Bradley75

Might want to consider TVEC.  It sounds like your mets could be accessed by a needle if they are visible under the skin.  Response rates and side effects are way better than chemo. 

Brad

I start TVEC on the 20th of December for a lymph node in my neck.  I was sold by the 60% response rate and the no surgery or radiation.  It may not work, but anything is better than more surgery.  TVEC is also an injection.  I am not familiar with the term or process of electroporation.  Just thought I would share about TVEC.  It sounds like quite a weapon against the beast that is mel.

-Brad

I hate mel.  He likes to keep showing up without an invitation.  I agree with Bubbles.  I just had a recurrence after almost a year of NED.  I decided to go the TVEC route instead of surgery or radiation.  Seems like a great option based on all the information I was able to gather.  The fact that is can wipe out the tumor injected and also wipe out the rest of the bad neighbors that may be lurking in the shadows is what did it for me.  Not sure it is going to work, but it really seems way better than all the surgeries I have had or rounds of radiation I have experienced over the years.

I will keep you in my prayers. 

-Brad

Anon,

My onc always tells me that radiologists just read what they see.  It is good to read the PET report, but don't "read in" to the PET report.  Make sure you talk to your melanoma specialist about interpreting your scan results.  Radiology's reports can cause lots of necessary anxiety for the patient.  I have been there.  It took several scans for me to figure this out even though I was told it from the begriming.  Congrats on the good scan.

-Brad

That is terrific news.  I am doing my best version of a happy dance.  It looks a lot more like a seizure than dancing, but I do the best with what I got.  I am thrilled for you and your family.

-Brad

Stage 1B back in 2007.  Came back as stage 3 in 2015 and eventually progressed to stage 4 in 2016.  I have had 14 surgeries, several rounds of radiation, 1 dose of IPI/NIVO (major side effects), 25 doses of Pembro and have been NED for 6 months.  My last onc visit we actually discussed the possibility of a finish line for treatment.  Next round of scans are 9-27-18.  Onc says we will evaluate our plan at the results appointment.  Never give up the fight against this beast. 

-Brad

I fought getting a port for the first 6 months.  I had a CLND of the right axilla so my right arm is off limits for IV and lab draws.  My left arm got poked so many times in those early months.  It got to the point where they struggled to even get blood from my left arm.  The port has been awesome for me.  So much easier and they can fill as many lab tubes as they need.  I am a lab rat for a couple studies so they draw as many as 15 tubes at times.  I strongly recommend a port.  I love mine and wish I would have gotten it right away instead of being stubborn and scared. 

Brad

Great to hear good news.  I am having Pembro round 23 this Friday and remain NED.  There is hope in this battle.

When my thyroid quit, it went hyper first and the hypo and then plum quit.  As long as they monitor thyroid levels at your every 3 week appointments, they will dial in the correct dosage after some trial and error.  I started at 50 mcg and am now locked in at 200 mcg per day.  It got my levels back to normal so it will improve for you as long as they stay on it. 

Brad