› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Stage IIIC
- This topic has 39 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 4 months ago by
kpcollins31.
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- December 7, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Anybody have information on how often stage IIIC travels to the organs? I have just had a resection of the right axilla..all lymph nodes and surrounding tissue removed…Path report was 4 infected nodes..2 we knew about before we went in as they lit up on the PET/CT scan…the other 2 were surprises as there was no sign of them on the scan. Surrounding tissue was clear. Just trying to get a handle on this..There is not much offered for stage III. Hard to know what to do.
Anybody have information on how often stage IIIC travels to the organs? I have just had a resection of the right axilla..all lymph nodes and surrounding tissue removed…Path report was 4 infected nodes..2 we knew about before we went in as they lit up on the PET/CT scan…the other 2 were surprises as there was no sign of them on the scan. Surrounding tissue was clear. Just trying to get a handle on this..There is not much offered for stage III. Hard to know what to do.
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- December 7, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Just wanted to say I started 3c and it is very hard to know what to do. Sorry you are going through this. I wonder if Ipi is an option? It wasn’t available for me, I did biochemo but i know its fallen out of favor.I don’t think anyone can say for sure if/when it recurs or why for some people it doesn’t. It is the beast.
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- December 7, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Thank you for your response. I am currently in the Polynoma vaccine trial…I don't know whether my oncologist will keep me there, have me switch to the ipi trial..or just what. So far the reoccurances have remained in the same area, but who knows? It is scary.
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- December 7, 2012 at 11:31 pm
It Is scary, no arguing there. I wish you peace in your days and the power and strength to fight and find the right path for you. -
- December 7, 2012 at 11:31 pm
It Is scary, no arguing there. I wish you peace in your days and the power and strength to fight and find the right path for you. -
- December 7, 2012 at 11:31 pm
It Is scary, no arguing there. I wish you peace in your days and the power and strength to fight and find the right path for you. -
- December 7, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Thank you for your response. I am currently in the Polynoma vaccine trial…I don't know whether my oncologist will keep me there, have me switch to the ipi trial..or just what. So far the reoccurances have remained in the same area, but who knows? It is scary.
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- December 7, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Thank you for your response. I am currently in the Polynoma vaccine trial…I don't know whether my oncologist will keep me there, have me switch to the ipi trial..or just what. So far the reoccurances have remained in the same area, but who knows? It is scary.
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- December 8, 2012 at 12:43 am
Actually something was just mentioned in the recent "ASCO Cancer Advances 2012" that might put biochemo back in favor:
Two months of biochemotherapy provide significant survival advantage over 1 year of high dose interferon therapy. One year of high-dose interferon alfa-2b is a standard postoperative (adjuvant) treatment for high-risk melanoma. However, currently, it is estimated that fewer than one third of eligible patients receive adjuvant therapy for melanoma because of concerns about the adverse effects of interferon and its low benefit. Results of a phase III trial, released this year, point to a shorter and potentially more effective alternative treatment regimen for these patients.That must be for stage 3 patients, right? It's from http://www.cancerprogress.net/pdf/CCA_2012.pdf, pg. 46. The trial they cited is "Flaherty LE, Moon J, Atkins MB, et al: Phase III trial of high-dose interferon alpha-2b versus cisplatin, vinblastine, DTIC plus IL-2 and interferon in patients with high-risk melanoma (SWOG S0008): An intergroup study of CALGB, COG, ECOG, and SWOG. J Clin Oncol 30:541s, 2012 (suppl; abstr 8504). -
- December 8, 2012 at 12:43 am
Actually something was just mentioned in the recent "ASCO Cancer Advances 2012" that might put biochemo back in favor:
Two months of biochemotherapy provide significant survival advantage over 1 year of high dose interferon therapy. One year of high-dose interferon alfa-2b is a standard postoperative (adjuvant) treatment for high-risk melanoma. However, currently, it is estimated that fewer than one third of eligible patients receive adjuvant therapy for melanoma because of concerns about the adverse effects of interferon and its low benefit. Results of a phase III trial, released this year, point to a shorter and potentially more effective alternative treatment regimen for these patients.That must be for stage 3 patients, right? It's from http://www.cancerprogress.net/pdf/CCA_2012.pdf, pg. 46. The trial they cited is "Flaherty LE, Moon J, Atkins MB, et al: Phase III trial of high-dose interferon alpha-2b versus cisplatin, vinblastine, DTIC plus IL-2 and interferon in patients with high-risk melanoma (SWOG S0008): An intergroup study of CALGB, COG, ECOG, and SWOG. J Clin Oncol 30:541s, 2012 (suppl; abstr 8504). -
- December 8, 2012 at 12:43 am
Actually something was just mentioned in the recent "ASCO Cancer Advances 2012" that might put biochemo back in favor:
Two months of biochemotherapy provide significant survival advantage over 1 year of high dose interferon therapy. One year of high-dose interferon alfa-2b is a standard postoperative (adjuvant) treatment for high-risk melanoma. However, currently, it is estimated that fewer than one third of eligible patients receive adjuvant therapy for melanoma because of concerns about the adverse effects of interferon and its low benefit. Results of a phase III trial, released this year, point to a shorter and potentially more effective alternative treatment regimen for these patients.That must be for stage 3 patients, right? It's from http://www.cancerprogress.net/pdf/CCA_2012.pdf, pg. 46. The trial they cited is "Flaherty LE, Moon J, Atkins MB, et al: Phase III trial of high-dose interferon alpha-2b versus cisplatin, vinblastine, DTIC plus IL-2 and interferon in patients with high-risk melanoma (SWOG S0008): An intergroup study of CALGB, COG, ECOG, and SWOG. J Clin Oncol 30:541s, 2012 (suppl; abstr 8504).
