On 1/25/2008
Shibumy wrote:
My brother has recurrent melanoma. I'm desperate to find survivors who can help me help my brother. It's in his spine and lungs. One of his nurses told us to find others who have survived and see what they have done for treatment. If anyone has any information, please share it with me. He is a 43 year old firefighter, and very much loved.
Thank you
In December of 1999 I was diagnosed with melanoma. It had spread to 1/10th of one lymph node and I began injecting Interferon into my body January of 2000. By September 2000 the cancer had spread thru my lymph system and masses were found in my lungs and lower abdomen. I was then diagnosed with Clark Stage IV metastasized melanoma. My oncologist, Dr. Guillani at Kaiser in Riverside California, prescribed a bio-chemo cocktail (the mix I do not remember). I do remember going into ICU and having this dripped into my body for 8 hours with a 4 hour break. This was done 17 times. I went home for 2 weeks and then did it again. My body could only take 2 treatments the second visit. This cycle was repeated 6 times. By the end of 2001 I weighed 130 lbs. and stood 6' 4'', when I could stand up that is. I was given the same statistics your brother has been given. Many things have happened since that time...to many to write in this response. The short version is I am still here and not as a survivor but as an over-comer. I would be blessed if you would contact me so that we could encourage each other. I can be reached at
--Message edited by CancerCompass staff. For personal protection, phone number removed. Consider private reply. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at http://www.cancercompass.com/common/guidelines.html--
. May you receive all of the blessings God has prepared for you.
In HIS care,
Vaughn J