Theresa

51 years old. Married. 3 children. 3 grandchildren. First diagnosed with melanoma in 2002.  Stage II on the outside of my upper left arm.  2nd time was in 2006.  Stage III in my lymph nodes in my left armpit (axilla).  3rd time in 2019.  Stage III in my lymph nodes in my left armpit (axilla).  It spread into my chest (brachial plexus), into my lungs, to my right axilla, and then to my brain.

I started with Keytruda in 2019.  When it spread to my lungs, my oncologist started me on Tafinlar and Mekinist.  I took the 100% dosage.  This caused terrible side effects including vision loss for 3 days and kidney failure.  I have been on 75% of the dosage (3 pills each per day) since August of 2020.  I have been in remission (NED) since January 2021!

I will take the Taf/Mek combo if and until it doesn’t work any longer.

My side effects now are minimal. Over the past few months I’ve noticed more joint pain than usual.  I often try to find other people who have this side effect and it’s hard to find others who take it who have written about it.

I attribute my success so far to Taf/Mek, my awesome oncologist, my “Tribe” of family and friends and to my positive attitude.

Be well.  Take care of yourself.