimumab (which is a very promising treatment with few side effects) but that is higher than the 0% chance you have when you are Stage III NED.  Just a thought.  Best wishes to you in gathering informationa and making decisions.

Best,

Jim

Hello Captain and welcome aboard! 

I am sorry you arent feeling well.  Your stats are similar to my husbands except Mike is 10 years older.  I wish I had an answer for you..but even your docs dont know if interferon (regardless of 1 mos or 11mos) is the best option for you.  His docs (UCSF) gave him the choice to do interferon or observation. We decided on osbservation after reading the research reports and reading the boards here/other places….some folks do really well on it and some dont, some recur right away and some dont.  

We wanted to do the Ipi adjuvant trial but stage 3a wasnt allowed last year and you had to do the trial within 8 weeks of lymph node surgery.  You probably wouldnt qualify for that at this point.  There just isnt anything else for stage 2/3a except interferon and observation. 

It is interesting that they gave you a choice of interferons based on tissue type.  I know that right now they are studying markers that might indicate why interferon works well on some people.  Hopefully these markers will be available to us soon.   But for a now we are forced to make these agonizing decisions.   All I know is that Mike is enjoying life, not depressed, and not sick – NED after 15 mos of not doing interferon.   We just hope that there are better treatment options if and when there is a recurence.

All my best to you!

Emily

http://www.emandmichael.com    

Hello Captain and welcome aboard! 

I am sorry you arent feeling well.  Your stats are similar to my husbands except Mike is 10 years older.  I wish I had an answer for you..but even your docs dont know if interferon (regardless of 1 mos or 11mos) is the best option for you.  His docs (UCSF) gave him the choice to do interferon or observation. We decided on osbservation after reading the research reports and reading the boards here/other places….some folks do really well on it and some dont, some recur right away and some dont.  

We wanted to do the Ipi adjuvant trial but stage 3a wasnt allowed last year and you had to do the trial within 8 weeks of lymph node surgery.  You probably wouldnt qualify for that at this point.  There just isnt anything else for stage 2/3a except interferon and observation. 

It is interesting that they gave you a choice of interferons based on tissue type.  I know that right now they are studying markers that might indicate why interferon works well on some people.  Hopefully these markers will be available to us soon.   But for a now we are forced to make these agonizing decisions.   All I know is that Mike is enjoying life, not depressed, and not sick – NED after 15 mos of not doing interferon.   We just hope that there are better treatment options if and when there is a recurence.

All my best to you!

Emily

http://www.emandmichael.com    

Aaron,

Welcome to the board – I'm sorry that you have to be here.  Right now many "regulars" aren't able to find the board due to the change in the url, that's supposed to be fixed and hopefully you will get more info.

Presently I am at stage IV and NED. While that's a great thing, it brings your options down to basically nothing. For me it's watch and wait. I did do a year of GMCSF (leukine) in 06. That has now through trial been proven to show no statistical evidence that it helped – however many on the board had very good luck with it.  Myself, I wonder. I've had 3 recurrances since the year of leukine but all were contained individual tumors.  Others on the board have the same stories. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't taken it.  Side effects were very doable. Itching and bone pain (bothersome but not severe).  I do know that MDA does not recognize Leukine as a choice and if you found a Dr. to prescribe off label you would need to make sure that your insurance covered it.

Have they put you on an antidepressant while on interfuron?  I looked at your profile and Dr. Hwu is a highly respected melanoma specialist.  My surgeon took my case to the tumor board to discuss interfuron at stage IV NED. It was decided not to offer it to me (wasn't told why yet) but when I knew they were going to bring it up the surgeon told me that the study that said 1 month of hd was just as effective as 1 month of hd and 11 follow up months of low dose was not done under proper guidelines and was defective. He said to do the full year.  When I was offered the interfuron in 06 I turned it down. I just didn't want to give up a year if it didn't do any good. This time I had decided I would do it and if after a few months I couldn't function I would get off. 

A few months ago there was a discussion on the board if people who had done interfuron thought it had helped them. For the most part everyone thought it did, even if it had only delayed the recurrance. If I can find the thread I'll repost it.

