On 12/14/2006 Oncrx wrote:
with no treatment, I would say 6-12 months.
further update: his surgeon has somehow conveyed to him that she 'got it all' even though the lab report states they removed 4 nodes, 1 fully replaced with cancer. Lab report follows:
"MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION: - Sections from the
> right intraclavicular contents reveal four lymph
> nodes. Three of these show NO EVIDENCE OF TUMOR.
> "The largest of the four nodes is completely
> replaced by a metastatic tumor. This tumor is
> composed of pleomorphoric dyscohesive cells which
> have large hyperchromatic irregular nuclei.
> Numerous areas of necrosis are present within the
> metastatic tumor. This tumor is histologically
> cosistent with metastatic melanoma."
My father considers this a 'miracle'. The PET showed three cancerous nodes. The surgeon only 'got' one of them. She told my Dad that the PET was wrong. He wants to believe, so he does. I don't know how to advise him, or if I should. I don't think he will have much time.