Don't Know How To Explain

I am 36 years old. In March of '04 I was diagnosed with multiple melanoma. No stage was given to me at that time but the prognosis was a 0-2% chance of surviving 5 years with treatment, due to the fact that the lymphnodes affected were inoperable. I initially underwent a 2 month series of chemotherapy in which several different medicines were used. When that didnt seem to be doing any good we changed the course to a high dose of Interlukin 2 taken for one week a month. I'm preparing to start my third round of this new treatment and I've been wondering. I know there is no cure as of yet. And I also know that a prognosis is worth nothing since there are no assurances with cancer. If the cancer appears to be getting worse, they increase the staging level. Is it possible to decrease the staging as well if it shows the same level of improvement? I have heard of many great success stories where the bleakest of changes have turned into a lifetime of hope. I'm just still unsure about so many things as I continue to face treatment.

Mike:

There is always hope. Have you looked into a vaccine program?

The John Wayne Cancer Center, California - is a good place to
start w/looking into an alternative treatment. They may be
able to point you in the right direction depending on where you
live. For example, John Wayne is doing a melanoma program in
conjunction w/Hackensack in New Jersey.

I've also heard wonderful things about St. Vincents in New York
(for melanoma patients).

CG