You have difficult decisions to make. If on an antidepressant ask for it to be tweaked to help you out. You are at the top hospital for melanoma and with one of the top Doctors at that institution.  NED is a great place to be, it just limits your options.  I still pick surgery when possible and then watch.

Linda

Stage IV  since 06 NED 1 month

Aaron,

Welcome to the board – I'm sorry that you have to be here.  Right now many "regulars" aren't able to find the board due to the change in the url, that's supposed to be fixed and hopefully you will get more info.

Presently I am at stage IV and NED. While that's a great thing, it brings your options down to basically nothing. For me it's watch and wait. I did do a year of GMCSF (leukine) in 06. That has now through trial been proven to show no statistical evidence that it helped – however many on the board had very good luck with it.  Myself, I wonder. I've had 3 recurrances since the year of leukine but all were contained individual tumors.  Others on the board have the same stories. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't taken it.  Side effects were very doable. Itching and bone pain (bothersome but not severe).  I do know that MDA does not recognize Leukine as a choice and if you found a Dr. to prescribe off label you would need to make sure that your insurance covered it.

Have they put you on an antidepressant while on interfuron?  I looked at your profile and Dr. Hwu is a highly respected melanoma specialist.  My surgeon took my case to the tumor board to discuss interfuron at stage IV NED. It was decided not to offer it to me (wasn't told why yet) but when I knew they were going to bring it up the surgeon told me that the study that said 1 month of hd was just as effective as 1 month of hd and 11 follow up months of low dose was not done under proper guidelines and was defective. He said to do the full year.  When I was offered the interfuron in 06 I turned it down. I just didn't want to give up a year if it didn't do any good. This time I had decided I would do it and if after a few months I couldn't function I would get off. 

A few months ago there was a discussion on the board if people who had done interfuron thought it had helped them. For the most part everyone thought it did, even if it had only delayed the recurrance. If I can find the thread I'll repost it.

You have difficult decisions to make. If on an antidepressant ask for it to be tweaked to help you out. You are at the top hospital for melanoma and with one of the top Doctors at that institution.  NED is a great place to be, it just limits your options.  I still pick surgery when possible and then watch.

Linda

Stage IV  since 06 NED 1 month

HI,

I am stage 3C diagnosed feb 08.   I went to two melanoma specialists in Boston to discuss the options.  Their thoughts were probably similar to what you were hearing.   They both seemed to be saying this is your choice, know what the side effects are and what your year could be like and go for it if you feel you are ok with that.  One specialists told me he felt it was a "quality of life" issue and if I start interferon and find it is just beating me up too badly to not feel bad about stopping.  They all seemed to feel doing the high dose was worthwhile but wouldnt say about low dose. I am in my 50s kids are older so my husband and I  chose to do something and this was what was offered  so went for it.   So for me I did radiation, then high dose and then 6 months low dose (my liver couldnt tolerate it so it made the choice to stop for me).  But I did have option to go back on at a lower dose but at that point I chose to walk away from it.  My side effects were food tasted like it had gone bad so lost 20 pounds,  fatigue, hair loss, and hardest one for me was it effected my breathing, stairs, inclines etc were very hard for me.       Good news is that I am currently NED and all side effects are gone which is wonderful!

good luck you are young and healthy and that is a big plus.  Keep us posted.   Thank you for your service. 

laurie from maine

HI,

I am stage 3C diagnosed feb 08.   I went to two melanoma specialists in Boston to discuss the options.  Their thoughts were probably similar to what you were hearing.   They both seemed to be saying this is your choice, know what the side effects are and what your year could be like and go for it if you feel you are ok with that.  One specialists told me he felt it was a "quality of life" issue and if I start interferon and find it is just beating me up too badly to not feel bad about stopping.  They all seemed to feel doing the high dose was worthwhile but wouldnt say about low dose. I am in my 50s kids are older so my husband and I  chose to do something and this was what was offered  so went for it.   So for me I did radiation, then high dose and then 6 months low dose (my liver couldnt tolerate it so it made the choice to stop for me).  But I did have option to go back on at a lower dose but at that point I chose to walk away from it.  My side effects were food tasted like it had gone bad so lost 20 pounds,  fatigue, hair loss, and hardest one for me was it effected my breathing, stairs, inclines etc were very hard for me.       Good news is that I am currently NED and all side effects are gone which is wonderful!

