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Gary,

So sorry to hear your news.  My wife Connie and I send our condolences.  What a blessing that you had a child together. 

Bob (in Visalia)

Gary,

So sorry to hear your news.  My wife Connie and I send our condolences.  What a blessing that you had a child together. 

Bob (in Visalia)

Tina,

Thanks for your entry.  You'll find a lot of experience in the participants of this bulletin board. 

I am currently in treatment at the Angeles Clinc in Santa Monica (Los Angeles).  If you need a second opinion, I would highly recommend it.  The clinic has a number of clinical trials available, and the doctors (Dr. O'Day, Dr. Hamid) will take plenty of time meeting with you and doing testing to find what may be best.

Depending on where you are in Arizona, this would be about 350 miles from you, which is doable.  We commute from 250 miles, and generally a night or two in a hotel will cover our length of stay. 

Blessings,

Bob (in Visalia) 

Tina,

Thanks for your entry.  You'll find a lot of experience in the participants of this bulletin board. 

I am currently in treatment at the Angeles Clinc in Santa Monica (Los Angeles).  If you need a second opinion, I would highly recommend it.  The clinic has a number of clinical trials available, and the doctors (Dr. O'Day, Dr. Hamid) will take plenty of time meeting with you and doing testing to find what may be best.

Depending on where you are in Arizona, this would be about 350 miles from you, which is doable.  We commute from 250 miles, and generally a night or two in a hotel will cover our length of stay. 

Blessings,

Bob (in Visalia) 

Nebr,

I have heart disease (bypass surgery 10 yrs ago) and am in treatment for Stage IV.  I will probably be on Ipi within a couple of months at the Angeles Clinic.  They have not mentioned that there would be any problem for me to take it because of heart issues. 

Best wishes to you in your pursuit of an effective treatment. 

Bob (in Visalia)

Nebr,

I have heart disease (bypass surgery 10 yrs ago) and am in treatment for Stage IV.  I will probably be on Ipi within a couple of months at the Angeles Clinic.  They have not mentioned that there would be any problem for me to take it because of heart issues. 

Best wishes to you in your pursuit of an effective treatment. 

Bob (in Visalia)

Jule,

There aren't words to use… my condolences to you and your family. 

Bob (in Visalia)

Jule,

There aren't words to use… my condolences to you and your family. 

Bob (in Visalia)

Mary,

Thanks so much for sharing your good news.  My history is very similar to yours, but I am in the middle of it instead of at the successfull end of it!  I am currently under treatment at the Angeles Clinic (John Wayne Cancer Center) in Los Angeles.  I currently have two tumors, both about 14 mm, in my left lung, and have had several others removed surgically over the last 4 years.  I just finished a clinical trial for combo of Taxotere and YM 155 which slowed growth but did stop it.  Monday I will start on a new trial, called VEGF, with a drug that works to stop the growth of new blood vessels to tumors.  I know that, as time goes by, we'll find the right combination of meds.  We'll be trying IPI next, if this new trial med doesn't help. 

Again, thanks for sharing your encouraging news! 

Bob (from Visalia)

Mary,

Thanks so much for sharing your good news.  My history is very similar to yours, but I am in the middle of it instead of at the successfull end of it!  I am currently under treatment at the Angeles Clinic (John Wayne Cancer Center) in Los Angeles.  I currently have two tumors, both about 14 mm, in my left lung, and have had several others removed surgically over the last 4 years.  I just finished a clinical trial for combo of Taxotere and YM 155 which slowed growth but did stop it.  Monday I will start on a new trial, called VEGF, with a drug that works to stop the growth of new blood vessels to tumors.  I know that, as time goes by, we'll find the right combination of meds.  We'll be trying IPI next, if this new trial med doesn't help. 

Again, thanks for sharing your encouraging news! 

Bob (from Visalia)

Shaz,

Thanks for sharing your story.  Many of us are in similar situations, and it is scary.  Know that there are MANY success stories.  I am in a clinical trial through the Angeles Clinic taking Taxotere and YM155 for metz in my left lung.  I am hoping to be one of those success stories soon!

I think the most important element in treatment is to make sure you are working with a Dr. who has extensive experience with Melanoma.  There are so many clinical trials going on with very promising drugs!  Your doctor has to help you access the treatment that is best for you.  Where do you live?  I'm sure that others on this board can suggest clinics near you if necessary.  I am being treated by the John Wayne Cancer Center / Angeles Clinic in Santa Monica, CA.  But, there are many centers that can help you find the best treatment, or confirm what you are currently doing. 

Bless you in your efforts.  Keep up the faith!

Bob

I'm doing OK.   Similar to you, the side effects have been mild to moderate.  I will have scans on Tuesday and will know more after that! 

Bob

I'm doing OK.   Similar to you, the side effects have been mild to moderate.  I will have scans on Tuesday and will know more after that! 

Bob

Anny,

Side effects have not been bad… kind of the usual I guess.  Metalic taste in mouth, a little nausea, hair loss, about 50% loss of energy/stamina, and a little rashing.  It is a 21 day cycle – chemo drug given for one hour on first day, then YM155 slowly over 7 days – use a small pump and meds in a fanny pack like thing.  It's do-able, not at all uncomfortable.  All meds given through a port that was surgically implanted before we started. 

I think this trial is available in various locations. 

Bob

Anny,

Side effects have not been bad… kind of the usual I guess.  Metalic taste in mouth, a little nausea, hair loss, about 50% loss of energy/stamina, and a little rashing.  It is a 21 day cycle – chemo drug given for one hour on first day, then YM155 slowly over 7 days – use a small pump and meds in a fanny pack like thing.  It's do-able, not at all uncomfortable.  All meds given through a port that was surgically implanted before we started. 

I think this trial is available in various locations. 

Bob