Linda/Kentucky

As a caregiver to my husband stage IV those thoughts have gone through my mind.  What if we get to a point we have controlled this beast (which we are very far from that)and start living again just to have it rear it's ugly head again.  To go through the physical and emotional pain all over again.  Then I realize…..it's one more day the Lord has given my husband to me to talk to him, laugh with him, cry with him and "make memories" as we call it.  That snaps me back to reality.  I'll take whatever we can get at this point and when it's all over I'll look back and say.  Thank you Lord for being so good to us.  Call me crazy…..I don't know, but this is my feelings toward melanoma.  So please live your life, do things you want to do don't wait on this beast to capture you and steal your plans for your future it's already  taken enough.

Linda/Kentucky

As a caregiver to my husband stage IV those thoughts have gone through my mind.  What if we get to a point we have controlled this beast (which we are very far from that)and start living again just to have it rear it's ugly head again.  To go through the physical and emotional pain all over again.  Then I realize…..it's one more day the Lord has given my husband to me to talk to him, laugh with him, cry with him and "make memories" as we call it.  That snaps me back to reality.  I'll take whatever we can get at this point and when it's all over I'll look back and say.  Thank you Lord for being so good to us.  Call me crazy…..I don't know, but this is my feelings toward melanoma.  So please live your life, do things you want to do don't wait on this beast to capture you and steal your plans for your future it's already  taken enough.

Linda/Kentucky

My heart breaks for you as you deal with not only melanoma but the decision of amputation.  I agree with the previous poster.  Please think long and hard on the amputation issue.  She is right.  The melanoma could likely be floating around in your body and could appear later(hopefully not) so amputating your leg would only cause you more hardship.  Try the Ipi and other options and also get a second opinion from another melanoma oncologist/surgeon.  I pray you will find some peace during the next few days.  Know that we are all thinking and praying for you and your decisions.  Good luck with Ipi

Linda/Kentucky

My heart breaks for you as you deal with not only melanoma but the decision of amputation.  I agree with the previous poster.  Please think long and hard on the amputation issue.  She is right.  The melanoma could likely be floating around in your body and could appear later(hopefully not) so amputating your leg would only cause you more hardship.  Try the Ipi and other options and also get a second opinion from another melanoma oncologist/surgeon.  I pray you will find some peace during the next few days.  Know that we are all thinking and praying for you and your decisions.  Good luck with Ipi

Linda/Kentucky

Please never be afraid of sharing good news.  We on this board live on the encouragement of others to help get us through this horrible time.  Congratulations on stabilization.  Much, much better than progression.  Continue to keep us posted when you can.

Linda/Kentucky

Please never be afraid of sharing good news.  We on this board live on the encouragement of others to help get us through this horrible time.  Congratulations on stabilization.  Much, much better than progression.  Continue to keep us posted when you can.

Linda/Kentucky

I don't know anythng about this particular trial but I wish you luck in finding information on it.  Keep posting somebody may know something.

Linda/Kentucky

I don't know anythng about this particular trial but I wish you luck in finding information on it.  Keep posting somebody may know something.

Linda/Kentucky

I guess there is not alot to say except how deeply sorry I am for you and your upcoming days ahead.  Please know others are praying for God to give you strength and peace through this time of sorrow.  As others have said he is pain-free now.  No pills, no pain, no treatments.  Wishing you well during this time of sorrow.

Linda/Kentucky 

I guess there is not alot to say except how deeply sorry I am for you and your upcoming days ahead.  Please know others are praying for God to give you strength and peace through this time of sorrow.  As others have said he is pain-free now.  No pills, no pain, no treatments.  Wishing you well during this time of sorrow.

Linda/Kentucky 

I can't give you any advice on surgery due to my husband not being a candidate for that.  He almost immediately was at stage IV when we found out about his melanoma.  They were going to do radical neck surgery but when they did the CT found it in his femur bones so that cx that and went to whole body tx.  My only advice is to research–research–research.  Even though I am a RN when I go for Dr. visits it helps to know the mumbo~jumbo they talk about and ASK questions you are your husbands advocate not the DR's and some oncologist don't take the aggressive route that you may want.  Hope you find some answers and I will keep you along with the others in my prayers for peace,guidance and understanding.  Keep us updated.

Linda/Kentucky

I can't give you any advice on surgery due to my husband not being a candidate for that.  He almost immediately was at stage IV when we found out about his melanoma.  They were going to do radical neck surgery but when they did the CT found it in his femur bones so that cx that and went to whole body tx.  My only advice is to research–research–research.  Even though I am a RN when I go for Dr. visits it helps to know the mumbo~jumbo they talk about and ASK questions you are your husbands advocate not the DR's and some oncologist don't take the aggressive route that you may want.  Hope you find some answers and I will keep you along with the others in my prayers for peace,guidance and understanding.  Keep us updated.

Linda/Kentucky

Sherron I am soo very sorry for you I know your heart must feel like it's being ripped right out of your chest. I will do the only thing I know to do and that is pray for God to give you strength and peace.  I hope you have family around you to help support you through this.  Thank goodness he is pain free and hospice is helping.  Hugs and prayers coming your way~~~

Linda/Kentucky

Sherron I am soo very sorry for you I know your heart must feel like it's being ripped right out of your chest. I will do the only thing I know to do and that is pray for God to give you strength and peace.  I hope you have family around you to help support you through this.  Thank goodness he is pain free and hospice is helping.  Hugs and prayers coming your way~~~

Linda/Kentucky

Donna

I can't say I know how discouraged you feel from the patient standpoint but I do know from the caregiver's side.  This disease can/will take everything away from you if you let it.  Please stay encouraged it's half the battle.  Don't let that booger (melanoma) think it can control you.  I hope Ipi is the magic bullet for you and everyone else who tries it.  Just remember all of us on this board care and want to encourage you any way we can.  Please keep us updated especially after you start Ipi. 

Linda/Kentucky