good luck you are young and healthy and that is a big plus.  Keep us posted.   Thank you for your service. 

laurie from maine

Hi Aaron,

I am also 3A diagnosed Dec. 09.  I live in Houston as well and see Dr. Patrick Hwu at MDA.  I was offered the pegylated interferon trial too, but chose not to do it because I got a blood clot after my lymphadectomy and had to do 3  months of Fragmin injections.  Currently I am NED and go in for scans and derm. checks every 3 months.  I wasn't offered the HD interferon but after researching mel treatments and statistics I didn't consider it.  It really is a personal choice. 

I also try to eat healthy but still enjoy coffee and red wine.  I added Tumeric to my supplements because I read it can be beneficial in fighting melanoma.  My next scans are the week after Thanksgiving…so I am praying for NED.  Whatever trreatment (or none) you decide on I wish you  the best.

Phyllis 

Hi Aaron,

I am also 3A diagnosed Dec. 09.  I live in Houston as well and see Dr. Patrick Hwu at MDA.  I was offered the pegylated interferon trial too, but chose not to do it because I got a blood clot after my lymphadectomy and had to do 3  months of Fragmin injections.  Currently I am NED and go in for scans and derm. checks every 3 months.  I wasn't offered the HD interferon but after researching mel treatments and statistics I didn't consider it.  It really is a personal choice. 

I also try to eat healthy but still enjoy coffee and red wine.  I added Tumeric to my supplements because I read it can be beneficial in fighting melanoma.  My next scans are the week after Thanksgiving…so I am praying for NED.  Whatever trreatment (or none) you decide on I wish you  the best.

Phyllis 

Hi Aaron,

I did interferon back in 2003 (I was stage 3B then) At that time, most doctors were recommending the whole year, but I've noticed over the last several years that more and more, I see patients come here who say their docs have given them the option of stopping after 'boot camp' (that first 4 weeks. ..though for YOU..boot camp probably means something entirely different<G>)

For me, the first 4 weeks were not as bad as the long, wretched months that followed. If I had to make the choice now, knowing what I know, I would have quit after the first 4 weeks. That's easy to SAY though..back then, I think I would have done anything I thought might help. But there is more evidence now then there was then, that doing the first month only is just as effective as doing the whole year.

I could not have worked during my time on interferon, and my job was not nearly as demanding or important as yours. BUT..we know others here who worked during the entire year. StanN (you can check his profile) was a firefighter during interferon and worked the entire year! Me.. I couldn't even drive for fear I would hit some pedestrian. My reaction time was terrible, and I walked around in a fog the entire time.

And another thing to consider is that many people in your position decide to do 'observation only', so you've already gone a step farther than that.

Of course this is a very personal decision, all you can do is weigh it all and decide on your own. You DO have a great doctor, something that you wouldn't have if you were say..in north dakota.

In my opinion, the most important thing for you now is to be VIGILANT in your follow ups. That means scans at this point, rather than skin checks. The docs will want you seeing a derm of course, but your much more serious danger is progression to organs, so you need to keep on top of getting those checks. MDA is, as others have mentioned, one of the best Melanoma centers in the country and should you end up progressing, those folks will be the the best at giving you the most current options.

I also think you should ask your doc about that IPI trial. You are probably not eligible for it at this point, but if you are, that might be a worthwhile option.

Good Luck to you, welcome to the board, and..hey..thank you for your service to our country!

dian in spokane

Hi Aaron,

I did interferon back in 2003 (I was stage 3B then) At that time, most doctors were recommending the whole year, but I've noticed over the last several years that more and more, I see patients come here who say their docs have given them the option of stopping after 'boot camp' (that first 4 weeks. ..though for YOU..boot camp probably means something entirely different<G>)

For me, the first 4 weeks were not as bad as the long, wretched months that followed. If I had to make the choice now, knowing what I know, I would have quit after the first 4 weeks. That's easy to SAY though..back then, I think I would have done anything I thought might help. But there is more evidence now then there was then, that doing the first month only is just as effective as doing the whole year.

