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starting radiation treatment
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starting radiation treatment

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › starting radiation treatment

  • Post
    • July 22, 2013 at 1:46 pm
    flvermonter
    Participant

      Hello,

      Hello,

      Well my husband healed from his lymphnode removal surgery. However, after the drain tube was removed, he got an infection.  That delayed things another week.  Moffit wanted to do radiation therapy in sequence; first the lung cancer, then the melanoma site.  We met with a couple of radiation oncs and then met with Dr Anderson, (Robert Boissoneault Oncology, Inc).  He has treated some of our friends here in Ocala and they all gave high marks for him.  He is going to do radiation on the lung, and melanoma site at the same time.  Both are on the right side.  He also ordered a new PETscan and we met to go over it with him on Friday.  Turns out as we expected the area around the surgery showed hot, and the lung cancer nodule has grown.  However, there is a new "hot" site in the upper shoulder, base of his neck.  They are calling it "suspicious".  Decided not to do any surgery or biopsy on it, but to include it in the radiation therapy.  He has been fitted for the treatement and will start this THursday.  He will go twice a day for 5 and a half weeks.  I understand this is a more successful approach.  I am wondering is any one else has had the dual radiation treatement for melanoma and what they have found.   

      Thanks, Mary

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 23, 2013 at 10:59 pm
        flvermonter
        Participant
          Just checking to see if anyone else has had radiation therapy and what there outcome was. We plan to start Yervoy after treatment. Hope I am asking the question in the right way. I am looking for a comfort level that the radiation will work. Such a confidence shaker with this beast.
          • July 23, 2013 at 10:59 pm
          flvermonter
          Participant
            Just checking to see if anyone else has had radiation therapy and what there outcome was. We plan to start Yervoy after treatment. Hope I am asking the question in the right way. I am looking for a comfort level that the radiation will work. Such a confidence shaker with this beast.
            • July 23, 2013 at 10:59 pm
            flvermonter
            Participant
              Just checking to see if anyone else has had radiation therapy and what there outcome was. We plan to start Yervoy after treatment. Hope I am asking the question in the right way. I am looking for a comfort level that the radiation will work. Such a confidence shaker with this beast.
              • July 24, 2013 at 4:17 am
              Janner
              Participant

                Radiation has limited effect with melanoma and it is mostly used to clear up localized areas of disease.  Typically around surgical sites.  Radiation for lung cancer probably has a higher success rate.  Since he is already doing radiation for the lung cancer, it probably makes sense to give it a shot with the melanoma, too.  Radiation alone probably isn't going to be a cure if he has disease elsewhere and it makes sense to start Yervoy for a truly systemic approach.  Typically the side effects are skin burns and fatigue and hopefully those will be managable for your husband.

                Best wishes,

                Janner

                • July 24, 2013 at 1:52 pm
                flvermonter
                Participant

                  Thanks Janner. I think he will manage the fatigue ok.  Just hoping no new hot spots during the process.  I just question myself and our decisions so much and it does help hearing from other people who have walked down the road before.

                  Regards, Mary

                  • July 24, 2013 at 11:53 pm
                  NYKaren
                  Participant
                    Mary,
                    Been a little under the weather but following your posts. Sounds like you have a good plan. Some feel that radiation + Ipi pack a double whammy. Sure hope that’s the case for your husband.
                    All the best,
                    Karen
                    • July 24, 2013 at 4:17 am
                    Janner
                    Participant

                      Radiation has limited effect with melanoma and it is mostly used to clear up localized areas of disease.  Typically around surgical sites.  Radiation for lung cancer probably has a higher success rate.  Since he is already doing radiation for the lung cancer, it probably makes sense to give it a shot with the melanoma, too.  Radiation alone probably isn't going to be a cure if he has disease elsewhere and it makes sense to start Yervoy for a truly systemic approach.  Typically the side effects are skin burns and fatigue and hopefully those will be managable for your husband.

                      Best wishes,

                      Janner

                      • July 24, 2013 at 4:17 am
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        Radiation has limited effect with melanoma and it is mostly used to clear up localized areas of disease.  Typically around surgical sites.  Radiation for lung cancer probably has a higher success rate.  Since he is already doing radiation for the lung cancer, it probably makes sense to give it a shot with the melanoma, too.  Radiation alone probably isn't going to be a cure if he has disease elsewhere and it makes sense to start Yervoy for a truly systemic approach.  Typically the side effects are skin burns and fatigue and hopefully those will be managable for your husband.

                        Best wishes,

                        Janner

                        • July 24, 2013 at 1:52 pm
                        flvermonter
                        Participant

                          Thanks Janner. I think he will manage the fatigue ok.  Just hoping no new hot spots during the process.  I just question myself and our decisions so much and it does help hearing from other people who have walked down the road before.

                          Regards, Mary

                          • July 24, 2013 at 1:52 pm
                          flvermonter
                          Participant

                            Thanks Janner. I think he will manage the fatigue ok.  Just hoping no new hot spots during the process.  I just question myself and our decisions so much and it does help hearing from other people who have walked down the road before.

                            Regards, Mary

                            • July 24, 2013 at 11:53 pm
                            NYKaren
                            Participant
                              Mary,
                              Been a little under the weather but following your posts. Sounds like you have a good plan. Some feel that radiation + Ipi pack a double whammy. Sure hope that’s the case for your husband.
                              All the best,
                              Karen
                              • July 24, 2013 at 11:53 pm
                              NYKaren
                              Participant
                                Mary,
                                Been a little under the weather but following your posts. Sounds like you have a good plan. Some feel that radiation + Ipi pack a double whammy. Sure hope that’s the case for your husband.
                                All the best,
                                Karen
                            Viewing 5 reply threads
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