doxiemom

I was diagnosed with Stage 4, M1A metastatic melanoma in May 2017. A tumor was detected in each breast during my annual mammogram. Primary is unknown at the time. Initial petscan and brain MRI look good. Started Keytruda within first month after diagnosis. I have a family history of melanoma-mostly discovered on skin, without metastases; however, my father’s cousin died from melanoma. Two initial breast tumors disappeared after 4 rounds of Keytruds; however, one new breast tumor appeared and also the cancer spread to my spinal fluid (leptomeningeal). I was taken off Keytruda. I tested positive for the BRAF gene and started targeted therapy. I wasn’t able to tolerate the combo (fevers) so was taken off that. I then did 10 days of radiation and am going to start the other BRAF combo drugs soon. I am 53 years old