PhoenixJ
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PhoenixJ

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I am 31 and was diagnosed in August,2011 with stage 4 melanoma with an unknown primary. I had an “atypical” presentation. In June of 2011 I noted increased fatigue and a decreased appetite which rapidly progressed to right upper abdominal pain, back pain, and nausea.. I went to my primary doctor who sent me for an abdominal ultrasound (for presumed gallbladder disease) which showed a right kidney mass. Subsequent MRI showed bilateral kidney masses and a subcutaneous mass. Biopsy confirmed melanoma. Brain MRI showed small left sided brain met. Needless to say this has been a total shock. My melanoma is BRAF v600e positive so I was started on vemurafenib/zelboraf. I will be undergoing proton beam stereotactic radio surgery later in October.
Display Name

PhoenixJ
I am

the patient
Initial Diagnosis Month

August
Initial Diagnosis Year

2011
Stage at Diagnosis

Stage 4
Current Stage

Stage 4
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