LeslieMaria's Journey with Skin Cancer - Melanoma

I had given birth to micro-preemie baby girl and the nurses in the NICU said to have the mole on my neck checked out as it was turning black. After my daughter came home, I went to Dermatologist and was diagnosed with stage IV malignant melanoma. After two surgeries, I had my incision stapled for two weeks with 15 staples on the left side of my neck. I began my chemo/radiation immediately. 2 weeks of radiation to the neck area and 1 month, every day of chemotherapy (interferon) via IV...after first week, I got a PICC line. All the while with an infant, this was a very difficult time, I am so grateful for my awesome husband. After I finished with the daily dose of interferon, I had the PICC line removed (I was very glad about that). I then could take my dose via injection (injecting myself) 3 times a week. This was bliss! I wouldn't need to go in to clinic, although I so missed the fabulous staff, I would only see them twice a month for my check-up and to receive my meds. For side affects such as chills and severe headache, they gave me in clinic anti-histamine and Tylenol (extra strength). I continued with both for the year I took the interferon. As for the radiation that took place toward the end of my treatment, I had a very sore throat for months after. I couldn't eat much other than liquids; soups and ensure were my diet for the next 3 months...lost weight, thinning of the hair were the side affects. I was alive and could enjoy my first born child and husband.