Melanoma stage 4

Lost my sister Shelby tonight at 6:15 pm after her battle with melanoma.  She was diagnosed in February, but in her case it was too late as it had already spread to her brain.  She received radiation on her brain and leg, but didn't really respond to either.  

I was able to spend some good days with her, but a week ago she lost her way and has been bed ridden and finally went to Jesus tonight at 6:15 pm.  

Cancer sucks the life out of you!  I watched her try to recover and stay positive and prayed for a miracle.  This is the most difficult thing that my family and I will ever have to face.  She turned 49 in February and never made it to her 50th.  We were going to have a surprise party for her and now I can no longer have that opportunity.  

Take every day like its your last and live like you were dying!  I love you Shelby!

Lori, my name is Susan and I am 54 with advanced melanoma. I ran across your message and it really hit home-I think the Lord directed  me here. I had surgery-wide local excision, (on my scalp) and also had 2 sets of lymph nodes removed. I have not had any other treatment because I only have Medicaid share of cost, which means I am responsible for(in my case) 1066.00. Shortly before I was diagnosed the plant where I was working closed, so I had no insurance. Lately I have been feeling really bad and just worn out. I truly think things are getting worse. But since I read what you wrote, I KNOW I have to try harder to find medical help. My sister loves me, not to mention my children and grandsons. Yes cancer sucks-my mom died of breast cancer and she lived with me and it was very tough. So Thanks for writing this it has made me more determined to find help.

Both of your emails made me feel sad for both of you.  Lori--I am SO sorry for the loss of your sister.  Susan--get the medical care even if you have to take out a loan.  Tell the doctors about your situation!  If people can illegitimately take advantage of the welfare system, the disability benefits and unemployment---then YOU should be able to get good medical care for being honest with the system!  PLEASE let us know what you do.  Don't delay in your healthcare because of $$$.  There are foundations and physicians who will help you find assistance!

God bless you both!

Tara

I have endured the battle with Stage IV Melanoma and am quite aware of the challenges it brings with it. As a husband and father one of the most difficult was not being able to provide for my family in any way. The fact that my body was so weak and in so much pain during treatment it left me with little choice but to "look-up" and I did. Don't let a price tag keep you from drawing from the source of life and I'm not talking about drugs. Yes, thank God I have been given every opportunity and this is another one. An opportunity to tell anyone that will hear that there is hope and I'm evidence.

Hi Lori.  I'm sorry to hear about your sister, Shelby.  My heart goes out to you and all the other family members, yours and families of other victims.  I just came back from my doctor, and have been informed that my melanoma, which I had surgery and radiation for last year, has metastasized to my liver and probably my lungs.  I am 61, my kids are grown, married, and moved away, though my youngest, 29, lives with me.  I don't want to have a poor quality of life until the end, so I am reluctant to endure the treatments that probably won't work anyway.  I would like your opinion, and those of others who may read this posting.

Betty

hi. i recently lost a very very close cousin to melanoma cancer at the age of 29 she was still hopeful to return home to her room and clothes;which she loved to death. the melanoma came early but she never went to get it checked because she had the perfect life. i lost my cousin at six o'clock on the 28th of september; 13 days after my 18th birthday. she wanted to live so bad and even lying in the hospital bed she would cry with the little bit of tears she had left. at first, she looked normal but when i rushed to the hospital after being told she had severe pains, i walked into a room to a different person. my cousin has always been the most beautiful of all my cousins. when i walked into the room a week after i had seen her last she looked dried up and extremely skinny but she kept her sense of humor at all times. after that, every trip to the hopital became less and less hopeful. on wednesday the 28th of september, my mom called me at around 12pm and told me that my cousin was no longer opening her eyes or moth. she wasnt eating. when i arrived at the hospital i becan to cry because she looked dead already; the cancer sucked her beautiful smile and body away. she had no more words that she could speak. i was devastated. my family and i spent all day at the hospital and when i was sitting next to her holding her hand she began to jump and she looked so scared. all my family was around her bed crying and telling her to keep breathing for us because it wasnt her time to go; we were being selfish because God didnt want her to go through anymore pain and we wanted her here with us. this world wasnt fit for her standards; she was an angel sent from heaven to change the lives of many and i thank her for making me the confident young woman i am now. just like my cousin, your sister is in a better place than we are.