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Have stage 3a Melanoma
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Have stage 3a Melanoma

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Have stage 3a Melanoma

  • Post
    • June 30, 2017 at 10:40 pm
    Hollybmeuc
    Participant

          Hi. I had a mole on my arm that had a small growth on it for about 3 to 4 months and after biopsy found out it's melanoma 1.9 ml thick . I had sentinel node biopsy and 3 of 5 lymph nodes had microscopic cancer cells. 2 day ago I had a complete auxiliary lymph node dissection. 3 surgerys this month . I'm diagnosed as stage 3a. I have to wait for biopsy to determine treatment with oncologist. I'm scared and not sure at all of what to expect next. Anyone have similar case that may be able to give me an idea of what may or may not happen?  Thanks 

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    • Replies
        • July 1, 2017 at 12:09 am
        geriakt
        Participant

          I was very similar to you, but 3B. I have been Cancer free almost 2 years but I did get on a Clinical trial with 50 weeks of treatment of 34 infusions of NIVO at 10 mg per kg. Now I get blood work every 6 weeks and CT scans every 12. 

          Find a good Oncologist that knows about melanoma treatments. At 3A you have very limited options for treatment or low chance to get on any clinical trial. You may just get watched by your doc and get ct scans every 6 months. 

          Tom 

            • July 1, 2017 at 1:31 am
            Hollybmeuc
            Participant

              Thanks for replying Tom. Why is there less treatment options for my stage, may I ask? 

              • July 1, 2017 at 2:47 am
              MovingOn
              Participant

                Tom means that for stage 3 the only FDA approved immunotherapy is Ipilimumab (Yervoy). For stage 4 there are additional immunotherapies approved.

                • July 1, 2017 at 12:53 pm
                geriakt
                Participant

                  At 3a you are limited for approved treatment of stanard chemo (does not work), standard interferon ( does not work), and IPI but at stage 3a I think the IPI can have many side effects not making it worth the risk. 

                  I had a hard time finding a Clinical trial at 3B. I finally found one. 50 weeks of IPI or NIVO. 34 infusions and I believe I got the NIVO. If you find an option to receive either NIVO or PEMBRO you may want to consider it as it was easier for me to tolerate because I was very healthy at the time I got it. I am still healthy but after a years of NIVO I am dealing with the second stage of kidney failure. I am working on improving that. 

                  Eat well, juice, don't smoke, and also consider some alternative treatments like canibis oil and juicing. 

                  Tom 

                  • July 2, 2017 at 12:06 am
                  Threefitty
                  Participant

                    I just wanted to echo Tom's comments about trials which are a succinct synopsis of my experience . I arrived as a 3B as well and dove into looking for CT's. Pending, but probable for me as of this week is a Ipi vs. Novi vs. Ipi/Novi, 3 arm, blind study. 

                    So I am reading up again on the side effects posts of late and linked material. Pay attention to your eligibility criteria aging out in some. I am defering administration of any medicine for about 8 weeks in order to qualify for entry. I am going to travel about 32 times, and have a 1/3 chance of getting the yervoy, which my local guy can do. But it's "exciting" to fight back however I can.

                    The point is, I remember thinking this would be a harder decision at 3A, although staging is more nuanced than categories. The "get a melanoma expert" advice is very sound. Every case is different, but I could point to some specifics in my own case where the first general oncologist – a smart, able doctor – was not as "melanoma sensitive" as other doctors.

                     

                  • July 1, 2017 at 1:45 am
                  eric w
                  Participant

                    Where are you located at?

                    • July 1, 2017 at 9:38 am
                    NSNewf
                    Participant

                      Sorry to hear you have had a positive diagnosis. I am also 3a. Some of the best advice I received is to self advocate which I have done and focus on what I can control rather than dwell on what I cannot. Depending on your location there may be a trial you can get in at 3a. It looks at a patient/physician choice of either HDI or IPI. Alternative you could get Pembro. For the choice take IPI. I did not qualify as I only had one positive node and it required at least 2. 

                      I have elected surveillance for now.  Take care

                       

                      • July 1, 2017 at 1:24 pm
                      ed williams
                      Participant

                        Hi Holly, my first question is about the surgeries, you said three this month correct!!! If I am reading things correctly does this mean you have just been dealing with a surgeon so far? Second question is did the surgeon disuss with you, not doing a complete lymph node dissection but watching and waiting and doing ultra sound to watch for changes? There has been wonderful development of treatments for stage 3 and 4 patients in the last few years and seeing an oncologist that specializes in Melanoma would be a good next step! Best Wishes!!! Ed 

                          • July 1, 2017 at 2:48 pm
                          Hollybmeuc
                          Participant

                            Hi Ed, I'm going to see oncologist as soon as biopsy comes in from lymph node dissection.  The surgeon said that it will determine what kind of treatment I need. I'm praying that there's no more cancer in them. Thanks everyone you're all so kind 

                          • July 1, 2017 at 4:43 pm
                          MichelleRHG
                          Participant
                            Even if there is not a melanoma oncologist near you, please consider traveling to see one for an initial consultation . He/She will know all up to date treatments and trials available to you and can recommend a treatment plan. If one is nearby, even better! Best wishes to you.
                            • July 1, 2017 at 10:33 pm
                            SABKLYN
                            Participant

                              Hi Holly,

                              I am 3A also and had two positive nodes. I refused interferon, had a CLND of my left groin and also participated in a clinical trial. I do remember that after the two positive nodes were found, I also had a PET scan to,determine if there were any other areas which to rule out any other areas of potential disease activity. If you have not had that, it may be a good question to ask.  My melanoma journey started in 11/11.  I had my CLND 2/12 and have been NED since.  I would also suggest that instead if your oncologist is not a melanoma specialist that you look for one with whom to consult.

                              Good luck Holly!  Great board with lots of available info and support!

                               

                              Stan

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