First diagnosed with Melanoma in 2015. I had an ulcerated mole on my left outer thigh. This was removec and a SNB was performed. No nodal involvement. In April 2017 a reoccurrence on my left thigh was diagnosed. Upon further investigation it was determined that one node in my groin was affected. Surgery removed the nodual on my left thigh and major groin dissection was performed (removed all nodes in my groin and abdomen). I was placed on Interferon as a treatment protocol. November 2017 I was diagnosed with Melanoma in my lungs and lymph nodes behind my lungs and another tumour on my left leg. (Stage 4). I am now being treated with Keytruda and scans every three months. The volume of cancer is low.
The first Doctor who diagnosed was very grim and stated that the “average” person with my condition goes 8 to 24 months before progressing. (This was not my regular doctor) Upon seeing my regular doctor she was far more hopeful and stated that they have many people doing well on Keytruda past the 4 year mark She indicated that with low volume of cancer in the lungs I should respond well.
I’m trying to make sense of these conflicting outlooks. I want to plan and make decisions but find it hard I’m off work, should I go back? Try to do some bucket list items while I’m healthy? How long before my health deteriorates? Is my Doctor sugar coating my outlook?
Any advice, or even some perspective from this forum would be most welcome Sorry for the long post
.
