NancyD

This sounds so much like what I expect to hear from you!  Always looking forward with a positive attitude.  I'm praying for you and wisdom as you proceed.

Nancy D

Stage 3B

This sounds so much like what I expect to hear from you!  Always looking forward with a positive attitude.  I'm praying for you and wisdom as you proceed.

Nancy D

Stage 3B

What great news this is!  The magic words, NED!  Better yet, STILL NED!!!  

Nancy D

Stage 3B

What great news this is!  The magic words, NED!  Better yet, STILL NED!!!  

Nancy D

Stage 3B

I too am 60 years old, overweight but healthy–except the melanoma thing!

I was 54 when diagnosed, I did the excision/sentinel node surgery, one node had micrometasteses, then the lymph node dissection surgery.  Two weeks later I was back in as it was infected, I spent 4 days in hospital on IV antibiotics.  I then did the year of interferon.  

That was over 6 years ago.  Would I do it again, YOU BET!  Don't forget, someone has to be the 3-5%, it may be you, I'm hopeful it's me.  My Dr. based the interferon treatment on my weight, etc for the high dose month.  That was really tough.  However, she was sure I should only be doing 10MU for the tri-weekly shots.  Because of that I functioned quite well for that next 11 months.  That may be an option worth discussing with your oncologist.

Since your melanoma returned after your first '08 surgery, I would think it would be prudent to take their advice on additional surgery and perhaps interferon.

Of course, this is just my 2-cents.  I wish you well as you proceed.

Nancy D

Stage 3B

Vacaville, CA

I too am 60 years old, overweight but healthy–except the melanoma thing!

I was 54 when diagnosed, I did the excision/sentinel node surgery, one node had micrometasteses, then the lymph node dissection surgery.  Two weeks later I was back in as it was infected, I spent 4 days in hospital on IV antibiotics.  I then did the year of interferon.  

That was over 6 years ago.  Would I do it again, YOU BET!  Don't forget, someone has to be the 3-5%, it may be you, I'm hopeful it's me.  My Dr. based the interferon treatment on my weight, etc for the high dose month.  That was really tough.  However, she was sure I should only be doing 10MU for the tri-weekly shots.  Because of that I functioned quite well for that next 11 months.  That may be an option worth discussing with your oncologist.

Since your melanoma returned after your first '08 surgery, I would think it would be prudent to take their advice on additional surgery and perhaps interferon.

Of course, this is just my 2-cents.  I wish you well as you proceed.

Nancy D

Stage 3B

Vacaville, CA

Amy,

As always, you are quite an inspiration, both with your faith and your commitment to fighting the fight!  Love and miss you friend.

Nancy D

Amy,

As always, you are quite an inspiration, both with your faith and your commitment to fighting the fight!  Love and miss you friend.

Nancy D

Congratulations Lisa,

This really is a milestone I'm glad you're able to celebrate.  I just passed my 6-year NED, yippee.

Nancy D

Stage 3B

Interferon

Congratulations Lisa,

This really is a milestone I'm glad you're able to celebrate.  I just passed my 6-year NED, yippee.

Nancy D

Stage 3B

Interferon

Oh Kathie,

This news is so wonderful, you have been NED longer as Stage 4 then Stage 3.  You have been such an inspiration to so many, but you were my first MPIP friend!  I sure wish we could get together again but for now we'll have to settle for facebook & here.  Give Tim our love and squeeze little Ava for me.

Nancy D

Oh Kathie,

This news is so wonderful, you have been NED longer as Stage 4 then Stage 3.  You have been such an inspiration to so many, but you were my first MPIP friend!  I sure wish we could get together again but for now we'll have to settle for facebook & here.  Give Tim our love and squeeze little Ava for me.

Nancy D

Yes, I am stage 3B, NED 6 years.  I have taking 400 mg. Celebrex a day.  It helps with the arthritis and I think I'll never know what all has kept me NED, but…..

I also did one year of interferon.  I take turmeric, immune guard (green tea supplement), & Celebrex every day.

Nancy D

Vacaville, CA

Yes, I am stage 3B, NED 6 years.  I have taking 400 mg. Celebrex a day.  It helps with the arthritis and I think I'll never know what all has kept me NED, but…..

I also did one year of interferon.  I take turmeric, immune guard (green tea supplement), & Celebrex every day.

Nancy D

Vacaville, CA

Amy,

As always, you are in my prayers.  I wish there was a way that the FDA would let you do whatever you want, not what they want.  How can it be?  No answer there but please know that I think of you often and pray for you and your family.

Nancy D