CancerCompass message board discussion started by STEPH22 on 4/16/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23123,0.htm Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I recently found out that my 22yr old sister's melanoma has spread to her brain and liver. She had a mole that the family was concerned about. She found out she was pregnant and the cancer took over. Stephanie had the baby, a little girl, on March 18th and 4 weeks later we got the horrible news. She has 3 cancer massis on her back, 6 in her brain and not sure how much but in her liver as well.This has been very hard on me because not only is she my baby sister but i also had one removed 2 yrs ago that was pre melanoma. And i as well was pregnant. It was removed early and i made an appt next week to have others that have changed color to be checked out.My question is even if i catch these early they can come back? I have a two year old and this is scary stuff. STEPH22 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 4/16/2008 STEPH22 wrote:I recently found out that my 22yr old sister's melanoma has spread to her brain and liver. She had a mole that the family was concerned about. She found out she was pregnant and the cancer took over. Stephanie had the baby, a little girl, on March 18th and 4 weeks later we got the horrible news. She has 3 cancer massis on her back, 6 in her brain and not sure how much but in her liver as well.This has been very hard on me because not only is she my baby sister but i also had one removed 2 yrs ago that was pre melanoma. And i as well was pregnant. It was removed early and i made an appt next week to have others that have changed color to be checked out.My question is even if i catch these early they can come back? I have a two year old and this is scary stuff.Hello Steph,As I was reviewing the message board I noticed you had not received a reply. I know how frustrating it can be when you start thinking no one is listening or cares. I am diagnosed with stage IV metastasized melanoma and have been since 2001. I began treatment January 2000 and as you know "life" took a new rout. As it metastasized my lungs, lower abdomen, intestines and lymph nodes were invaded. My oncologist is suprised I survived the treatment. I almost didn't but here I am 8 years later hopefully encouraging you. I have been examined by a dermatologist many times. In fact the first time in 1999 3 doctors including a dermatologist said the mole on my right arm was nothing to worry about. I demanded a biopsy and it was melanoma. I tell you this because I don't want you to just take "their" word for it. If you see a spot on your body that causes concern make them do a FULL biopsy and not just shave it off.Since the initial melanoma I have had only one spot on my back that raised concern in me. Again the dermatologist didn't want to do anything and I told him to either do a full biopsy or put it in writting that there is nothing wrong and he refuses to do a biopsy. The biopsy results came back normal and I have peace of mind. I am now 48 years old. I'm a husband and father that now has eyes to see and ears to hear when a voice calls out. Please keep calling. I guarantee someone will hear you.In HIS care,ByFaith Byfaith Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT ByFaith,Thanks for sharing and i am happy that you are doing better. You sound like a fighter!!!.i had mine removed couple weeks ago caught it early again all they could say is that there were a couple of abnormal cells but clear.My sister on the other hand is doing worse and she unfortunatly will not be as lucky as you or i. since i posted this she has had radiation treatment on her brain and finished last Friday. She went the hopital again from headachs with vomiting and they did a cat scan and her brain is much worse. there est. of survival was 6mo -9 a month ago. Mom and i dont think shell make it that long. She had her chemo port put in last wednesday and mom wants them to start soon on the chemo i dont beleive it will work on her brain. I've researched this and everything (all the bad) has come true even the part about radiation on the brain does not work on melanoma brain cancer. My mom is hanging on to hope by wanting to try chemo anyway but its not likley to work and she will be even sicker than now. If this were me and i knew i had little time i would live my life to the fulliest and make movies with my baby since her daughter is only 5wks old. There is not a probability that she will live 5-10 yrs from now. Im pro active and will fight for my life before it gets to the situation my sister is in. she let it go for years wated till she was pregnant and then descided to get the mole removed but it already had taken over her body and fast since she was pregnant it fed on her hormones. its just a matter of time now and to keep her from suffering!sorry to be a downer but i have to be strong for my husband and 2yr son and i have to be strong for my mom and dad - its very hard and i just want to runaway and pretend its not happening.Needed to vent and explain whats going on at this moment. Thanks for sharing your story with me and good luck to you and your family. means a lot,thnkx,Shalina, TX STEPH22 Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT