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Taking a break from Interferon
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Taking a break from Interferon

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Taking a break from Interferon

  • Post
    • March 27, 2013 at 4:52 pm
    Wolverine
    Participant

      I am stage IIIC melanoma with unknown primary.  I have been taken Interferon since November 2012.  Overall I have done fine with the exception of being wiped out (tired) and a little weight loss.  I haven't had the energy to exercise.  I am seriously considering taking off for the spring/summer.  As I understand, Interferon has not been proven to extend overall survival rates.  I have come to the opinion that I have a better chance of survival if I am not worn down and unable to stay active.

      Wishing everyone well.

      I am stage IIIC melanoma with unknown primary.  I have been taken Interferon since November 2012.  Overall I have done fine with the exception of being wiped out (tired) and a little weight loss.  I haven't had the energy to exercise.  I am seriously considering taking off for the spring/summer.  As I understand, Interferon has not been proven to extend overall survival rates.  I have come to the opinion that I have a better chance of survival if I am not worn down and unable to stay active.

      Wishing everyone well.

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • March 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm
        Fen
        Participant

          I stopped after 6 months and never regretted it.  The data isn't strong and I had a terrible time with it – I was in a wheelchair towards the end.  For me, there have been long term cognitive and emotional side effects (just my subjective opinion).  Whatever you decide to do don't look back.  I have been NED since then.   Good luck!

          Fen

            • March 28, 2013 at 2:05 pm
            Wolverine
            Participant

              Thank you very much Fen.  

              • March 28, 2013 at 2:05 pm
              Wolverine
              Participant

                Thank you very much Fen.  

                • March 28, 2013 at 2:05 pm
                Wolverine
                Participant

                  Thank you very much Fen.  

                • March 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm
                Fen
                Participant

                  I stopped after 6 months and never regretted it.  The data isn't strong and I had a terrible time with it – I was in a wheelchair towards the end.  For me, there have been long term cognitive and emotional side effects (just my subjective opinion).  Whatever you decide to do don't look back.  I have been NED since then.   Good luck!

                  Fen

                  • March 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm
                  Fen
                  Participant

                    I stopped after 6 months and never regretted it.  The data isn't strong and I had a terrible time with it – I was in a wheelchair towards the end.  For me, there have been long term cognitive and emotional side effects (just my subjective opinion).  Whatever you decide to do don't look back.  I have been NED since then.   Good luck!

                    Fen

                    • March 28, 2013 at 12:17 am
                    Hstevens0072
                    Participant
                      I did the full year… And was diagnosed stage 4 13 months later. I don’t regret doing the interferon but I wonder sometimes if it was worth it. It is a tough row to hoe.
                      Best of luck with whatever you decide.
                      Holly
                      • March 28, 2013 at 12:17 am
                      Hstevens0072
                      Participant
                        I did the full year… And was diagnosed stage 4 13 months later. I don’t regret doing the interferon but I wonder sometimes if it was worth it. It is a tough row to hoe.
                        Best of luck with whatever you decide.
                        Holly
                        • March 28, 2013 at 12:17 am
                        Hstevens0072
                        Participant
                          I did the full year… And was diagnosed stage 4 13 months later. I don’t regret doing the interferon but I wonder sometimes if it was worth it. It is a tough row to hoe.
                          Best of luck with whatever you decide.
                          Holly
                          • March 29, 2013 at 3:06 am
                          ncdaniel
                          Participant

                            Wolvrine, My wife electeced not to do interferon at all since the chance of good results seem questionable. At the U of M ( Michigan) we were told 10% effective at best with some studies suggesting more in the 2% range. I would study this a lot.

                            Go Bucks , NC Daniel

                            • March 29, 2013 at 3:06 am
                            ncdaniel
                            Participant

                              Wolvrine, My wife electeced not to do interferon at all since the chance of good results seem questionable. At the U of M ( Michigan) we were told 10% effective at best with some studies suggesting more in the 2% range. I would study this a lot.

                              Go Bucks , NC Daniel

                              • March 29, 2013 at 3:06 am
                              ncdaniel
                              Participant

                                Wolvrine, My wife electeced not to do interferon at all since the chance of good results seem questionable. At the U of M ( Michigan) we were told 10% effective at best with some studies suggesting more in the 2% range. I would study this a lot.

                                Go Bucks , NC Daniel

                            Viewing 8 reply threads
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