Mother Of 2 Young Children And Have Level 2 Stage Of Melanoma

My daughter, age 33, is meeting with Dr. Washington at Emory University Winship Cancer Center for a consultative visit on Tues. (I have been researching melanoma treatment because my daughter has her hands full with a four year old and a three month old baby which she is weening from breast feeding.) M.D. Anderson has been strongly suggested to me many times through my internet search, but Shannon is resisting even to discuss traveling to Houston, TX because she doesn't want to be away from the boys. Her reasoning is, "My melanoma is only a Level 2 and why do I need to leave GA for treatment." What do I advise her to do? At what point does/or should she consider M.D. Anderson? Should she start with Emory and then if needed travel to Houston?

Needing answers,
Glenann

Glenda:

How was Shannon's staging determined? Did she have any
node involvement? Is this the Clark's level? Has she had a PET
scan? A CAT scan?

The next step really is to then see what the suggested
treatment is...interferon?...a cocktail?....the bottom line is there
are not a ton of treatments for melanoma.

Emory U. may be offering the same exact protocol as M.D.
Anderson. If not Emory U, then perhaps another hospital in
Georgia would be willing to work w/M.D. Anderson to treat
your daughter...

Keep your daughter's emotional well-being in mind (as I'm
sure you're doing)...staying w/her two children may help to
boost her immune system - being away from them may add
more stress. At the same time, make sure your daughter knows
she needs to prioritize herself to be there for the children.

Be Well.

Ceri

Glenann: In June of 2003 I was diagnosed with metastasized malignant melanoma. I had all the tests--MRI, Pet scan, body scan, blood tests, --you name it. The diagnosis came from a lump they removed under my left arm. Ten years prior to this diagnosis I had a melanoma removed from my back, and was therefore under the care of an oncologist for all those years. We went to three different hospitals, clinics and cancer centers to get additional opinions, and they all told me the treatment recommended by my oncologist would be the same treatment they would use. (I believe it was going to be inferon--(spelling?)). At any rate, I chose not to take the chemo (with the okay of the Dr. as long as I would get 3 month checkups). My family started me on a diet of organic foods, eliminated most sugars from my diet, and started me on a regime of natural immune system enhancers. These included astragalus, cats claw, flax seed (ground finely), omega 3, honey instead of sugar, lots of broccoli and other greens, organic milk (which has no growth hormones in it), Breyers ice cream, lots of fresh fruits, Boost canned drink for nutrition, and in general just a lot of healthy eating. I started exercising very regularly by riding a stationary bike 9 miles each day along with using a 5 lb. weight to help strenthen my arms. I have been on a 3 month checkup with my Dr. and no sign of cancer has been found. I hope this information helps you. Howard.

go to www.saxtown.com.......A Loving Husband

I was just wondering how your daughter is?

Dean,
Our daughter had the melanoma removed from her back last Wednesday at Emory Winship Cancer Center. Her oncologist, Dr. Delman, also removed 6 lymph nodes under her right arm. We'll know the pathology results this Friday. Her surgery went very well and she's recovering from her two incisions, but can't lift her baby until after her visit on Fri. Thank you for inquiring. You mentioned that your son has melanoma. How is he doing?
Prayerfully,
Glenann

How is your daughter doing?

Dean,
Our daughter had surgery last November at Emory University. Dr. Delman removed the maglignant mass from her back and six of her lynmph nodes from her right arm. No signs of cancer were found in the nodes and the perimeter around the cancer site was clear. She has had her eyes checked and no signs of cancer on her retinas. She had her four month check-up today in Atlanta. We're very thankful to have her healthy, and pray that her health continues.
I also pray that your family member is continuing to fight their cancer with hope. Thank you for staying in touch.
Glenann