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- December 7, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Just wanted to say I started 3c and it is very hard to know what to do. Sorry you are going through this. I wonder if Ipi is an option? It wasn’t available for me, I did biochemo but i know its fallen out of favor.I don’t think anyone can say for sure if/when it recurs or why for some people it doesn’t. It is the beast.
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- December 7, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Just wanted to say I started 3c and it is very hard to know what to do. Sorry you are going through this. I wonder if Ipi is an option? It wasn’t available for me, I did biochemo but i know its fallen out of favor.I don’t think anyone can say for sure if/when it recurs or why for some people it doesn’t. It is the beast.
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- December 8, 2012 at 1:49 am
Hi Nell,
It's hard to say how often stage 3c will recur, There are some people that never recur without any further treatment but others will recur with or with out treatment. A lot of the trials that I"m looking into as a stage 4 are also including stage 3c patients. There is Ipi VS interferon and Braf inhibitor combined with Mek VS Braf alone. They are accepting stage 3c patients as well. Here is the link http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search/view?cdrid=693024&version=HealthProfessional&protocolsearchid=11148843#EntryCriteria_CDR0000693024
They are saying that they are trying to find a cure for melanoma before it progresses to stage 4 so your in a great position to frontier this research.
Do some research on the clinical trials, research the drugs they're using, and make an informed decision based on what you decide is best for you.
I was initially stage 2c and I recurred about a year later. I did 2-1/2 weeks of the high dose interferon until my body couldn't take it anymore. Having hind sight now I wish I would have gone into a trial that was showing progress. Again, not everyone will recur but in my mind it's best to stack the odds in your favor.
Keep us posted and best wishes,
Denise
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- December 8, 2012 at 1:49 am
Hi Nell,
It's hard to say how often stage 3c will recur, There are some people that never recur without any further treatment but others will recur with or with out treatment. A lot of the trials that I"m looking into as a stage 4 are also including stage 3c patients. There is Ipi VS interferon and Braf inhibitor combined with Mek VS Braf alone. They are accepting stage 3c patients as well. Here is the link http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search/view?cdrid=693024&version=HealthProfessional&protocolsearchid=11148843#EntryCriteria_CDR0000693024
They are saying that they are trying to find a cure for melanoma before it progresses to stage 4 so your in a great position to frontier this research.
Do some research on the clinical trials, research the drugs they're using, and make an informed decision based on what you decide is best for you.
I was initially stage 2c and I recurred about a year later. I did 2-1/2 weeks of the high dose interferon until my body couldn't take it anymore. Having hind sight now I wish I would have gone into a trial that was showing progress. Again, not everyone will recur but in my mind it's best to stack the odds in your favor.
Keep us posted and best wishes,
Denise
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- December 8, 2012 at 4:16 am
Thanks for your advice, Denice. I am BRAF negative, which closes a door….I am hoping to stay in the polynoma trial…if my oncologist thinks that it enough with 4 positive lymph node reoccurances…He may want the ipi trial. This stuff is so vicious. I wish you the best and hope and pray that you will be well!
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- December 8, 2012 at 4:16 am
Thanks for your advice, Denice. I am BRAF negative, which closes a door….I am hoping to stay in the polynoma trial…if my oncologist thinks that it enough with 4 positive lymph node reoccurances…He may want the ipi trial. This stuff is so vicious. I wish you the best and hope and pray that you will be well!
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- December 8, 2012 at 4:16 am
Thanks for your advice, Denice. I am BRAF negative, which closes a door….I am hoping to stay in the polynoma trial…if my oncologist thinks that it enough with 4 positive lymph node reoccurances…He may want the ipi trial. This stuff is so vicious. I wish you the best and hope and pray that you will be well!
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- December 8, 2012 at 1:49 am
Hi Nell,
It's hard to say how often stage 3c will recur, There are some people that never recur without any further treatment but others will recur with or with out treatment. A lot of the trials that I"m looking into as a stage 4 are also including stage 3c patients. There is Ipi VS interferon and Braf inhibitor combined with Mek VS Braf alone. They are accepting stage 3c patients as well. Here is the link http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search/view?cdrid=693024&version=HealthProfessional&protocolsearchid=11148843#EntryCriteria_CDR0000693024
They are saying that they are trying to find a cure for melanoma before it progresses to stage 4 so your in a great position to frontier this research.
Do some research on the clinical trials, research the drugs they're using, and make an informed decision based on what you decide is best for you.
