akls

I was at U of M also but back in 2009.  I looked up how long it took from diagnosis to WLE and SNB and it was less than one month.  My thickness was 2.1.  Don't know why it took so long for yours to be taken care of.

Amy S. in Michigan

I was at U of M also but back in 2009.  I looked up how long it took from diagnosis to WLE and SNB and it was less than one month.  My thickness was 2.1.  Don't know why it took so long for yours to be taken care of.

Amy S. in Michigan

I was at U of M also but back in 2009.  I looked up how long it took from diagnosis to WLE and SNB and it was less than one month.  My thickness was 2.1.  Don't know why it took so long for yours to be taken care of.

Amy S. in Michigan

I did Interferon in 2009/2010.  I did all of my doses High dose and Low dose for 12 months.  I'm 4 1/2 years NED since I finished the Interferon.  Did it help?  I don't know, but I'm glad I did it.  I was able to work.  I had to rest a lot and it wasn't easy but I did it.  Good luck make sure to drink lots and take the supportive medication too.  You can do it!

Amy S. in Michigan

I did Interferon in 2009/2010.  I did all of my doses High dose and Low dose for 12 months.  I'm 4 1/2 years NED since I finished the Interferon.  Did it help?  I don't know, but I'm glad I did it.  I was able to work.  I had to rest a lot and it wasn't easy but I did it.  Good luck make sure to drink lots and take the supportive medication too.  You can do it!

Amy S. in Michigan

I did Interferon in 2009/2010.  I did all of my doses High dose and Low dose for 12 months.  I'm 4 1/2 years NED since I finished the Interferon.  Did it help?  I don't know, but I'm glad I did it.  I was able to work.  I had to rest a lot and it wasn't easy but I did it.  Good luck make sure to drink lots and take the supportive medication too.  You can do it!

Amy S. in Michigan

I really don't have an answer other than I know that I was thinking that same thing when I first came to this site five years ago.  What I DO know is that you can't compare your situation with anyone else.  I'm stage IIIA been that way for a little over five years now.  Will I advance?  don't know.  I do know that I'm doing everything in my power not to.  I know people who have advanced 15 years after a stage I and I know people 25 years clean from stage who knows because it was before they were accurately staging melanoma.  I personally feel like if you can keep your immune system strong that is the best defense.  I did a year of interferon but that's the only treatment I've had. It's all just scary to think about, that's why  I try not to much anymore.  I totally understand why you are worried I was there a little different stage than you but I felt that same doubt.  I also know that my goal to see my daughter graduate will be met this May.  There is hope there are many many survivors out there not on this board living their lives.  We don't hear much from them but that's good. 

Amy in Michigan

I really don't have an answer other than I know that I was thinking that same thing when I first came to this site five years ago.  What I DO know is that you can't compare your situation with anyone else.  I'm stage IIIA been that way for a little over five years now.  Will I advance?  don't know.  I do know that I'm doing everything in my power not to.  I know people who have advanced 15 years after a stage I and I know people 25 years clean from stage who knows because it was before they were accurately staging melanoma.  I personally feel like if you can keep your immune system strong that is the best defense.  I did a year of interferon but that's the only treatment I've had. It's all just scary to think about, that's why  I try not to much anymore.  I totally understand why you are worried I was there a little different stage than you but I felt that same doubt.  I also know that my goal to see my daughter graduate will be met this May.  There is hope there are many many survivors out there not on this board living their lives.  We don't hear much from them but that's good. 

Amy in Michigan

I really don't have an answer other than I know that I was thinking that same thing when I first came to this site five years ago.  What I DO know is that you can't compare your situation with anyone else.  I'm stage IIIA been that way for a little over five years now.  Will I advance?  don't know.  I do know that I'm doing everything in my power not to.  I know people who have advanced 15 years after a stage I and I know people 25 years clean from stage who knows because it was before they were accurately staging melanoma.  I personally feel like if you can keep your immune system strong that is the best defense.  I did a year of interferon but that's the only treatment I've had. It's all just scary to think about, that's why  I try not to much anymore.  I totally understand why you are worried I was there a little different stage than you but I felt that same doubt.  I also know that my goal to see my daughter graduate will be met this May.  There is hope there are many many survivors out there not on this board living their lives.  We don't hear much from them but that's good. 

Amy in Michigan

Melissa,

I did a year of interferon from April 09 to April 10.  I am 4 1/2 years NED.  I'll never know if interferon helped with that or not, but for me it was a no brainer.  I'm not the type to not do anything.  I figured as long as interferon didn't kill me, it was worth it.  The year was hard, but I still had good times and vacations and I worked so it wasn't all bad.  If I had been older and my family was grown I may have made a different decision, but the key is that once you make up your mind don't ever look back and play the "what if" game. 

Amy S. in Michigan

Melissa,

I did a year of interferon from April 09 to April 10.  I am 4 1/2 years NED.  I'll never know if interferon helped with that or not, but for me it was a no brainer.  I'm not the type to not do anything.  I figured as long as interferon didn't kill me, it was worth it.  The year was hard, but I still had good times and vacations and I worked so it wasn't all bad.  If I had been older and my family was grown I may have made a different decision, but the key is that once you make up your mind don't ever look back and play the "what if" game. 

Amy S. in Michigan

Melissa,

I did a year of interferon from April 09 to April 10.  I am 4 1/2 years NED.  I'll never know if interferon helped with that or not, but for me it was a no brainer.  I'm not the type to not do anything.  I figured as long as interferon didn't kill me, it was worth it.  The year was hard, but I still had good times and vacations and I worked so it wasn't all bad.  If I had been older and my family was grown I may have made a different decision, but the key is that once you make up your mind don't ever look back and play the "what if" game. 

Amy S. in Michigan

Absolutely!  I had spotting almost my entire year.  They even did an endometrial biopsy, but it just showed that I wasn't ovulating.  It's been 5 years since I completed treatment and my cycles are still a little strange.  Good luck with your treatment.  I'm very glad I completed my year.

Amy S. in Michigan

Absolutely!  I had spotting almost my entire year.  They even did an endometrial biopsy, but it just showed that I wasn't ovulating.  It's been 5 years since I completed treatment and my cycles are still a little strange.  Good luck with your treatment.  I'm very glad I completed my year.

Amy S. in Michigan

Absolutely!  I had spotting almost my entire year.  They even did an endometrial biopsy, but it just showed that I wasn't ovulating.  It's been 5 years since I completed treatment and my cycles are still a little strange.  Good luck with your treatment.  I'm very glad I completed my year.

Amy S. in Michigan