Melanoma On Chest

I ama 25 yr old female who recently was diagnsed with stage III melanoma.  In June I had a mole removed from my right breast.  It was diagnosed to be malignant melanoma.  A sentinel node biopsy was done, and three lymph nodes were removed.  One came back to be cancerous.  I then had 12 more from my right armpit area removed.  One more came back cancerous.  Now I am meeting with an oncologist to discuss options, possibly interferon. I also am having a CT scan done as well.  I was scared at first but am determined to fight through all of this.  I think I am pretty healthy, in the miltary, pretty active, and have faith.  I hope all this will help.  If anyone has any input or suggestions please respond. 

I am currently on my 8th treatment of chemo theropy, with 4 treatments left, I think it is important to have a positive attitude and it sounds like you already have that under control.  Keep your chin up. 

God Bless  

My story is similar to yours.  I'm 30 years old and was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma on my face.  I had a 5" by 2" section removed from my face and a positive sentinel node.  This followed by a complete lymphnode dissection where 23 additional nodes were removed - all of which came back negative. My scans all came back negative as well.

 I started interferon treatments in April.  The first month was the high dose 4 week treatment followed by injections 3 times a week for 48 weeks.

It's not the most fun thing I've ever done in my life, but it's not as bad as it sounded either.  Learning about all the possible side effects is a scary thing!

My advice to anyone on interferon -

- Drink lots of water!!

- On the bad days, just remember it's only temporary - - and worth it if it means no recurrance!  :)

All my best to you.

Thanks for replying I start treatment next week, and am not really excited. If it means the slightest chance that it can reduce recoccurence, I will try it and continue to fight.  I am glad to hear all is well with you.  I will drinks lots of water too!!! Have you changed your diet any since diagnosis? I heard that it helps too?

Sorry this response is delayed.  I suppose that means you have started your treatment.  I hope all is going ok.  Try and remember that bad days will pass.

I haven't really changed my diet, but I have noticed that the interferon has caused me to lose my appetite. Because of that, I am much more aware of what I eat and how often I eat.  You can't rely on your hunger sensation and feeling full because the chemicals mess with your system. 

Please keep in touch.  It's nice to chat with someone that is going through the same thing.

 You are in my thoughts and prayers.