36 year old Female diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma on May 19, 2014

Diary Entry

I’m fairly new to this fight and not exactly sure what to even expect. Since my diagnosis, I had one surgery to cut off the melanoma (it was on my toe) along with a 3 week recovery while unable to work. It took three weeks for the biopsy to come back. I guess hearing the doctor say that the pathologist said that they had never seen anything like it, isn’t a good thing. Next, was an amputation of that toe, along with Lymph Nodes from my groin area. Those results did not bode well either. Out of the 3 that he removed had a tumor in it. So, my journey next took me to Baltimore, Maryland where I met with an oncologist surgeon. I had a complete dissection on my left groin area. During my follow up visit I found out that the doctor removed 11 lymph nodes and two more came back with cancer cells. I was readmitted to the hospital thinking that my incision was infected. It wasn’t, but the drains weren’t working all that well either. The doctor opened my incision and my wonderful husband has become my nurse and packs the incision twice daily. I couldn’t be luckier than having such a wonderful husband. During all this, I learned that I am extremely claustrophobic. That puts a slight crinkle in trying to have all these tests that I need to have. I try to stay optimistic and keep my sense of humor.

Clinical Trial Options

So now I am exploring clinical trial options.  I have asked for more information on Yervoy, with everyone’s advice. In my area, to receive Yervoy for stage 3 melanoma, you have to be part of a clinical study or whatever. My doctor promised I wouldn’t be given a placebo. But, I would have to travel quite a distance. I know that there are quite a few of you on here that have traveled for treatment. But, for me, right now, it’s just not an option. I have teenage children that need me to be home. I could never do this alone. My husband would be with me, which would leave no one at home…. I am starting on Paxil this week and should (depending on my insurance) start treatment next week. I have had two people on Treatment Diaries tell me about Yervoy and I don’t want you to think that I am not listening to your advice. But I have had 5 doctors tell me that interferon is probably in my best interest. I don’t know how this is going to go. I’m hopeful, and again, I won’t be alone. My husband has and will be with me for the duration of all of this.  I am hopeful!

Real patient experiences shared privately at www.TreatmentDiaries.com.  Read more, share if you like or join in the conversation.  Making sure you feel less alone navigating a cancer diagnosis is important.  Connecting you to those who can relate and provide support is what we do.