I could not have worked during my time on interferon, and my job was not nearly as demanding or important as yours. BUT..we know others here who worked during the entire year. StanN (you can check his profile) was a firefighter during interferon and worked the entire year! Me.. I couldn't even drive for fear I would hit some pedestrian. My reaction time was terrible, and I walked around in a fog the entire time.

And another thing to consider is that many people in your position decide to do 'observation only', so you've already gone a step farther than that.

Of course this is a very personal decision, all you can do is weigh it all and decide on your own. You DO have a great doctor, something that you wouldn't have if you were say..in north dakota.

In my opinion, the most important thing for you now is to be VIGILANT in your follow ups. That means scans at this point, rather than skin checks. The docs will want you seeing a derm of course, but your much more serious danger is progression to organs, so you need to keep on top of getting those checks. MDA is, as others have mentioned, one of the best Melanoma centers in the country and should you end up progressing, those folks will be the the best at giving you the most current options.

I also think you should ask your doc about that IPI trial. You are probably not eligible for it at this point, but if you are, that might be a worthwhile option.

Good Luck to you, welcome to the board, and..hey..thank you for your service to our country!

dian in spokane

Hi

I am also stage 3A, I chose the wait and watch option.  For me the idea of using interferon for a minimul benefit and possible risks just didn't cut it.  However, if I had known then what I know now, that in order to qualify for many of the trails you have to have tried at least one other protocal and failed, I might  have reconsidered.

Good news is I am 8 months NED!  You have gone this far, try the low dose and see how you do. 

Good luck

Mary

Stage 3

Hi

I am also stage 3A, I chose the wait and watch option.  For me the idea of using interferon for a minimul benefit and possible risks just didn't cut it.  However, if I had known then what I know now, that in order to qualify for many of the trails you have to have tried at least one other protocal and failed, I might  have reconsidered.

Good news is I am 8 months NED!  You have gone this far, try the low dose and see how you do. 

Good luck

Mary

Stage 3

So sorry to hear your news, my best adivice to you is to make sure he sees the best oncologist you can find. There is a great melanoma centre at Columbia as well, with Dr. Howard Kaufman. He has written a great book on Melanoma. This is an excellent site, so make sure you came here for advice and questions and above all support..there is always someone here to talk to.  Its easy for someone to tell you not to worry until you know exactly what is going on, but try and channel your energy and just hang in there…the worst part is waiting and not knowing. Please know you have found a true supportive family here….My best Joan

So sorry to hear your news, my best adivice to you is to make sure he sees the best oncologist you can find. There is a great melanoma centre at Columbia as well, with Dr. Howard Kaufman. He has written a great book on Melanoma. This is an excellent site, so make sure you came here for advice and questions and above all support..there is always someone here to talk to.  Its easy for someone to tell you not to worry until you know exactly what is going on, but try and channel your energy and just hang in there…the worst part is waiting and not knowing. Please know you have found a true supportive family here….My best Joan

Hello Cap!

I was stage IIc…ulceration and choose the wait and see approach.  It was one year, almost to the day, when I had three spots on my back return metastatic melanoma…bumped me right up to Stage VIa (sorry Charlie S. I had to type it).  I chose to go on GM-CSF, trade name Leukine, and I successfully fought my insurance company to pay for treatment for off-label use.  (I could not complete Interferon because of the possibility of auto-immune response, I have a paralyzed right-hemi diaphragm, and low thyroid…another story..hahahaaa)   GM-CSF had minor side effects, mainly I was itchy, achy and owie.

I was NED for 22 months!  I am going to see my oco at UCSF this coming Tuesday to discuss getting a biopsy of two lesions (?) on my right lung…could it be?   My husband tells me to "just cut that lung out cause it doesn't work properly", I say…hummmmm  gotta think on that…LOL, not his lung…they already call me one-lung Sue, should I make it a real statement…

Anyways, I believe the GM-CSF gave me this additional time.  My next step is…wait for now until I know for sure the results from biopsy (s), then I will scan the posts from our MW'ers (Melanoma Warriors/Warriorists) for what I believe to be the best treatment option for me…do I consider quality vs. quantity?

