Janice's Journey with Skin Cancer - Melanoma

Recurred after 14 years from initial diagnosis/surgery. That was a mole, stage IV. This was a bump under the skin in same area.

CT found tumor on bowel. Had bowel resection. Not fun.

A good experience. Luckily, hardly any side effects. I "flunked out" of the trial after a time as it seemed to stop working. I think everyone should try a clinical trial. The one I was in you got something, whether the new drug or another. I don't know how I would feel if there was a chance I would be getting a placebo.

Have had chemo 3 separate times over the years. Some has less side effects than others, and I'm sure everyone has different effects. I also had Interleukin 2 - 4 rounds in the hospital for 6 days at a time. The nurses were lifesavers. So supportive and FAST to alleviate the side effects. What would we do without the wonderful nurses?

Has tumor in mediasteinum, which surgeon said was inoperable. The radiation did a great job on this one and it is gone!!!!! Going everyday for 6 weeks, when I finished I cried - I felt so close to the technicians. Another wonderful, caring group of people.

Off chemo since July. Have tumor under skin which grow and act inflamed then go back down for a bit. Having a CT next Monday, seeing Doctor on Wednesday. Where do we go from here? I'm hoping for the best, but my body is telling me otherwise. I just am trying to enjoy each day. I feel much stronger being off chemo and drugs. It is interesting to me how much I really appeciate feeling stronger. I remember when I was undergoing chemo my husband and I would go out to dinner. I wasn't hungry, and all the other things, and I remember being jealous that people could laugh, run, eat, etc., and I was hoping they really appreciated being well. I have a wonderful support system of friends and family (although my husband is taking a bit of a ride on the river "denial".

Went back on chemo and interferon in October. Took a break(my choice) during Christmas. Started again after New Year's. Lost my hair for 4th time, could only have a round of 2 as red and white blood cells took turns being low. March started having headAches - sinus? Then couldn't keep anything down all weekend - stomach flu? Monday went to doc, figured just needed fluids. Doc made me walk across room and told me to go for MRI STAT! Did it and was told I had to have someone come and get me as they didn't want me to drive and needed to to ER now. Had lesion on brain. Had surgery Thurs (this was Monday). Fabulous surgeon! Home on Monday. Not easy but did my exercises and in May going to Aruba. Figured I could lay in bed or on the beach. We would all pick the same one. I then had 3 weeks of radiation on brain and a bugger on my leg. Yes, lost hair again, few burns on scalp, very weak and tired, but still kicking!