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Stage 4 Survivor

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    • July 19, 2012 at 8:25 pm
    Ronskidtexx
    Participant
      I had surgery March 5th to remove melanoma tumors from neck (dissection) and from soft mass near rib cage. I had 5 radiation treatments to neck area. As of mid July, with recent scans, I am NED. No further treatments are scheduled. Is this normal? Just scans every 3 months? My head and neck surgeon said “see you in 6 months.” I am going to MD Anderson here in Houston, so I feel I am in good hands. My oncologist feels Interferon would not benefit me and why put me through the effects. I do feel blessed with the NED status but the fear does not go away.

      I had surgery March 5th to remove melanoma tumors from neck (dissection) and from soft mass near rib cage. I had 5 radiation treatments to neck area. As of mid July, with recent scans, I am NED. No further treatments are scheduled. Is this normal? Just scans every 3 months? My head and neck surgeon said “see you in 6 months.” I am going to MD Anderson here in Houston, so I feel I am in good hands. My oncologist feels Interferon would not benefit me and why put me through the effects. I do feel blessed with the NED status but the fear does not go away. With the neck dissection, 57 lymph nodes were taken out-all clear of melanoma. I have an unknown primary as well. I am walking around like nothing ever happened. The fear factor gets to me, though.

      Just wanted to get a little feedback on lack of follow up treatments not being administered or if this is common.

      My story of my journey can be found at Aim at Melanoma, Survivors stories, Stage IV. I will friend you in Facebook as well.

      God bless,

      Ron Whelchel

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 22, 2012 at 12:02 pm
        Harry in Fair Oaks
        Participant

          If the soft mass near the ribcage was confirmed as melanoma and you are indeed Sage IV, I would look into any available trials for NED Stage IV patients.  "Watch and wait" is certainly an option, but you may want to be more proactive.  I would certainly get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in melanoma.

          Best wishes,

          Harry

          • July 22, 2012 at 12:02 pm
          Harry in Fair Oaks
          Participant

            If the soft mass near the ribcage was confirmed as melanoma and you are indeed Sage IV, I would look into any available trials for NED Stage IV patients.  "Watch and wait" is certainly an option, but you may want to be more proactive.  I would certainly get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in melanoma.

            Best wishes,

            Harry

              • July 24, 2012 at 1:41 am
              Ronskidtexx
              Participant
                Thanks for your reply. I am being treated at MD Anderson in Houston by a very well respected Oncologist there in the Melanoma Department. I agree in being proactive, but I need to work as well. I know that sounds so shallow.
                • July 24, 2012 at 1:41 am
                Ronskidtexx
                Participant
                  Thanks for your reply. I am being treated at MD Anderson in Houston by a very well respected Oncologist there in the Melanoma Department. I agree in being proactive, but I need to work as well. I know that sounds so shallow.
                  • July 24, 2012 at 1:41 am
                  Ronskidtexx
                  Participant
                    Thanks for your reply. I am being treated at MD Anderson in Houston by a very well respected Oncologist there in the Melanoma Department. I agree in being proactive, but I need to work as well. I know that sounds so shallow.
                  • July 22, 2012 at 12:02 pm
                  Harry in Fair Oaks
                  Participant

                    If the soft mass near the ribcage was confirmed as melanoma and you are indeed Sage IV, I would look into any available trials for NED Stage IV patients.  "Watch and wait" is certainly an option, but you may want to be more proactive.  I would certainly get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in melanoma.

                    Best wishes,

                    Harry

                Viewing 2 reply threads
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