Melanoma

My friend, diagnosed in March 2007, with metastatic melanoma, has responded well to Temodar and a variety of other meds, for a reduction of 50% of original tumors.  All lymph system tumors are gone.  However there are three (I believe) very small tumors in his lungs that have not responded.  They have not grown, but have not reduced either.  Now, a couple of weeks ago, his MRI showed 3 tiny spots in his brain.  He is back on Temodar combined with Thalidomide on a daily oral basis and a once-a-month dose of Lomastine.  Today completes the first week of this treatment.  Side effects are pretty severe - nausea, dizzy, weak, etc.  Does anyone have any experience with the drug combination? 

I'm not much help on that combination of radiation yet I can tell you my husband had one small spot, was on Temador for five months with very few side effects, yet seven spots materialized within this period of time.  If your friend can request a scan perhaps more frequently than the doc calls for they may be able to catch it early...?  Just a thought.

 Best luck to you,

Demetria 

my sister was on all the drugs you just described, after her very harsh chemo and radiation.   she lost feeling in her hands and feet, and never regained it fully, always a tingling feeling at the tips of her fingers, and toes.  She never got sick to her stomach, and handled the drugs quite well, but unfortunately these drugs only lengthen the time you'll have left w/ your loved one.  I'm not trying to be negative, but this cancer is deadly!  No one told me in the end, the doctors, the nurses, and we were at M.D. Anderson in Houston where you would have thought they would have been more professional.  I would have wanted to know to prepare better.  A patient w/  Stage 4 Melanoma w/  legions in the brain and lungs will last maybe 2 years.  My sister lasted 17 months .   Good Luck and God Bless....