LivingNTN

Many thanks to all for posting your comments. I would like to share my experience and ask if others had any similar events.

Before my melanoma, my GP had tested my Vit D levels – it was low-16. He gave me a prescription and had it tested three months later. It was high (95) so he told me to stop taking the Vit D.

Apprx. 9 months later my melanoma was found in a lymph node (axilla)  via a mammogram. After the PET/CT scan it was determined that I was a MUP – unknown primary – no mole or origin was found.  The thoughts were 1) the original location had been "frozen" off but a few cells had remained and got caught in the lymph node under my arm or 2) my immune system had attacked the malignant cells which removed them from the surface of the skin but got caught in the lymph node.  

I had axilla surgery, 12 nodes removed (only one positive) then had radiation plus interferon for 11 months.  It's been almost two years since I stopped interferon, three years since surgery..

Last week, my GP again tested my Vit D level – it was 17! What is really curious is that I've been taking 1,000 mg daily for over two months…either my body isn't processing the low amount or the generic brand I purchased wasn't any good. 

I'd like to know if any other MUP's  had increased their Vit D level before their melanoma was found?

Is Vit D a water soluble vitamin that will always fluctuate (based on sun exposure & intake) on a daily basis?

Would appreciate any and all thoughts/comments.

LivingNTN

Many thanks to all for posting your comments. I would like to share my experience and ask if others had any similar events.

Before my melanoma, my GP had tested my Vit D levels – it was low-16. He gave me a prescription and had it tested three months later. It was high (95) so he told me to stop taking the Vit D.

Apprx. 9 months later my melanoma was found in a lymph node (axilla)  via a mammogram. After the PET/CT scan it was determined that I was a MUP – unknown primary – no mole or origin was found.  The thoughts were 1) the original location had been "frozen" off but a few cells had remained and got caught in the lymph node under my arm or 2) my immune system had attacked the malignant cells which removed them from the surface of the skin but got caught in the lymph node.  

I had axilla surgery, 12 nodes removed (only one positive) then had radiation plus interferon for 11 months.  It's been almost two years since I stopped interferon, three years since surgery..

Last week, my GP again tested my Vit D level – it was 17! What is really curious is that I've been taking 1,000 mg daily for over two months…either my body isn't processing the low amount or the generic brand I purchased wasn't any good. 

I'd like to know if any other MUP's  had increased their Vit D level before their melanoma was found?

Is Vit D a water soluble vitamin that will always fluctuate (based on sun exposure & intake) on a daily basis?

Would appreciate any and all thoughts/comments.

LivingNTN

Many thanks to all for posting your comments. I would like to share my experience and ask if others had any similar events.

Before my melanoma, my GP had tested my Vit D levels – it was low-16. He gave me a prescription and had it tested three months later. It was high (95) so he told me to stop taking the Vit D.

Apprx. 9 months later my melanoma was found in a lymph node (axilla)  via a mammogram. After the PET/CT scan it was determined that I was a MUP – unknown primary – no mole or origin was found.  The thoughts were 1) the original location had been "frozen" off but a few cells had remained and got caught in the lymph node under my arm or 2) my immune system had attacked the malignant cells which removed them from the surface of the skin but got caught in the lymph node.  

I had axilla surgery, 12 nodes removed (only one positive) then had radiation plus interferon for 11 months.  It's been almost two years since I stopped interferon, three years since surgery..

Last week, my GP again tested my Vit D level – it was 17! What is really curious is that I've been taking 1,000 mg daily for over two months…either my body isn't processing the low amount or the generic brand I purchased wasn't any good. 

I'd like to know if any other MUP's  had increased their Vit D level before their melanoma was found?

Is Vit D a water soluble vitamin that will always fluctuate (based on sun exposure & intake) on a daily basis?

Would appreciate any and all thoughts/comments.

LivingNTN

How are you doing?

LivingNTN

How are you doing?

LivingNTN

How are you doing?

