Melanoma

[guinevere]

Does anyone have any experiences with melanoma? Or did someone you know go through this?

[ysolde]

My father was diagnosed with melanoma in 1998. Fortunately, it was caught at an extrmely early stage, and they removed the entire malignancy, as well as the surrounding area (yuck). It was on the sole of his foot. He has not had a recurrence since, but he has to go to the derm every six months.

This is why I am so careful about wearing SPF 30 every single day, wearing hats in the summer, wearing sunglasses, never sunbathing, and going to the derm every year.

And yes, I do look much younger than my chronological age, but the best news is, I don't have cancer!

[RobynScott]

Guinevere,

I know that melanoma can be very treatable - and it can also be very deadly. I have experience with it through a close friend - but honestly I don't know if that case was the norm or not and I do not want to upset you. If you would like the entire story - let me know and I will share it.

Just know that it can be very treatable! I hope that both your friend and family member do well with their treatments.

[guinevere]

ysolde, thats wonderful that it's going well for your father right now! I know what you mean about being careful. It has definitely opened my eyes to being more diligent about protecting myself in the sun.

[guinevere]

RobynScott, I PMed you.

[RobynScott]

Jen - I responded to your PM. Feel free to ask me anything - I'm so sorry that it may be more advanced for your friend - it's such a scary thing!

If you'd like any more info, let me know. Also, the foundation I mentioned in my e-mail is the Mark Allen Friedman Foundation for Skin Cancer Research - not sure if they have a website yet but I'm sure they will in the future.

I'll be thinking the best for your family member and friend!

[ChristyBeth]

My mom died from melonoma at age 36 (or about 2 weeks before her 36th birthday) in 1996.

It was extremely aggressive in her, and by the time she got it checked out (it was a little bug bite looking thing on her back), it was already too late.

I'll be keeping your friends/family members in my thoughts -- sounds like it was caught early enough, which is the key! They didn't even try chemo with my mom, so the fact that that is still an option may still be a good sign.

Try to stay positive!

[nic]

My sister passed away from Melanoma in December. She was diagnosed February 2003 and had already spread to her lymph nodes at that point. When she had surgery to remove the lymph nodes the surgeons realized the cancer had spread around her organs and then could only remove so much. She went through aggressive chemo and radiation and when that didn't work she particiapted in a drug trial in Philadelphia. The experimental treatment ended making her even more sick so she stopped going. My sister was 40 years old and died the day after her oldest daughter's 12 birthday.

I'm sorry topost such a negative story but I did want to share my experience. I know if it's caught early enough then treatment is very helpful. I know Catgirl (I think that's her user name) was diagnosed with Melanoma in it's early stages and she doing great. Your friend with be in my prayers.

Please feel free to ask me any questions

[guinevere]

ChristyBeth, I'm sorry to hear about your mom.

nic, I'm sorry to hear about your sister also.

Both women were so young! So sad...

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can't imagine what's it's like to go through something like that.

[RobynScott]

Christybeth and Nic - so sorry to hear about your experiences. My friend's brother had a very similar experience - except he was from Philadelphia and was part of a drug trial in New York

He was 34 when he passed away (a year ago this week) and his children were 4 and 7.

It's a horrible disease - but thankfully treatable when caught early. Unfortunately for him, it had been caught early the first time but returned five years later on his organs. His family has started a foundation in his name to raise money for skin cancer research.

So sorry again to hear about your experiences - Cancer is such a nasty thing!

Jen - I'll be thinking good thoughts for your friends.