I am SO scared!!!!!

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › I am SO scared!!!!!

  • Post
    • September 21, 2016 at 3:01 pm
    snow white
    Participant

      Hello there,

      I am new to this forum.  I myself am a Uterine cancer survivor, but I am not here to talk about myself.  My Dad is 72 years old (very healthy overall)  and was diagnosed with colon cancer last year, he had it removed and no more treatment was necessary.  In June 2016 he went in for follow up and they did a CT scan, the colon was fine but they found something on his Lung and possibly his spleen.  He had surgery to remove the spot on his lung last month and the pathology came back that it was Melanoma.  We were shocked.  Now after alot of tests etc.  we just found out that he now has metastis in his brain (12 spots) small intestine (1) spleen (more than 12) upper right thigh.  WHAT?????? SHOCK!!

      So far from what I know (this only happened 2 days ago), he will be doing radiation on his brain  (the whole brain) at Hoag in Newport Beach, ca.  He is also going to be starting a trial at USC (don't know the name).  He is waiting for his BRAF? test to come back.

      My Dad has NO symptoms what so ever.  I am so scared, this is all so confusing. They said if he didn't do any treatment that he would be dead in 4-6 months!!!!   Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

       

      Thank you!!!!!!

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 21, 2016 at 5:52 pm
        MoiraM
        Participant

          OK, stay calm. There is systemic treatments for stage 4 melanoma. If you want to inform yourself, this resource is from the UK but it is very clear.

          http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/melanoma/

          Some of the systemic treatments only work against BRAF positive melanomas, which is why they are doing that test. Others, the immunotherapies, work for some people but not others but there is no way of telling in advance.

          There are also some newer systemic treatments that are only available as trials. Again, others will have to help with that.

          Other people on here will tell you that he needs to be treated at a centre that specialises in melanoma. I cannot help with that as I am in the UK.

            • September 21, 2016 at 11:14 pm
            snow white
            Participant

              Thank you so much for the reply.  The doctor he is seeing at USC is a melanoma specialist and he will also be getting a 3rd and possily 4th opinion before starting the immunotherapy.

               

              I just can't believe that he has absolutely NO symptoms!  I am so happy that they are starting Radiation possibly tomorrow, if not Friday.  Thanks for the link, I have been reading like crazy to try and understand all of this.

               

              Thanks again

              • September 21, 2016 at 11:14 pm
              snow white
              Participant

                Thank you so much for the reply.  The doctor he is seeing at USC is a melanoma specialist and he will also be getting a 3rd and possily 4th opinion before starting the immunotherapy.

                 

                I just can't believe that he has absolutely NO symptoms!  I am so happy that they are starting Radiation possibly tomorrow, if not Friday.  Thanks for the link, I have been reading like crazy to try and understand all of this.

                 

                Thanks again

                • September 21, 2016 at 11:14 pm
                snow white
                Participant

                  Thank you so much for the reply.  The doctor he is seeing at USC is a melanoma specialist and he will also be getting a 3rd and possily 4th opinion before starting the immunotherapy.

                   

                  I just can't believe that he has absolutely NO symptoms!  I am so happy that they are starting Radiation possibly tomorrow, if not Friday.  Thanks for the link, I have been reading like crazy to try and understand all of this.

                   

                  Thanks again

                • September 21, 2016 at 5:52 pm
                MoiraM
                Participant

                  OK, stay calm. There is systemic treatments for stage 4 melanoma. If you want to inform yourself, this resource is from the UK but it is very clear.

                  http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/melanoma/

                  Some of the systemic treatments only work against BRAF positive melanomas, which is why they are doing that test. Others, the immunotherapies, work for some people but not others but there is no way of telling in advance.

                  There are also some newer systemic treatments that are only available as trials. Again, others will have to help with that.

                  Other people on here will tell you that he needs to be treated at a centre that specialises in melanoma. I cannot help with that as I am in the UK.

                  • September 21, 2016 at 5:52 pm
                  MoiraM
                  Participant

                    OK, stay calm. There is systemic treatments for stage 4 melanoma. If you want to inform yourself, this resource is from the UK but it is very clear.

                    http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/melanoma/

                    Some of the systemic treatments only work against BRAF positive melanomas, which is why they are doing that test. Others, the immunotherapies, work for some people but not others but there is no way of telling in advance.

                    There are also some newer systemic treatments that are only available as trials. Again, others will have to help with that.

                    Other people on here will tell you that he needs to be treated at a centre that specialises in melanoma. I cannot help with that as I am in the UK.

                    • September 21, 2016 at 6:59 pm
                    Polymath
                    Participant

                      Hi Jennifer,

                      So sorry about Dad, but you have come to the right place.  Moira has made several good points, and to add to that let me especially emphasize the requirement he seek treatment my a melanoma specialist.  An oncologist that ONLY treats melanoma patients.  For now it makes sense to immediately seek radiation treatment for brain mets.  Those cannot wait, and are likely to be most lethal.  Some form of systemic treatment will come next, and if he's BRAF positive, it is a likely first course of treatment as BRAF drugs are very effective in quickly lowering tumor burden, paving the way for more effective immunotherapies.  Take it easy, and go one step at a time.  Once under the care of a specialist, the anxiety will come down as a plan of action is developed.  Best in the battle.

                      Gary 

                      • September 21, 2016 at 6:59 pm
                      Polymath
                      Participant

                        Hi Jennifer,

                        So sorry about Dad, but you have come to the right place.  Moira has made several good points, and to add to that let me especially emphasize the requirement he seek treatment my a melanoma specialist.  An oncologist that ONLY treats melanoma patients.  For now it makes sense to immediately seek radiation treatment for brain mets.  Those cannot wait, and are likely to be most lethal.  Some form of systemic treatment will come next, and if he's BRAF positive, it is a likely first course of treatment as BRAF drugs are very effective in quickly lowering tumor burden, paving the way for more effective immunotherapies.  Take it easy, and go one step at a time.  Once under the care of a specialist, the anxiety will come down as a plan of action is developed.  Best in the battle.

                        Gary 

                        • September 21, 2016 at 6:59 pm
                        Polymath
                        Participant

                          Hi Jennifer,

                          So sorry about Dad, but you have come to the right place.  Moira has made several good points, and to add to that let me especially emphasize the requirement he seek treatment my a melanoma specialist.  An oncologist that ONLY treats melanoma patients.  For now it makes sense to immediately seek radiation treatment for brain mets.  Those cannot wait, and are likely to be most lethal.  Some form of systemic treatment will come next, and if he's BRAF positive, it is a likely first course of treatment as BRAF drugs are very effective in quickly lowering tumor burden, paving the way for more effective immunotherapies.  Take it easy, and go one step at a time.  Once under the care of a specialist, the anxiety will come down as a plan of action is developed.  Best in the battle.

                          Gary 

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