King

Hi Amie,

I hope you are celebrating Father's Day.  I had responded to one of your posts in early May, a few days after you had received your husband's Stage IV diagnosis.  I told you my story…Stage IV since 2005.  Well, I told you my scans were coming up and I would post my results.  Well, the wonderul news is that I remain NED.  I have been NED for 10 years.  Hang onto hope!  I hope your husband is doing well.

Stay Strong

King/Kathie

Hi Amie,

I have been Stage IV since 2005 and have had no evidence of disease since 2008…just celebrated the 10 year anniversary.  There are many more options to treat melanoma in 2018 than there were 13 years ago.  Actually, I was diagnosed in 2004 as Stage III and advanced to Stage IV about 2 months after completing 12 months of Interferon.  Yes, it was terrifying and discouraging.  I attended a MPIP Bash (there used to be an annual get together in various locations in the country so we could meet in person these wonderful people we met on this melanoma board).  We would hear some heartbreaking stories but also some very positive stories.  It's a roller coaster ride but there are many long term survivors around…we don't frequent the board very often because we are living our life to the fullest.

Wishing your family the very best!  One step at a time.  You've got this.  The people on this board gave me the support and advice for the battle. I am still friends with several of them.  I am finally on "routine" scans every 9 months.  They are due this month.  I will check back and post my results.

Stay Strong

King/Kathie

Hi Maureen,

I just had to respond.  I don't spend much time on MPIP these days.  I've been Stage IV since 2005 and doing well.   In 2005, I had a 4.5cm tumor in the right lobe of my liver.  My aggressive surgeon (thank goodness) removed the entire right lobe of my liver (70% of the liver) and took my gallbladder as well….one less place for melanoma to go.  It was an open surgery…not laparoscopic.  I went on a 52 week clinical trial of GM-CSF after that surgery.  A few years later it was revealed that agent alone was not effective in treating melanoma.

Wishing you and Bill the best.

Stay Strong

King (Kathie)

Hi Kiley,

 I think you are fortunate that the Toledo oncologist and the U of M specialist are working together, they agree on the plan of treatment and are both telling you the same thing.  And there is a plan in place if and when your father completes his 4 Yervoy treatments.

I am hoping a tumor is being tested for BRAF.  They wouldn't remove the 3 tumors in the small intestine since this would have delayed starting systemic treatment which is necessary because of the multiple areas of metastasis.  Recovery from an intestinal surgery is usually at least 4-8 weeks.

Wishing you lots of luck.  Your father is fortunate to have you supporting him.  One day at a time.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

Hi Kiley,

 I think you are fortunate that the Toledo oncologist and the U of M specialist are working together, they agree on the plan of treatment and are both telling you the same thing.  And there is a plan in place if and when your father completes his 4 Yervoy treatments.

I am hoping a tumor is being tested for BRAF.  They wouldn't remove the 3 tumors in the small intestine since this would have delayed starting systemic treatment which is necessary because of the multiple areas of metastasis.  Recovery from an intestinal surgery is usually at least 4-8 weeks.

Wishing you lots of luck.  Your father is fortunate to have you supporting him.  One day at a time.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

Hi Kiley,

 I think you are fortunate that the Toledo oncologist and the U of M specialist are working together, they agree on the plan of treatment and are both telling you the same thing.  And there is a plan in place if and when your father completes his 4 Yervoy treatments.

I am hoping a tumor is being tested for BRAF.  They wouldn't remove the 3 tumors in the small intestine since this would have delayed starting systemic treatment which is necessary because of the multiple areas of metastasis.  Recovery from an intestinal surgery is usually at least 4-8 weeks.

Wishing you lots of luck.  Your father is fortunate to have you supporting him.  One day at a time.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

Rocco,

Sorry to read this.  Keep us posted.  It's amazing how those "old feelings" return so quickly.  One day at a time.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05  Liver mets

Rocco,

Sorry to read this.  Keep us posted.  It's amazing how those "old feelings" return so quickly.  One day at a time.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05  Liver mets

Rocco,

Sorry to read this.  Keep us posted.  It's amazing how those "old feelings" return so quickly.  One day at a time.

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05  Liver mets

Rocco,

Congratulations!!!  I am so happy to read your post.  Wishing you a life time of NED.

(I have been NED at Stage IV for almost 6 years now.  Finally on the 6 month scan schedule)

This is proof that there are Stage IV's out there….living their life.  I am grateful for this board and all the wonderful people I have met and that have supported me on my journey.

Enjoy the New England summer….Hey, what is going on with those Sox? 🙁

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

Rocco,

Congratulations!!!  I am so happy to read your post.  Wishing you a life time of NED.

(I have been NED at Stage IV for almost 6 years now.  Finally on the 6 month scan schedule)

This is proof that there are Stage IV's out there….living their life.  I am grateful for this board and all the wonderful people I have met and that have supported me on my journey.

Enjoy the New England summer….Hey, what is going on with those Sox? 🙁

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

Rocco,

Congratulations!!!  I am so happy to read your post.  Wishing you a life time of NED.

(I have been NED at Stage IV for almost 6 years now.  Finally on the 6 month scan schedule)

This is proof that there are Stage IV's out there….living their life.  I am grateful for this board and all the wonderful people I have met and that have supported me on my journey.

Enjoy the New England summer….Hey, what is going on with those Sox? 🙁

Stay Strong

King

Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

Karen,

Wishing you all the luck in the world.  Fingers and toes crossed.  You are THE warrior.  Go, go, go!

Stay Strong

King/Kathie

Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

Karen,

Wishing you all the luck in the world.  Fingers and toes crossed.  You are THE warrior.  Go, go, go!

Stay Strong

King/Kathie

Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

Karen,

Wishing you all the luck in the world.  Fingers and toes crossed.  You are THE warrior.  Go, go, go!

Stay Strong

King/Kathie

Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets