amelanomajourney

Succinct accurate summary – thank you!

Succinct accurate summary – thank you!

Succinct accurate summary – thank you!

At mimimum a chest xray and abdominal ultrasound for montoring is warrented every 3-6mo.  There is no evidence that the early melanoma mets are caught the better the outcomes (no evidence directly…).  Treatment has so many side effects – I don't think it is fair to base monitoring on your decision to accept treatment – is there another melanoma oncologist in the city you could be refered to for a second opinion?

At mimimum a chest xray and abdominal ultrasound for montoring is warrented every 3-6mo.  There is no evidence that the early melanoma mets are caught the better the outcomes (no evidence directly…).  Treatment has so many side effects – I don't think it is fair to base monitoring on your decision to accept treatment – is there another melanoma oncologist in the city you could be refered to for a second opinion?

At mimimum a chest xray and abdominal ultrasound for montoring is warrented every 3-6mo.  There is no evidence that the early melanoma mets are caught the better the outcomes (no evidence directly…).  Treatment has so many side effects – I don't think it is fair to base monitoring on your decision to accept treatment – is there another melanoma oncologist in the city you could be refered to for a second opinion?

Hi Birdlo,

I know some centers in Germany are really good at following lymph nodes with ultrasounds, but if the technicians aren't trained and the radiologists don't know what they are looking for, or the technology isn't good enough at your center, it is not a good test to monitor at this point.  I'm sure we will get there in North America in 5-10 years, but it is a very new medical concept!  Make sure your center is specifically set up to follow micro-met non-palpable nodes for changes.

So many decisions, do not fret!  Make the best decisions for you in this moment and don't look back.  I was in your shoes 2 years ago, and thought I would never get to a time when I could think about anything but cancer.  One WLE and CLND and year of interferon later and I'm back to working and dancing and I am grateful for the decisions I made along the way.  Not for everyone, but I used the information I had!

Wishing you positive thoughts in this impossible time.

Hi Birdlo,

I know some centers in Germany are really good at following lymph nodes with ultrasounds, but if the technicians aren't trained and the radiologists don't know what they are looking for, or the technology isn't good enough at your center, it is not a good test to monitor at this point.  I'm sure we will get there in North America in 5-10 years, but it is a very new medical concept!  Make sure your center is specifically set up to follow micro-met non-palpable nodes for changes.

So many decisions, do not fret!  Make the best decisions for you in this moment and don't look back.  I was in your shoes 2 years ago, and thought I would never get to a time when I could think about anything but cancer.  One WLE and CLND and year of interferon later and I'm back to working and dancing and I am grateful for the decisions I made along the way.  Not for everyone, but I used the information I had!

Wishing you positive thoughts in this impossible time.

Hi Birdlo,

I know some centers in Germany are really good at following lymph nodes with ultrasounds, but if the technicians aren't trained and the radiologists don't know what they are looking for, or the technology isn't good enough at your center, it is not a good test to monitor at this point.  I'm sure we will get there in North America in 5-10 years, but it is a very new medical concept!  Make sure your center is specifically set up to follow micro-met non-palpable nodes for changes.

So many decisions, do not fret!  Make the best decisions for you in this moment and don't look back.  I was in your shoes 2 years ago, and thought I would never get to a time when I could think about anything but cancer.  One WLE and CLND and year of interferon later and I'm back to working and dancing and I am grateful for the decisions I made along the way.  Not for everyone, but I used the information I had!

Wishing you positive thoughts in this impossible time.

It's a shame that interferon treatment is so polarized – I hate to see comments on this board that shame the decision to take it.

My oncologist applauded me for my decision to go on interferon despite all the criticism.  I bought myself time.  And I didn't "give up a year of my life".  I was sick, but I used the time to rest and reflect.

In the meantime there have been several new melanoma drugs that have come out and more results from trials.

It was the best shot I had for 3A and I don't regret it a moment.

It's a shame that interferon treatment is so polarized – I hate to see comments on this board that shame the decision to take it.

My oncologist applauded me for my decision to go on interferon despite all the criticism.  I bought myself time.  And I didn't "give up a year of my life".  I was sick, but I used the time to rest and reflect.

In the meantime there have been several new melanoma drugs that have come out and more results from trials.

It was the best shot I had for 3A and I don't regret it a moment.

It's a shame that interferon treatment is so polarized – I hate to see comments on this board that shame the decision to take it.

My oncologist applauded me for my decision to go on interferon despite all the criticism.  I bought myself time.  And I didn't "give up a year of my life".  I was sick, but I used the time to rest and reflect.

In the meantime there have been several new melanoma drugs that have come out and more results from trials.

It was the best shot I had for 3A and I don't regret it a moment.

Great post about the experience.  I agree that while it is challenging, it is possible.  And for stage 3ers it is still a viable option.

Great post about the experience.  I agree that while it is challenging, it is possible.  And for stage 3ers it is still a viable option.

Great post about the experience.  I agree that while it is challenging, it is possible.  And for stage 3ers it is still a viable option.