There is hope

Hello everyone,

It has been a very long time since I have visited this site but I figured it was time to swing by and post something that should give people so hope just like many of the post I read.

It has been almost a year since I found a lump under my arm which led to a diagnosis of Early Stage IV Melanoma. I say early because it had spread to all of my lymph nodes in my upper left axilla and they were not able to remove all of the tumors. I did not have distant tumors but it had spread enough to get me to the stage IV classification. Most would say that is a bad thing but it was a blessing that I didn't realize till much later.

I had surgery to remove 22 lymph nodes under my arm followed by radiation which left me with about 7 tumorous lymph nodes in my collar bone area. Because I was diagnosed with Stage IV I was able to go straight on Yervoy and did 4 rounds that finished up on July 11, 2014. My 30 day scan showed that the tumors will still there and slightly smaller. The big surprise was at three months. All of the tumors were GONE!!! No sign of them! I just had my 6 month scan and I am still clear!

Even though I had 22 lymph nodes removed I have had not a single sign of lymphedema. even though I went through radiation and had Yervoy infusions I had very little side affects. Even though a year ago the doctor told my that I had a very tough fight ahead of me I am here alive and well. I know it is relatively early in the game to claim victory but I feel that cancer has lost this battle.

I know not everyone out there will have the results I have had. I know every ones situation is different. But for those of you who have just been Diagnosed and have read all the scary data out there please know that Melanoma is not a death sentence. For those of you that have been fighting this monster for a while, Please don't give up. There is hope and soon cancer will be a thing of the past.