Experiences of melanoma
Steve's Story
I am Male, 54. My first sign of Melanoma started in April 2008,with a Mole changing on my right upper inner arm, this was removed at Dermatology, after biopsy it was determined that I should undergo a wide area excision of that area which was carried out in July 2008, from this the results were given as all clear.
Then in November 2008 I discovered a swollen lymph gland under my arm in my armpit, this was looked into at a follow up visit to my Plastic Surgeons Clinic follow up from the wide excision, A syringe Biopsy was taken, this proved to be positive for Malignant Melanoma. Prior to the Surgery was given a full body CT scan this showed that the melanoma was still only in the Lymph Node under the arm.
I was then given a total Lymph Node dissection 52 lymph Nodes were removed in upper shoulder under arm also removing Major and Minor pec muscles above my right breast, at the end of November 2008. The results were given to me, it showed that the Melanoma, was in the swollen Node but also showed in 3 other nodes.
Following this I had my first visit to the Oncology Clinic, I was advised there that because it was showing in three other nodes there was a possibility that it could have gone to blood stream and according to records had a 75% chance of the melanoma coming back elsewhere, not good news but hey keep positive.
I continued to see my Plastic Surgeon at his clinic and this month I told him I had a cough for 5 weeks, he duly referred me for a CT scan,
12/03/09, my GP asked my wife and I to attend her clinic, I have been advised that the scan showed spots on the lungs and spots on the liver and this would be terminal. She could not give me a definite prognosis, as it depends on the individual.
The following day I contacted my Macmillan nurse who already has arranged an appointment with the oncology department on 02/04/2009. I am trying to keep positive, and await this appointment
Visited oncologist clinic on Thursday last. Got more details that had not been given with regard to my scan on the 12th March. Apparently the melanoma has returned under my right arm where I had the complete Lymph node removal, it is also in 2 lymph nodes in my stomach as well as my lungs and liver, I was offered some chemo at first on its own (Darcarbazine) (DTIC)
Then I was offered a new trial using a combination of a new drug ABT888 and chemo (TM7) so I am waiting to get the trial started as I said to then throw at me whatever you can, anything that gives me a shout. So now waiting for this next appointment is 16th fingers crossed, got to try it. Got to keep fighting it. Was told cannot take part in this trial as too many blood cells have been damaged, I presume by the cancer. Not all bad news. The good news is that I have been offered another trial which is a drug only and is designed to cut off the nutrient streams to the melanoma tumours, so got to give it a go anything that will give a shout.
19/06/2009 I am now into my second stage of the trial drug 1st stage went ok travel to hospital for blood samples once a week a few side effects spots around my face and in my scalp also diarrhoea.
Second stage only visit to hospital once a fortnight for bloods. Have scan on the 30th which should show how the treatment is affecting the melanoma. I suffering with back pain from Sciatica but taking pain killers. At this moment I am on my hols in the Costa del Sol and keeping way out of the Sun with factor 50+ if I venture out.
Managed to get Travel insurance including my current medical condition and repatriation if I fall ill with my condition. The company who I got it through is MIA; when you get to to this page, enter site at the next page go to "costs and purchase" on left hand side of screen a menu will drop down you select: "MIA Master travel Insurance shop" and follow the instructions from there.
I hope this assists some of you to get insurance and that you mange to get away even for a short break, can perk you up change of location and change of climate.
Steve died on 12th October 2009. His obituary is here.