You may also want to consider having your tumor studied for Braf and MEK genic mutations markers.  I did in Feb. 2010.  Continue to be pro-active in your care and investigate, investigate, investigate. 

My best to you and yours with a big virtual hug,

Suzan AB

Stage IVa, possible bumped up to Stage IVb (a=skin, b=lungs, c=I don't want to go there!). 

Its not over until the fat lady sings…and I am not a very good singer!

P.S.  My brother retired from the Air Force…Rock on Cap!

Hello Cap!

I was stage IIc…ulceration and choose the wait and see approach.  It was one year, almost to the day, when I had three spots on my back return metastatic melanoma…bumped me right up to Stage VIa (sorry Charlie S. I had to type it).  I chose to go on GM-CSF, trade name Leukine, and I successfully fought my insurance company to pay for treatment for off-label use.  (I could not complete Interferon because of the possibility of auto-immune response, I have a paralyzed right-hemi diaphragm, and low thyroid…another story..hahahaaa)   GM-CSF had minor side effects, mainly I was itchy, achy and owie.

I was NED for 22 months!  I am going to see my oco at UCSF this coming Tuesday to discuss getting a biopsy of two lesions (?) on my right lung…could it be?   My husband tells me to "just cut that lung out cause it doesn't work properly", I say…hummmmm  gotta think on that…LOL, not his lung…they already call me one-lung Sue, should I make it a real statement…

Anyways, I believe the GM-CSF gave me this additional time.  My next step is…wait for now until I know for sure the results from biopsy (s), then I will scan the posts from our MW'ers (Melanoma Warriors/Warriorists) for what I believe to be the best treatment option for me…do I consider quality vs. quantity?

You may also want to consider having your tumor studied for Braf and MEK genic mutations markers.  I did in Feb. 2010.  Continue to be pro-active in your care and investigate, investigate, investigate. 

My best to you and yours with a big virtual hug,

Suzan AB

Stage IVa, possible bumped up to Stage IVb (a=skin, b=lungs, c=I don't want to go there!). 

Its not over until the fat lady sings…and I am not a very good singer!

P.S.  My brother retired from the Air Force…Rock on Cap!

Hi Captain Aaron,

I'm sorry that I have to welcome you to this board.  Everyone here is great with wonderful information.

In July (09), I was diagnosed at 3B.   I did the whole year of Interferon, and I just finished my last shot two weeks ago.  It wasn't easy, but I think a positive attitude makes all the difference.  I'm a first grade teacher, so my job is both physically and emotionally demanding; however, lives are not on the line…except on ice cream day in the lunchroom!  I didn't miss a day of work, but I was incredibly tired.  My son is in college…another story!…so I didn't have the demands of coming home to two small children each night.  Shot nights  were Tues, Thurs, and Sat.  I went to bed around 7:30 every night.  I still do not have my taste back, and yes, that stinks.  Hopefully it will return soon enough…maybe for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Doing Interferon is a personal choice.  Some people can't sit back and wait.  Others don't want to listen to family members blame.  The choice, however, is up to you.  I know several people who did the full year and are still alive and NED 5+ years.  It works for some and doesn't work for others.  I looked at the small percentage that it helped (10%) and thought, "Someone has to be in that group…why not me?"

One thing for sure…whatever decision you make…never look back.  

If you have any questions about Interferon, please feel free to ask.  I wish you the best with your decision and thank you for serving our country!  God speed!

Tricia 

Hi Captain Aaron,

I'm sorry that I have to welcome you to this board.  Everyone here is great with wonderful information.

In July (09), I was diagnosed at 3B.   I did the whole year of Interferon, and I just finished my last shot two weeks ago.  It wasn't easy, but I think a positive attitude makes all the difference.  I'm a first grade teacher, so my job is both physically and emotionally demanding; however, lives are not on the line…except on ice cream day in the lunchroom!  I didn't miss a day of work, but I was incredibly tired.  My son is in college…another story!…so I didn't have the demands of coming home to two small children each night.  Shot nights  were Tues, Thurs, and Sat.  I went to bed around 7:30 every night.  I still do not have my taste back, and yes, that stinks.  Hopefully it will return soon enough…maybe for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Doing Interferon is a personal choice.  Some people can't sit back and wait.  Others don't want to listen to family members blame.  The choice, however, is up to you.  I know several people who did the full year and are still alive and NED 5+ years.  It works for some and doesn't work for others.  I looked at the small percentage that it helped (10%) and thought, "Someone has to be in that group…why not me?"

