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Terra (Derek Stage IV)
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Terra (Derek Stage IV)

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Terra (Derek Stage IV)

  • Post
    • November 30, 2010 at 1:49 am
    Terra
    Participant

      Hi,

      I am hoping someone will have some advice about a 2nd surgery in Derek`s lungs and a possible spot on his bone. 

      Hi,

      I am hoping someone will have some advice about a 2nd surgery in Derek`s lungs and a possible spot on his bone. 

      His PET/CT in the summer showed lots of uptake in a right hilar node that had lite up 2.5 years ago – so it is finally confirmed mel.  We have been on DTIC – 3 injections (randomized in the IL-21 vs DTIC trial in TO) – scan results sometime this week will tell us if DTIC has done anything – but a 3rd opinion from a surgeon says it is resectable with 5% possibility of complications because nodes might be attached to vessels and then a lung would have to be removed – however Derek has none of the predictors so we are thinking of having the surgery in January – thinking that is the best option – any advice…

      Also, we are concerned about an unknown spot on his rib if it one day turns out to be melanoma (it lite up on the pet and ct but not on the bone scan or ultrasound), they do not know what it is but onc says it will probably in the long run be melanoma…anyone know what options we will have for the bone ie treatment, surgery…

      I`m sorry for asking questions and yet not responding very much to others posts – I seem to have little energy between work, kids, and trips to TO, and Derek and I are having a difficult time together as well – I am sure this is not new to anyone here.  Thank-you for understanding.

      Terra

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    • Replies
        • November 30, 2010 at 3:06 pm
        Fen
        Participant

          Terra –   One of the best things about this place is that you do what you can when you can. Don't worry about not responding.

          I don't know a whole lot about lung mets, but it surgery always sounds the best – cut that problem out and move on.  The rib issue may turn out to be a false positive – I sure hope so.

          I know this is a lame post – but at least your post will move to the top. Yesterday was a busy day!

          Fen

          • November 30, 2010 at 3:06 pm
          Fen
          Participant

            Terra –   One of the best things about this place is that you do what you can when you can. Don't worry about not responding.

            I don't know a whole lot about lung mets, but it surgery always sounds the best – cut that problem out and move on.  The rib issue may turn out to be a false positive – I sure hope so.

            I know this is a lame post – but at least your post will move to the top. Yesterday was a busy day!

            Fen

            • November 30, 2010 at 3:15 pm
            Linda/Kentucky
            Participant

              I can't give you any advice on surgery due to my husband not being a candidate for that.  He almost immediately was at stage IV when we found out about his melanoma.  They were going to do radical neck surgery but when they did the CT found it in his femur bones so that cx that and went to whole body tx.  My only advice is to research–research–research.  Even though I am a RN when I go for Dr. visits it helps to know the mumbo~jumbo they talk about and ASK questions you are your husbands advocate not the DR's and some oncologist don't take the aggressive route that you may want.  Hope you find some answers and I will keep you along with the others in my prayers for peace,guidance and understanding.  Keep us updated.

               

              Linda/Kentucky

              • November 30, 2010 at 3:15 pm
              Linda/Kentucky
              Participant

                I can't give you any advice on surgery due to my husband not being a candidate for that.  He almost immediately was at stage IV when we found out about his melanoma.  They were going to do radical neck surgery but when they did the CT found it in his femur bones so that cx that and went to whole body tx.  My only advice is to research–research–research.  Even though I am a RN when I go for Dr. visits it helps to know the mumbo~jumbo they talk about and ASK questions you are your husbands advocate not the DR's and some oncologist don't take the aggressive route that you may want.  Hope you find some answers and I will keep you along with the others in my prayers for peace,guidance and understanding.  Keep us updated.

                 

                Linda/Kentucky

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