[Anonymous]

My name is Dan. I was diagnosed in 1995 with melanoma. I had a wide excision, and two lymph nodes removed. No chemotherapy or other treatment was done at the time. Fast forward twenty years and my melanoma has returned. In October of 2014 I received the news after noticing two separate subcutaneous lesions. Many more have followed. After multiple scans it appears there are no major organ mets, some possible brain mets -(too small) and a possible met behind kidney in fatty tissue. there are several subcutaneous mets on head and torso. Otherwise I am a very healthy and active 50 year old.

My oncologist had initially wanted to put me on zelboraf. I declined knowing the short term success and realizing that zelboraf would be a better choice at a later stage. He had asked me again to go on zelboraf. Since I am still very healthy, I asked about trials.

I was sent to Princess Margaret and seen by Dr. Marcus Butler. after reviewing my scans, he thought it best to begin Yervoy. I wasn’t even aware of this as a standard treatment option. He seemed to be a bit surprised it was not offered as a first line treatment as well.

I hope the loss of six months of treatment will not further hinder my progress but it is much too late to blather on about it and get to the work at hand.

I start Yervoy next week. After seeing the doctors at Princess Margaret, I am much more hopeful than before. Time will tell.

[Anonymous]

Hello there Dan! I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience thus far and while feeling badly your melanoma has recurred, wish you success with the Yervoy treatment. Wow twenty years and melanoma finds you once again. I am three years post diagnosis; stage 3a, two years post treatment with Interferon. That was a very rough year, but glad I made it through!

It seems the best way to handle melanoma, is to deal with what’s at hand, rise above it and just keep moving forward, though not always as easy as it sounds! I hope the treatment goes well and I guess it is a good move for you to have been sent to Princess Margaret and action was taken. Know many here will certainly understand what your concerns are and I’m happy you found your way here to find additional support! Keep us up to speed with how things are going for you. I worry about recurrence but do try not to and keep a positive attitude and go ahead and live life to the fullest extent possible! Take care.
Cathy

[Anonymous]

Hi dan where was original melanoma?? What stage was it then or depth?? Mine was six months ago Dr said I was fine after second surgery but i worry will return or just a matter of when maybe …take care

[Anonymous]

Hi Dan,
You are in great hands at Princess Margaret. Keep us posted.
Keeping you in my thoughts.

[Author]

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