One thing for sure…whatever decision you make…never look back.  

If you have any questions about Interferon, please feel free to ask.  I wish you the best with your decision and thank you for serving our country!  God speed!

Tricia 

Hi there Aaron, and welcome to the board, although the reason you're here really sucks. Everyone else has provided you with lots of experience and good advice, so I won't go there. I do, however, want you to read 3 articles about interferon. It will help to read them in order. Whether to do INF or not is in itself an ongoing debate, but whether to do 4 wks HD only vs the full year is also debatable. Personally, I didn't do INF. I was supposed to, but wound issues delayed my healing after surgery, and I went waaay past the recommended 56 days post-op start time. Anyway, have a look at these, and make your own decision. You may feel that the 4 wks you've done already might be enough.

Hugs

Sharyn, Stage IV

http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/content/full/10/9/739 

http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/content/full/11/5/538 

http://meeting.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/18_suppl/8505 

Hi there Aaron, and welcome to the board, although the reason you're here really sucks. Everyone else has provided you with lots of experience and good advice, so I won't go there. I do, however, want you to read 3 articles about interferon. It will help to read them in order. Whether to do INF or not is in itself an ongoing debate, but whether to do 4 wks HD only vs the full year is also debatable. Personally, I didn't do INF. I was supposed to, but wound issues delayed my healing after surgery, and I went waaay past the recommended 56 days post-op start time. Anyway, have a look at these, and make your own decision. You may feel that the 4 wks you've done already might be enough.

Hugs

Sharyn, Stage IV

http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/content/full/10/9/739 

http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/cgi/content/full/11/5/538 

http://meeting.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/18_suppl/8505 

Hi Aaron,

I was diagnosed as IIIA in October, 2009 and have been through the same pattern of treatments as you (WLE, SNB with micro metastisis to one node, and 4 weeks high dose Interferon. Prior to the Interferon treatment I consulted with four doctors (two melanoma specialist – one at the Mayo Clinic in MN). Two drs. were for interferon treatments, and two recommended the "wait & see" approach. After reading everything that I could about Interferon I figured that there wasn't any one side-effect that I couldn't handle so I went forward with the 4 week high dose treatment and stopped there. I didn't stop due to the side effects as much as that  two of the drs. felt that the benefits of Interferon were to be had in the first four weeks high dose treatment. I did not work during my treatment as you are, but I found the depression, (even while on Zoloft) , fatigue and the "chemo-brain" to be difficult . It actually lasted until about 3/4 weeks after my final treatment, and amazingly I woke up one morning and it was like a curtain had lifted and taken the side effects with it. I am happy to say that I have had two PET scans since the treatment ended in 1/10 and both have been clear. I am praying that you have the same outcome!

Take care,

Pat O. IIIA, but NED now

Hi Aaron,

I was diagnosed as IIIA in October, 2009 and have been through the same pattern of treatments as you (WLE, SNB with micro metastisis to one node, and 4 weeks high dose Interferon. Prior to the Interferon treatment I consulted with four doctors (two melanoma specialist – one at the Mayo Clinic in MN). Two drs. were for interferon treatments, and two recommended the "wait & see" approach. After reading everything that I could about Interferon I figured that there wasn't any one side-effect that I couldn't handle so I went forward with the 4 week high dose treatment and stopped there. I didn't stop due to the side effects as much as that  two of the drs. felt that the benefits of Interferon were to be had in the first four weeks high dose treatment. I did not work during my treatment as you are, but I found the depression, (even while on Zoloft) , fatigue and the "chemo-brain" to be difficult . It actually lasted until about 3/4 weeks after my final treatment, and amazingly I woke up one morning and it was like a curtain had lifted and taken the side effects with it. I am happy to say that I have had two PET scans since the treatment ended in 1/10 and both have been clear. I am praying that you have the same outcome!

Take care,

Pat O. IIIA, but NED now