I was initially stage 2c and I recurred about a year later. I did 2-1/2 weeks of the high dose interferon until my body couldn't take it anymore. Having hind sight now I wish I would have gone into a trial that was showing progress. Again, not everyone will recur but in my mind it's best to stack the odds in your favor.
Keep us posted and best wishes,
Denise
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- December 8, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Nell, I was diagnosed stage IIIC back in 2003 with 14 malignant nodes, underwent biochemotherapy at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and have yet to have a recurrence. Some centers are still doing biochemo, rough stuff though it is. I wish you all the best in your fight.
Rich
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- December 8, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Nell, I was diagnosed stage IIIC back in 2003 with 14 malignant nodes, underwent biochemotherapy at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and have yet to have a recurrence. Some centers are still doing biochemo, rough stuff though it is. I wish you all the best in your fight.
Rich
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- December 8, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Nell, I was diagnosed stage IIIC back in 2003 with 14 malignant nodes, underwent biochemotherapy at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and have yet to have a recurrence. Some centers are still doing biochemo, rough stuff though it is. I wish you all the best in your fight.
Rich
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- December 8, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Thank you for your reply. I am glad that you are still NED. That is so encouraging. It is soon to be decision time for me..I see my Dr. in a week..still healing from surgery. Don't know what he will suggest. These answers from you and others give me some back-up information..thank you and may you continue to be cancer-free.
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- December 8, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Thank you for your reply. I am glad that you are still NED. That is so encouraging. It is soon to be decision time for me..I see my Dr. in a week..still healing from surgery. Don't know what he will suggest. These answers from you and others give me some back-up information..thank you and may you continue to be cancer-free.
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- December 8, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Thank you for your reply. I am glad that you are still NED. That is so encouraging. It is soon to be decision time for me..I see my Dr. in a week..still healing from surgery. Don't know what he will suggest. These answers from you and others give me some back-up information..thank you and may you continue to be cancer-free.
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- December 8, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Hi Neil, so sorry you are having to go through this. I also just had groin nodes removed, still recovering too. I just enrolled in a clinical trial at The James although the trial is nationwide. 3 Arms, Interferon vs high dose ipi vs low dose ipi. My scans are the 12th and I start the 27th. I'm stage 3b. This may be something you can look into. I hope for the best for you. Keep your head in a good place as much as you can.
Keep us posted.
Colleen
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- December 8, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Hi Neil, so sorry you are having to go through this. I also just had groin nodes removed, still recovering too. I just enrolled in a clinical trial at The James although the trial is nationwide. 3 Arms, Interferon vs high dose ipi vs low dose ipi. My scans are the 12th and I start the 27th. I'm stage 3b. This may be something you can look into. I hope for the best for you. Keep your head in a good place as much as you can.
Keep us posted.
Colleen
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- December 8, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Hi Neil, so sorry you are having to go through this. I also just had groin nodes removed, still recovering too. I just enrolled in a clinical trial at The James although the trial is nationwide. 3 Arms, Interferon vs high dose ipi vs low dose ipi. My scans are the 12th and I start the 27th. I'm stage 3b. This may be something you can look into. I hope for the best for you. Keep your head in a good place as much as you can.
Keep us posted.
Colleen
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- December 10, 2012 at 5:55 pm
I am 38 years old and became IIIc this past September. I did not qualify for the Polynoma vaccine trial because my primary was too "severe." My other option was a clinical trial involving ipi vs interferon. My oncologost did not push that trial because he recognized that quality of life is important and the effectiveness of ipi or interferon are far from conclusive.
That being said, I am not pursuing any treatment at this time. I take vitamins to try to boost the immune system (multivitamin, vitamin D3, vitamin C). I lift heavy weights at least three times a week and I feel great. Our different approaches are all personal decisions. My advice is live your life and try to stay positive. If the mel comes back, I am ready for the fight.
Kevin
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- December 10, 2012 at 5:55 pm
I am 38 years old and became IIIc this past September. I did not qualify for the Polynoma vaccine trial because my primary was too "severe." My other option was a clinical trial involving ipi vs interferon. My oncologost did not push that trial because he recognized that quality of life is important and the effectiveness of ipi or interferon are far from conclusive.
That being said, I am not pursuing any treatment at this time. I take vitamins to try to boost the immune system (multivitamin, vitamin D3, vitamin C). I lift heavy weights at least three times a week and I feel great. Our different approaches are all personal decisions. My advice is live your life and try to stay positive. If the mel comes back, I am ready for the fight.
Kevin
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- December 10, 2012 at 5:55 pm
I am 38 years old and became IIIc this past September. I did not qualify for the Polynoma vaccine trial because my primary was too "severe." My other option was a clinical trial involving ipi vs interferon. My oncologost did not push that trial because he recognized that quality of life is important and the effectiveness of ipi or interferon are far from conclusive.
That being said, I am not pursuing any treatment at this time. I take vitamins to try to boost the immune system (multivitamin, vitamin D3, vitamin C). I lift heavy weights at least three times a week and I feel great. Our different approaches are all personal decisions. My advice is live your life and try to stay positive. If the mel comes back, I am ready for the fight.
Kevin
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