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Wishful thinking on Stages?
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Wishful thinking on Stages?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Wishful thinking on Stages?

  • Post
    • June 11, 2017 at 5:05 pm
    Newmanbell
    Participant
      I see so much on survival rates for each stage, so here is a question, is it truly possible for my husband to stay at say Stage 3 and never progress to Stage 4? Has any one stayed at the same stage for many many years?

      Donna

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    • Replies
        • June 11, 2017 at 7:37 pm
        Nemesis
        Participant

          I am not much of an expert, but as far as I know yes, it is possible never to go to stage IV. Wishing much health to your husband!

            • June 11, 2017 at 10:55 pm
            Toby0987
            Participant

              I was dx in 2013 at 3b and just did the surgery with no other treatment and I'm still clear today and about to go to 1 year watch and wait.

            • June 11, 2017 at 7:48 pm
            Casitas1
            Participant
              I was 2b for 5 years before progressing to 4
              • June 11, 2017 at 8:35 pm
              SABKLYN
              Participant

                Yes.  Some progress, but many don't.  

                • June 11, 2017 at 9:12 pm
                Julie in SoCal
                Participant

                  Hi Donna,

                  Yes, it's possible.  I was diagnosed Stage 3a in May 2008.  I've progressed to Stage 3c, but I was probably 3c in 2008 and we just didn't see it then.  So i have basically stayed the same stage for 9 years.  

                  The thing with survival rates (and medical stats in general) is that they are old and don't include folks who have had the newer and more effective treatments.  Eventually the stats will catch up with this, but then, hopefuly new and even more effective treatments will be available.

                  Shalom,

                  Julie

                  • June 12, 2017 at 4:36 pm
                  Becky
                  Participant

                    My son was dx stage 3 in 2009 (oral melanoma, traditionally even more aggressive). NED almost 8 years, thankful every day.

                    • June 16, 2017 at 5:52 pm
                    rseward
                    Participant

                      I was never "officially" given a "stage", but I had a tumor in my neck (I noticed when shaving) that had consumed a lymph node. My understanding is that tumors in the lymph nodes are considered "Stage 3".

                      They removed the tumor and all of the other lymph nodes they could from my neck. None of the other lymph nodes removed were positive and the primary was never identified (no skin tumor found).

                      My treatment included surgery and radiation (I was offered interferon be refused).
                      I have been NED ever sense going on 7 years (knock on wood).

                      I was diagnosed by an ENT, and It felt like he was talking to me as if I was given a death sentence.

                      I'm here to tell you that plenty of people go on to live normal lives after this type of diagnosis.

                      Just try to stay positive, find good doctors and follow their advice.

                       

                       

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