Should I Do Treatment?

I figured I should try and poll as many opinions as possible...I recently had surgery to remove a melanoma, margins were clean, all scans were clean, sentinel node biopsy was clean. The melanoma was desmoplastic, which is a rare form -- they generally grow very deep but don't spread very often. But, it was definitely deep: 8 mm.

The surgeon did not feel that I needed to proceed with interfeuron treatments, because the benefits would be slim. My oncologist does seem to feel that I should do treatment...It seems to make a 3-5% reduction in recurrence, which does not seem huge to me. I'm questioning whether treatment is worth it, considering the side effects and the turmoil it would cause (especially because even going through surgery and everything, I never felt sickly or like someone with a disease, which would certainly not be the case under treatment) but don't want to be greedy seeing as how fortunate things have turned out so far.

Anybody have thoughts on this? I appreciate it.

 

 

If it would reduce the chances of it coming back i sure would consider it. having just finished 2 rounds of chemo with different kinds of meds. its not that bad. the only bad reaction i had was with the radiation it gave me diahreaha (dont mind the spelling) and i became allergic to one of the chemos. the hair loss is not too bad the loss of my eye lashes was the worst. i didnt realise that they keep the dust out of your eyes. weigh carefully if its inconvienient or if its something you just really dont want to do.

Sorry, I forgot to mention this in the previous message. My husband has Gastro Intestinal Melanoma.

Gail W.

Hi, Just saw your message. My husband was recently diagnosed with myelofibrosis, due to enlarged spleen and liver, and a recent bleeding episode in thigh, due to a muscle strain. Even though his blood tests are normal, and there's no JAK2 evidence (something you must have to have this disease), the doctors say he has it.

We're faced with taking a chemotherapy pill, hydrocyucea or simply waiting to see how things progress. The doctors are split. The side effects of the pill are the same as chemo, we felt it could trigger some effects as well. The doctors even though they're split, agreed to wait and see.

Waiting is so so so hard to do. Shouldn't we do something knowing what's on the horizon? But right now, he's just in perfect health, working full time, enjoying life, and the thought of being sick now, because of a chemo pill, just put us over the edge.

Your message just read our hearts. You've been through a lot, and now that decision comes up. I'm sure you're tossed what to do, and there's no easier answer.

Please keep in touch, and let me know how you are. Have you contacted the City of Hope website about this? They seem to be on the advance with many kinds of cancer.

My best to you and your family.

It seems that you are in a position similar to a multitude of 1st-time, cancer survivors. You had a cancer, now it's "cured" and you are declared "cancer-free" - but oncologists always recommend that last little 3%-5% be treated. This is where the expertise and experience of your oncologist becomes critical.
As a care-giver and and familiar with cancer treatment in general from an observational position, my recommendation is:
1) Practice a healthy life-style - using all the recommended tools - exercise, diet (low animal fat intake), weight control, etc. etc.
2) Get regular and frequent check-ups from a cancer-oriented facility. Blood analysis, CT-Scans, MRI, PT-SCans - whatever is needed. Insurance will cover it and it gives a series of 'bench-marks' for the experts to refer to. Pay close attention to results, select a treatment source that you trust COMPLETELY. By 'cancer oriented', I mean a facility such as Cancer Treatment Centers of America or similar to it. This is where you get the best advice, cutting edge technology, and cancer-experienced specialists.
Agreeing to oncological treatment now - without expert consultations collectivly agreeing is taking a chance on extremely invasive measures upsetting your life and quality of life. Chemotherapy and how it is is delivered to an individual patient is extremely touchy and unpredictable as to severity of side-effects. It should only be prescribed and administered by the most experienced technician with literally thousands of patients to his credit.
Play it safe and adopt a wait-and-see time period with multiple, frequent check-ups from the best and most eperienced facility availabel to you - and today there are many. If you have to travel, don't hesitate, just do it.
I recommend Cancer Treatment Centers of America. They saved our sanity, quality of life, and literally, my wife's life after her inital oncologist gave her 6 mos. to live. CTCA continues watching her like a hawk with full check-ups every 90 days - for awhile, at least.
800-FOR-HELP 24/7
Good Luck and God Bless You

You might be interested to know that there is a vaccine for melanoma under development that should be approved for humans within several months. It is designed to prevent recurrence and is given after successful surgery. It is currently approved for use in dogs and will soon be available to humans. I don't know the name of it, but found out about it from the Cancer Research Institute in NYC. Maybe you could  search for an article about it on their website, which is www.cancerresearch.org

 

As they keep tell me everyone is different. I did have the dirreaha thing with some of the chemo, I didn't lose my hair, I did my eye lashes that sucked but if you can false one came in handy. I'm on new chemo now and feeling much better, went to Paris. I don't know what your chemo will be like but I'm the type of person that will try anything once, if I like it I'll do it again well I really don't like it but its not bad. I know its a big question to answer and I hope you find your poll helpful. Good luck

Hi, read your message under mine, and wanted to say that you really spoke to me. I don't know if you were answering my message or not. But I take your advice to seek expertise treatment seriously. We live near Buffalo, NY, where there's the Cancer Treatment Centers you spoke of. I'll speak with my husband, and we'll get over there for a second opinion. Thanks for your advice, whether or not you meant it for me, it will help plenty of people who are struggling with these decisions. Both of our doctors say, take the chemo or wait, there's really no difference, something I find very difficult to do. Thanks again, you have helped me.
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I'm repeating what I said before, so please ignore this if you've read it: My husband was recently diagnosed with myelofibrosis, due to enlarged spleen and liver, and a recent bleeding episode in thigh, due to a muscle strain. Even though his blood tests are normal, and there's no JAK2 evidence (something you must have to have this disease), the doctors say he has it.

We're faced with taking a chemotherapy pill, hydrocyucea or simply waiting to see how things progress. The doctors are split. The side effects of the pill are the same as chemo, we felt it could trigger some effects as well. The doctors even though they're split, agreed to wait and see.

Waiting is so so so hard to do. Shouldn't we do something knowing what's on the horizon? But right now, he's just in perfect health, working full time, enjoying life, and the thought of being sick now, because of a chemo pill, just put us over the edge.

Do the Interferon as your Oncologist suggests. Cancer is microscopic and the purpose of the Chemo is to eliminate that which can't be seen.

Some people go through the Interferon without severe side affects.

while you are waiting to make your decision why not try some preventive measures other than meds?
I do a lot of cancer research on the Web and try to come up with alternatives as I can not take many mess. I am allergic to so many and also if it has ten side effects I get all twenty of them. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy two years ago and are not on any meds - just anti toxin foods - so far I am clear. Also during my research I discoverd that eggplant is a great anti toxin for melenoma and I suggested it to my grandson who had a hugh blob removed from the side of his forehead, he has been eating it and also drinking V 8 Fusion which is loaded ith anti toxins and no meds and is doing fine - I am not suggesting you do this but am suggesting you consider it -- can't hurt even if you do go with the meds. Toni R