Hello,
This month marks the 6 year anniversary since my initial Stage 1 diagnosis, 5 years since Stage 3 diagnosis, and around 4 years since my stage 4 diagnosis. The good news is that after my stage 4 diagnosis I was put on Optivo only and I had a complete response in clearing my liver mets. The not so good news is that after about 1 year on Optivo, two spots were removed from my small bowel, which were found to be melanoma. Some more good news is that after that surgery, I completed another 16 months of Optvio only and have not had any new metastasis and have been NED since Jan. of 2019 (with a “small” exception in the next paragraph). I have been done with the infusions since April 2020 and get PET scans every 5-6 months. It certainly has been an up and down 6 years, but I know how fortunate I am with the results/outcomes I have received. I can still feel that pressure in my chest and my stress levels rise when I get that reminder text that my next scan is coming up, but I do have hope that these therapies that I have received will continue to keep this disease at bay.
On another “preaching to the choir” note. Please remember to continue to see your dermatologist on a regular basis and be an advocate for yourself. Last year I had a very small, flat mole (1/4 size of a pencil eraser) on my leg. Had it for years, but it started to “flake”, like dry skin around it. My derm looked at it and said it was nothing. He has been incredible the last 5 years so I completely trust him, but after about a week something didn’t feel right about that mole. I called him and he said he would do a biopsy on it, if it would give me peace of mind. A week later…yep, melanoma in situ! He performed the WLE and all is good. As you know, the chances for a second melanoma are small, but not zero, so please stay vigilant. You know your body better than anyone.
Be well and stay safe!
Steve
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