MartyW

I am facing the same dilemma.  Diagnosed with Stage IIIa melanoma a month or so ago.  PET scan revealed mass on left kidney.  Cancer confirmed on biopsy.  Scheduled for partial nephrectomy on July 29th and will be looking for a cancer center for aftercare of both the melanoma for which all axillary lymph nodes will also be removed on July 29.  Boston would be good for me but will go anywhere.  Otherwise PET scan is clean.

MartyW in New Hampshire

I am facing the same dilemma.  Diagnosed with Stage IIIa melanoma a month or so ago.  PET scan revealed mass on left kidney.  Cancer confirmed on biopsy.  Scheduled for partial nephrectomy on July 29th and will be looking for a cancer center for aftercare of both the melanoma for which all axillary lymph nodes will also be removed on July 29.  Boston would be good for me but will go anywhere.  Otherwise PET scan is clean.

MartyW in New Hampshire

I read your story with great empathy.  As a newly diagnosed 3a, I share  your feelings exactly.  Mine is the same old story.  The spot on the arm leads to a biopsy and then that dreaded phone call from the dermatologist, informing you that you have melanoma, and it needs to be resected ASAP.  Given the long delays in getting appointments, mine was not resected for several weeks after the first diagnosis when it became a 3a and the sentinel node biopsy showed a very small bit of melanoma.  That led to a PET scan which shows a kidney mass which was recently biopsied.  I am scheduled for surgery in about 10 days to remove the kidney mass and resect the remaining axillary lymph nodes.

I am chosing not to go the interferon route as I also have charot-marie-tooth a genetic neurological condition manifested by a variety of neurological symptoms which are not disabling but when combined with the likely side effects of interferon would be considered disabling so I am going to take my chances with periodical scans and followup observation at 3 month intervals.  I am fascinated by the  reputed success of the Gersen diet.  Has anyone out there tried it, or do you know anything about it from personal experience?

I find myself expending significant energy in worry, anxiety, thinking about  the big M for many waking hours during the day.  I am trying to learn how to live with fear.  There are periodic quick tears and I must admit I am scared.  I do not want this thing to be a death sentence.  Life is too precious.  I would love to hear from those of you who are having success with dietary changes.  We will all take all the support we can get and can give to each other.

Marty

I read your story with great empathy.  As a newly diagnosed 3a, I share  your feelings exactly.  Mine is the same old story.  The spot on the arm leads to a biopsy and then that dreaded phone call from the dermatologist, informing you that you have melanoma, and it needs to be resected ASAP.  Given the long delays in getting appointments, mine was not resected for several weeks after the first diagnosis when it became a 3a and the sentinel node biopsy showed a very small bit of melanoma.  That led to a PET scan which shows a kidney mass which was recently biopsied.  I am scheduled for surgery in about 10 days to remove the kidney mass and resect the remaining axillary lymph nodes.

I am chosing not to go the interferon route as I also have charot-marie-tooth a genetic neurological condition manifested by a variety of neurological symptoms which are not disabling but when combined with the likely side effects of interferon would be considered disabling so I am going to take my chances with periodical scans and followup observation at 3 month intervals.  I am fascinated by the  reputed success of the Gersen diet.  Has anyone out there tried it, or do you know anything about it from personal experience?

I find myself expending significant energy in worry, anxiety, thinking about  the big M for many waking hours during the day.  I am trying to learn how to live with fear.  There are periodic quick tears and I must admit I am scared.  I do not want this thing to be a death sentence.  Life is too precious.  I would love to hear from those of you who are having success with dietary changes.  We will all take all the support we can get and can give to each other.

Marty

Thanks, Jerry, for your words of comfort.  Keep in touch.

MartyW

Thanks, Jerry, for your words of comfort.  Keep in touch.

MartyW