Hello everyone. I remember all too well the day in 2006 when my husband was diagnosed with Stage 3C nodular melanoma. It was the most difficult time in our lives. We had 2 young daughters – had just settled into a new home – and we spent years in a battle with this beast. My husband was moved into a Stage 4 category too – another devastating blow.
Hello everyone. I remember all too well the day in 2006 when my husband was diagnosed with Stage 3C nodular melanoma. It was the most difficult time in our lives. We had 2 young daughters – had just settled into a new home – and we spent years in a battle with this beast. My husband was moved into a Stage 4 category too – another devastating blow.
After a year of Interferon, 3 surgeries, and a month of radiation….we waited to see what would happen. Regular CAT scans and monitoring took place for a few years. And what I have to report is really good news that I hope can give you some strength today.
Because I remember how much it helped to read stories of survival – I wanted to come back and post a positive note to everyone. Even though I am scared to tempt fate and report back how well my husband is doing……I know how much hope it can give to everyone in the blackest days. He is proof you can "live" at Stage "4".
I used to post as Denise (Wife of Mike Stage 3C)….so there may be people here who remember me.
I am happy to say that in May of 2012 my husband will be a survivor of this disease and is now heading into his 6th year of survival.
My husband's initial prognosis was bad.
Clark Level 5 Nodular ~ 6mm Breslow ~ 50 Mitotic rate ~ Staged at 3C immediately ~ Ulceration was found at 3mm ~ Microsatellites Present
His neck dissection and later surgeries removed over 70 lymph nodes and 4 were positive for melanoma. He had facial reconstruction surgery with a flap of skin from his leg (used on his cheek about the size of a bread slice), and it took a lot of physiotherapy to restore mobility in the arm and leg that had nodes removed as well.
Those were dark and difficult days. But things have been stable for a while now. And when I wake up these days, my first thought isn't about cancer anymore.
I hope this gives you hope. My best wishes for you all. I know what a hard battle you fight.
Denise
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