DebDiCarlo

I'm happy to hear that your mother is NED.  Many of the replies you have recieved are probably more technically correct and data specific, but I couldn't let this post go by without suggesting that sometimes you have to go with your gut.  I was diagnosed in 2005 with Mucosal Melanoma.  Much like Jerry, I was told it was a hemmorhoid for nearly a year by my OB/GYN.  When it began bleeding I sought other opinions and was rushed into surgery, diagnosed with Mucosal Melanoma and began treatment.  I did not have radiation, as my oncologist wanted to keep that option "in our back pocket" in case it resurfaced.  Instead, he recommended Interferon.  I withstood the high dose treatment for 4 weeks, and completed a full year of interferon in August 2006.  It is now June 2012 and I am still NED.  While many of the statistics now state that INF does not necessarily contribute to longer life expectancy and every individual is different, I do not regret "doing everything possible" to increase my chance to live a longer life.  This is not to say that it is because of the interferon that I am still here today NED, I recognize that there are likely a lot of contributing factors including age, overall health, etc., but nonetheless, I am still here today.  Keep in mind, Interferon is a gruelling treatment, I was very lucky that I was still able to work, travel and be a Mom to my son.  Keep in mind I was 42 at the time, and I believe my age played a significant role.  I do, however, have rheumatoid arthritis and it was exacerbated signficantly with the treatment. Had that not been the case, I would have perhaps fared even better.  Part of why I believe age plays a significant role is that I had an Interferon friend who was diagnosed at nearly the same time who was in her 60's, completed the interferon and passed away 18 months ago.  Her MM came back within 30 days of ending the treatment. Best of luck in your decision. 

I'm happy to hear that your mother is NED.  Many of the replies you have recieved are probably more technically correct and data specific, but I couldn't let this post go by without suggesting that sometimes you have to go with your gut.  I was diagnosed in 2005 with Mucosal Melanoma.  Much like Jerry, I was told it was a hemmorhoid for nearly a year by my OB/GYN.  When it began bleeding I sought other opinions and was rushed into surgery, diagnosed with Mucosal Melanoma and began treatment.  I did not have radiation, as my oncologist wanted to keep that option "in our back pocket" in case it resurfaced.  Instead, he recommended Interferon.  I withstood the high dose treatment for 4 weeks, and completed a full year of interferon in August 2006.  It is now June 2012 and I am still NED.  While many of the statistics now state that INF does not necessarily contribute to longer life expectancy and every individual is different, I do not regret "doing everything possible" to increase my chance to live a longer life.  This is not to say that it is because of the interferon that I am still here today NED, I recognize that there are likely a lot of contributing factors including age, overall health, etc., but nonetheless, I am still here today.  Keep in mind, Interferon is a gruelling treatment, I was very lucky that I was still able to work, travel and be a Mom to my son.  Keep in mind I was 42 at the time, and I believe my age played a significant role.  I do, however, have rheumatoid arthritis and it was exacerbated signficantly with the treatment. Had that not been the case, I would have perhaps fared even better.  Part of why I believe age plays a significant role is that I had an Interferon friend who was diagnosed at nearly the same time who was in her 60's, completed the interferon and passed away 18 months ago.  Her MM came back within 30 days of ending the treatment. Best of luck in your decision. 

I'm happy to hear that your mother is NED.  Many of the replies you have recieved are probably more technically correct and data specific, but I couldn't let this post go by without suggesting that sometimes you have to go with your gut.  I was diagnosed in 2005 with Mucosal Melanoma.  Much like Jerry, I was told it was a hemmorhoid for nearly a year by my OB/GYN.  When it began bleeding I sought other opinions and was rushed into surgery, diagnosed with Mucosal Melanoma and began treatment.  I did not have radiation, as my oncologist wanted to keep that option "in our back pocket" in case it resurfaced.  Instead, he recommended Interferon.  I withstood the high dose treatment for 4 weeks, and completed a full year of interferon in August 2006.  It is now June 2012 and I am still NED.  While many of the statistics now state that INF does not necessarily contribute to longer life expectancy and every individual is different, I do not regret "doing everything possible" to increase my chance to live a longer life.  This is not to say that it is because of the interferon that I am still here today NED, I recognize that there are likely a lot of contributing factors including age, overall health, etc., but nonetheless, I am still here today.  Keep in mind, Interferon is a gruelling treatment, I was very lucky that I was still able to work, travel and be a Mom to my son.  Keep in mind I was 42 at the time, and I believe my age played a significant role.  I do, however, have rheumatoid arthritis and it was exacerbated signficantly with the treatment. Had that not been the case, I would have perhaps fared even better.  Part of why I believe age plays a significant role is that I had an Interferon friend who was diagnosed at nearly the same time who was in her 60's, completed the interferon and passed away 18 months ago.  Her MM came back within 30 days of ending the treatment. Best of luck in your decision. 

Hi Jeannine –

I was diagnosed with anal melanoma in June 2005.  After two surgeries, snb and no metastis, I lived through 1 year of interferon and scans for the past 6 years. 

As of now I remain NED and continue to have annual scans and bi-annual doctors visits. 

I wanted to post for you to provide light at the end of the tunnel and hope.  My son was going into the 8th grade when I was diagnosed and I prayed to survive until he graduated.  When he was graduating, I amended my prayer to be here long enough to see him married and have children….we'll see.  He is a sophomore in college now.

If you would like more details, feel free to email me.

Deb in CA (now Georgia)

Hi Jeannine –

I was diagnosed with anal melanoma in June 2005.  After two surgeries, snb and no metastis, I lived through 1 year of interferon and scans for the past 6 years. 

As of now I remain NED and continue to have annual scans and bi-annual doctors visits. 

I wanted to post for you to provide light at the end of the tunnel and hope.  My son was going into the 8th grade when I was diagnosed and I prayed to survive until he graduated.  When he was graduating, I amended my prayer to be here long enough to see him married and have children….we'll see.  He is a sophomore in college now.

If you would like more details, feel free to email me.

Deb in CA (now Georgia)