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Chelem2 – I agree with quietpoet, ask your doctor’s office when to expect the biopsy results. Having other moles or suspicious spots biopsied – after a primary melanoma – shows proper vigilance on your doctor’s part. At the same time, try not to worry yourself, too much. I know it’s easier said than done. I wish I could give you better advice on how not to worry. Finally, regarding your appointments, take some time beforehand to write down – or put in your phone – specific questions/concerns you have. (Even if they’re general treatment questions.) I’ve been making notes beforehand for several years, now, and it definitely helps. Best of luck. Please let us know how the biopsy turns out.

MLD1973, understandable that you’re anxious and scared. Sorry. Glad you reached out to your doc and that he is being proactive. Thoughts with you.

Hi Friend of Mari –

I presently have Stage IV mets in both lungs, and I have been on Gleevec (400 mg/day) for almost 3 years.  I have cKit mutation with exon 11.  Imatinib initially slowed and even reduced several of my tumors.  Note – my cancer was caught somewhat early and the tumors have been slow growing.  Last year, however, I had two of the larger tumors ablated (radiofrequency ablation surgery) and they have not returned.

You can visit the Novartis website regarding Gleevec and search the Internet for more recent data on Gleevec and melanoma.  I'll see if I can dig up some of the old data I found from 2 – 3 years ago.

Take care.

 

 

Hi Friend of Mari –

I presently have Stage IV mets in both lungs, and I have been on Gleevec (400 mg/day) for almost 3 years.  I have cKit mutation with exon 11.  Imatinib initially slowed and even reduced several of my tumors.  Note – my cancer was caught somewhat early and the tumors have been slow growing.  Last year, however, I had two of the larger tumors ablated (radiofrequency ablation surgery) and they have not returned.

You can visit the Novartis website regarding Gleevec and search the Internet for more recent data on Gleevec and melanoma.  I'll see if I can dig up some of the old data I found from 2 – 3 years ago.

Take care.

 

 

Hi Friend of Mari –

I presently have Stage IV mets in both lungs, and I have been on Gleevec (400 mg/day) for almost 3 years.  I have cKit mutation with exon 11.  Imatinib initially slowed and even reduced several of my tumors.  Note – my cancer was caught somewhat early and the tumors have been slow growing.  Last year, however, I had two of the larger tumors ablated (radiofrequency ablation surgery) and they have not returned.

You can visit the Novartis website regarding Gleevec and search the Internet for more recent data on Gleevec and melanoma.  I'll see if I can dig up some of the old data I found from 2 – 3 years ago.

Take care.

 

 

We'll be thinking of you.  Best of luck to Mari as well.

 

 

We'll be thinking of you.  Best of luck to Mari as well.

 

 

We'll be thinking of you.  Best of luck to Mari as well.

 

 

Sounds like good news.  Glad you can relax for a while.

Sounds like good news.  Glad you can relax for a while.

Sounds like good news.  Glad you can relax for a while.