LivingNTN

I had the 4 week daily IV of interferon alpha 2b and was able to continue with 10 months on the weekly injections. My first treatment did not make me feel sick or tired but I did experience the "shakes"; could not stop shaking for about 45 minutes afterwards. I stayed in the IV unit until it subsided. Lucky for me, my husband was able to be with me for each treatment which made it easier for me.

As stated earlier, drinking LOTS of water is a MUST. The side effects seemed worse when I did not make myself drink lots of water.  Basically for a month (during the IV treatments) I rested a lot – had to make my care my priority.  After the weekly shots started, I was able to plan my "good" days with some activity and prepared for my "bad" days. All in all, it wasn't horrible, just not feeling well for so long was an emotional drain.  Don't fight the offer of drugs to alleviate side effects if you have them. Atavan became my friend because with melanoma (and the unknown) my anxiety level was high.

Now that it's been almost two years without treatment, I'm glad I went forward with the interferon. Hey, if it only helps 2% or 10%, at least that's 2% or more!

Follow the guidance on foods and water – for once in your life you HAVE to follow the guidelines.

The best of luck to you. Remember to breathe deeply and slowly and to allow others to help you.

LivingNTN

I had the 4 week daily IV of interferon alpha 2b and was able to continue with 10 months on the weekly injections. My first treatment did not make me feel sick or tired but I did experience the "shakes"; could not stop shaking for about 45 minutes afterwards. I stayed in the IV unit until it subsided. Lucky for me, my husband was able to be with me for each treatment which made it easier for me.

As stated earlier, drinking LOTS of water is a MUST. The side effects seemed worse when I did not make myself drink lots of water.  Basically for a month (during the IV treatments) I rested a lot – had to make my care my priority.  After the weekly shots started, I was able to plan my "good" days with some activity and prepared for my "bad" days. All in all, it wasn't horrible, just not feeling well for so long was an emotional drain.  Don't fight the offer of drugs to alleviate side effects if you have them. Atavan became my friend because with melanoma (and the unknown) my anxiety level was high.

Now that it's been almost two years without treatment, I'm glad I went forward with the interferon. Hey, if it only helps 2% or 10%, at least that's 2% or more!

Follow the guidance on foods and water – for once in your life you HAVE to follow the guidelines.

The best of luck to you. Remember to breathe deeply and slowly and to allow others to help you.

LivingNTN

I had the 4 week daily IV of interferon alpha 2b and was able to continue with 10 months on the weekly injections. My first treatment did not make me feel sick or tired but I did experience the "shakes"; could not stop shaking for about 45 minutes afterwards. I stayed in the IV unit until it subsided. Lucky for me, my husband was able to be with me for each treatment which made it easier for me.

As stated earlier, drinking LOTS of water is a MUST. The side effects seemed worse when I did not make myself drink lots of water.  Basically for a month (during the IV treatments) I rested a lot – had to make my care my priority.  After the weekly shots started, I was able to plan my "good" days with some activity and prepared for my "bad" days. All in all, it wasn't horrible, just not feeling well for so long was an emotional drain.  Don't fight the offer of drugs to alleviate side effects if you have them. Atavan became my friend because with melanoma (and the unknown) my anxiety level was high.

Now that it's been almost two years without treatment, I'm glad I went forward with the interferon. Hey, if it only helps 2% or 10%, at least that's 2% or more!

Follow the guidance on foods and water – for once in your life you HAVE to follow the guidelines.

The best of luck to you. Remember to breathe deeply and slowly and to allow others to help you.

LivingNTN

Sending best wishes your way.  Would recommend writing down any effects you feel (and timing). It will help you determine what time of day for the injections. Best of luck to you.

LivingNTN 

Sending best wishes your way.  Would recommend writing down any effects you feel (and timing). It will help you determine what time of day for the injections. Best of luck to you.

LivingNTN 

Sending best wishes your way.  Would recommend writing down any effects you feel (and timing). It will help you determine what time of day for the injections. Best of luck to you.

LivingNTN