Arashkya

Hi,

I completely understand how you might be feeling. My melanoma was also on my back. I was diagnosed at stage 3 (weeks from stage 4) back in '08; durring a visit to my parents house in the summer. Needless to say I never left that 'vacation'. My doctors imediately told me that I wouldn't be able to return to school or my life back in San Francisco until everything was over.

No one was able to explain anything to me, as far as how grim it was. Within the next 3 months I had surgery done on my lower back, under my right arm, and on the right side of my groin. I was given a pict line for one month after surgery for the beginning on my treatment. After that month, I was stuck with self injections of interferon for the next year.

I would have to say that I took it a lot better than friends and family. I just always acted like it was no big deal. The doctors would fix it. So far I'm one month into my one year cancer free…. it's just hoping that it stays that way. My issue  now is that because of the effects of the interferon, my thyroid has stopped working. Now I suffer from Hypothyroidism, with a small tumor on my petuitary gland. Right now my doctors are all monotoring me to see if I may need brain surgery to remove the tumor. I have high hopes though. 🙂

Just remember to stay positive. And try your best to stay busy and healthy. Time will fly by!

Hi,

I completely understand how you might be feeling. My melanoma was also on my back. I was diagnosed at stage 3 (weeks from stage 4) back in '08; durring a visit to my parents house in the summer. Needless to say I never left that 'vacation'. My doctors imediately told me that I wouldn't be able to return to school or my life back in San Francisco until everything was over.

No one was able to explain anything to me, as far as how grim it was. Within the next 3 months I had surgery done on my lower back, under my right arm, and on the right side of my groin. I was given a pict line for one month after surgery for the beginning on my treatment. After that month, I was stuck with self injections of interferon for the next year.

I would have to say that I took it a lot better than friends and family. I just always acted like it was no big deal. The doctors would fix it. So far I'm one month into my one year cancer free…. it's just hoping that it stays that way. My issue  now is that because of the effects of the interferon, my thyroid has stopped working. Now I suffer from Hypothyroidism, with a small tumor on my petuitary gland. Right now my doctors are all monotoring me to see if I may need brain surgery to remove the tumor. I have high hopes though. 🙂

Just remember to stay positive. And try your best to stay busy and healthy. Time will fly by!