Stage I Melanoma W/ Interferon

I recently had surgery to have a stage IB nodular malignant melanoma removed off my leg.  I am 28 years old and otherwise very healthy.  When I asked my oncologist if he would recommend any other treatment, the only other treatment option he said there was for me was Interferon.  He said it would only increase my survival rate from 90% to 92.9% and I would feel as if I have the flu. 

At first glance this seems like a very easy no.  But I want to make sure I am making the best-informed choice.

Advice????

Oh, and clinical trials.  Which I am interested in, and checking in to.  Comments welcome on that, too.

Thanks, Laura

did you have a SLN biopsy?  If you did and it was neg then you are in pretty good shape.  <4mm thick and obs is OK .  > 4 mm thick and interferon is an option.  Thats not much improvement in survival for alot of side effects.  I wouldnt take Interferon unless I had too.  Clinical trials are an option.  Make sure you get an exam every 3-6 months to include chest x ray, liver functions tests and CT scans( as indicated.)

Congrats on the early diagnosis.

Congrads on the early find and surgery to remove.

I've been working with my mom for years with melamona at its worst so I'm learning all the options.

 I agree with your approach. Not at all time for any chemo type treatment for you. The time could come in your life but it is not now! with only one area and on your leg and with having it removed surgically - no radiation either is needed at this time.

Keep the early watch out. Get regularly scheduled dermotologist exams = head to foot. A dermo that does not strip you down to look at all of you is not doing the job for melanoma! Find one that does.

You also need to keep on the watch for things yourself. To be honest we find more than the docs do.

Scans should be taken regularly too. To find what could be "inside" vs what you can see on the surface of your skin.

Surgery is a great solution with or without radiation for many skin based nodes you find .. if you find them early!!  Other treatments are not needed if you keep the watch up and it stays on the surface.

Best wishes on your recovery.