The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Bugandi

Forum Replies Created

Viewing 3 reply threads
  • Replies
      Bugandi
      Participant

        Hi,

        I have been through this radiation twice, in 2 different areas.  Once was head and neck, 5 treatments over 15 days in 2007, and then again 3 months ago on the groin area,.  I did this both times at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.  I have been told by the radiation oncologists there that this has been shown to be more effective than conventional radiation.  At any rate, I'll be happy to answer any questions I can for you.

        Thanks

        Bryan

        Bugandi
        Participant

          Hi,

          I have been through this radiation twice, in 2 different areas.  Once was head and neck, 5 treatments over 15 days in 2007, and then again 3 months ago on the groin area,.  I did this both times at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.  I have been told by the radiation oncologists there that this has been shown to be more effective than conventional radiation.  At any rate, I'll be happy to answer any questions I can for you.

          Thanks

          Bryan

          Bugandi
          Participant

            Hi,

            I was diagnosed with Conjunctival melanoma in 2005.  Not sure which for of occular melanoma you have.   At any rate, I went through 2 surgerys where the tumor was removed from the conjunctiva, and in 2007, the tumor returned behind my left eye.  I had surery at mayo clinic in minnesota, where I lost my left eye because the tumor was so large, and the margins needed didn't allow me to keep my eyelids either.  My eye was sewn shut.  I then went through some intense radiation followed by a regimen of leukine treatments.  At first it was a little difficult to cope, but have come a long way in the last 3 years.  I did have a recurrence recently in my groin.  Luckily, I still have perfect vision in my right eye.  Anyway, I will be happy to try to answer any questions for you, whatever they may be. 

            Bryan

            Bugandi
            Participant

              Hi,

              I was diagnosed with Conjunctival melanoma in 2005.  Not sure which for of occular melanoma you have.   At any rate, I went through 2 surgerys where the tumor was removed from the conjunctiva, and in 2007, the tumor returned behind my left eye.  I had surery at mayo clinic in minnesota, where I lost my left eye because the tumor was so large, and the margins needed didn't allow me to keep my eyelids either.  My eye was sewn shut.  I then went through some intense radiation followed by a regimen of leukine treatments.  At first it was a little difficult to cope, but have come a long way in the last 3 years.  I did have a recurrence recently in my groin.  Luckily, I still have perfect vision in my right eye.  Anyway, I will be happy to try to answer any questions for you, whatever they may be. 

              Bryan

              Bugandi
              Participant

                Hi Dawn, the first 3-4 weeks were good.  Towards the end of week 4 is when my side effects started, and were at the worst at week 6.  they are better now, but I started taking pain meds at week 6 too.  Hope that helps.  will be discussing with doctor on Thursday as well.

                B

                Bugandi
                Participant

                  Hi Dawn, the first 3-4 weeks were good.  Towards the end of week 4 is when my side effects started, and were at the worst at week 6.  they are better now, but I started taking pain meds at week 6 too.  Hope that helps.  will be discussing with doctor on Thursday as well.

                  B

                  Bugandi
                  Participant

                    Thanks for your reply Paul,

                    I'm sorry, I don't know what VATs is.  I guess I am just a little freaked out right now, as I have been told that no open chest surgery is easy.  I have had 4 surgeries so far, and I guess I would say no surgery at all is easy.  At any rate, I will know more in 2 weeks as to what we are going to do.  I will try to figure out what VATs is too, maybe discuss it with the doctor.

                    thanks

                    Bryan

                    Bugandi
                    Participant

                      Thanks for your reply Paul,

                      I'm sorry, I don't know what VATs is.  I guess I am just a little freaked out right now, as I have been told that no open chest surgery is easy.  I have had 4 surgeries so far, and I guess I would say no surgery at all is easy.  At any rate, I will know more in 2 weeks as to what we are going to do.  I will try to figure out what VATs is too, maybe discuss it with the doctor.

                      thanks

                      Bryan

                  Viewing 3 reply threads