delora

I just finished my second round of IPPY.  So far, itching has been my biggest side effect, which has been controlled with topical treatment and claritin.

I was concerend about the stomach issues especially because I have a sensitive stomach, but, so far, I have not had any issues.

Compared to interfron, this has been a great experience.  Good luck to your wife—and to you.

delora

I just finished my second round of IPPY.  So far, itching has been my biggest side effect, which has been controlled with topical treatment and claritin.

I was concerend about the stomach issues especially because I have a sensitive stomach, but, so far, I have not had any issues.

Compared to interfron, this has been a great experience.  Good luck to your wife—and to you.

delora

I just finished my second round of IPPY.  So far, itching has been my biggest side effect, which has been controlled with topical treatment and claritin.

I was concerend about the stomach issues especially because I have a sensitive stomach, but, so far, I have not had any issues.

Compared to interfron, this has been a great experience.  Good luck to your wife—and to you.

delora

Based on my circumstance, I would recommend a SNB.  I have never heard of those issues happening unless there was a total node disection. I had melonoma 14 years ago, thankfully thet did do a SNB, which turned out to be positive and a lifesaver.  Last fall, I had a reoccurance.  The Dr chose not to do a SNB because the node was deep in my abdomen.  I had the secong surgery; unfortunetly, four months later..Stage IV.  I will obviously always wonder if we had done that 2nd SNB that it wouldn't have spread so quickly.  With melanoma, I air on the side of caution.

Also, someone else mentioned some specialists in your area.  I would definitely look into that.  Clinical trials are often free if you get to that point.  I'm in a clinical trial now.

Good luck to you.  I'm also 38.  No one has mentioned age as a factor when considering SNB.

delora

Based on my circumstance, I would recommend a SNB.  I have never heard of those issues happening unless there was a total node disection. I had melonoma 14 years ago, thankfully thet did do a SNB, which turned out to be positive and a lifesaver.  Last fall, I had a reoccurance.  The Dr chose not to do a SNB because the node was deep in my abdomen.  I had the secong surgery; unfortunetly, four months later..Stage IV.  I will obviously always wonder if we had done that 2nd SNB that it wouldn't have spread so quickly.  With melanoma, I air on the side of caution.

Also, someone else mentioned some specialists in your area.  I would definitely look into that.  Clinical trials are often free if you get to that point.  I'm in a clinical trial now.

Good luck to you.  I'm also 38.  No one has mentioned age as a factor when considering SNB.

delora

Based on my circumstance, I would recommend a SNB.  I have never heard of those issues happening unless there was a total node disection. I had melonoma 14 years ago, thankfully thet did do a SNB, which turned out to be positive and a lifesaver.  Last fall, I had a reoccurance.  The Dr chose not to do a SNB because the node was deep in my abdomen.  I had the secong surgery; unfortunetly, four months later..Stage IV.  I will obviously always wonder if we had done that 2nd SNB that it wouldn't have spread so quickly.  With melanoma, I air on the side of caution.

Also, someone else mentioned some specialists in your area.  I would definitely look into that.  Clinical trials are often free if you get to that point.  I'm in a clinical trial now.

Good luck to you.  I'm also 38.  No one has mentioned age as a factor when considering SNB.

delora

Great post Artie and great advice.

My story is similar although not as severe.  Please find a melanoma specialist, even if you have to drive.  I had melanoma 14 years ago with a reoccurrence last fall.  After a clear PET scan in January, I now have Stage IV as well.

I see a team at Duke and am currently in a clinical trial.  This is one reason that a specialist is so important.  We also have Plan B and Plan C in place if the trial does not work.

The internet provides some good information, but Artie is right when he says that there is a lot of outdated information out there.  Positive things are happening with treatments for melanoma.

I also just found out that I was positive for the BRAF mutation.  My previous Dr never even mentioned it.; another reason for a second opinion.

You sound like a great friend.

Delora

Great post Artie and great advice.

My story is similar although not as severe.  Please find a melanoma specialist, even if you have to drive.  I had melanoma 14 years ago with a reoccurrence last fall.  After a clear PET scan in January, I now have Stage IV as well.

I see a team at Duke and am currently in a clinical trial.  This is one reason that a specialist is so important.  We also have Plan B and Plan C in place if the trial does not work.

The internet provides some good information, but Artie is right when he says that there is a lot of outdated information out there.  Positive things are happening with treatments for melanoma.

I also just found out that I was positive for the BRAF mutation.  My previous Dr never even mentioned it.; another reason for a second opinion.

You sound like a great friend.

Delora

Great post Artie and great advice.

My story is similar although not as severe.  Please find a melanoma specialist, even if you have to drive.  I had melanoma 14 years ago with a reoccurrence last fall.  After a clear PET scan in January, I now have Stage IV as well.

I see a team at Duke and am currently in a clinical trial.  This is one reason that a specialist is so important.  We also have Plan B and Plan C in place if the trial does not work.

The internet provides some good information, but Artie is right when he says that there is a lot of outdated information out there.  Positive things are happening with treatments for melanoma.

I also just found out that I was positive for the BRAF mutation.  My previous Dr never even mentioned it.; another reason for a second opinion.

You sound like a great friend.

Delora