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My name is Windy, 43 years old and I have been diagnosed as stage 4 met in stomach.

The story begins in 2009. I found a mole on my back and was sent to a derm, who sent me to a surgeon. It was found to be melanoma but completlely contained (it had not broken through into my epidural and had clear margins) fast forward to February of this year. I did not feel like myself, very tired, didn't feel well and run down.

My name is Windy, 43 years old and I have been diagnosed as stage 4 met in stomach.

The story begins in 2009. I found a mole on my back and was sent to a derm, who sent me to a surgeon. It was found to be melanoma but completlely contained (it had not broken through into my epidural and had clear margins) fast forward to February of this year. I did not feel like myself, very tired, didn't feel well and run down.

Found my first two tumors on my head in May and was told it was an infection. This happened 2 more times (dx of infection) so I made an appointment with an oncologist (July). Within 7 days she had me diagnosed with sate 4 melanoma contained in the soft tissue and lymph nodes.. Our first attempt at treatment was Silatron. After 5 treatments more and more tumors had appeared. My Oncologist sent me to get an upper endoscopy and found that the cancer had met in my stomach.

I was sent to MD Anderson for treatment. Biochemical treatment was started with IL2 / Interferon / and 4 chemo drugs. I went into the hospital and stayed for 6 days while the medicine was administered. I made it though 2 treatments and found out that I am BRAF positive.(Nov) I will start the drug tonight before bed. 4 pills in the morning and 4 pills at bed (12 hrs apart).

Problems that I encountered during bichemical treatment…..

Dry mouth – used biotene, works great.

Adverse response to drinking water – vomitting; started drinking flavored water.

Dehydration – after my first treatment I ended up in the hospital with dehydration. After the second dose my doctor had fluids delivered to my house for 5 days along with a pump. This was EXTREMELY helpful. Eating soups helped also.

Unquenchable thirst – try eating something sour or salty, sounds stupid but it really works. I used vinegar and salt chips.

 I have lost 40 lbs and most of my muscle tone. I wish that I had forced myself to walk more often during the earlier treatments. The road I have ahead of me is still long, but I can see the light.

Hope that this was helpful.