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bcjim
New User
Joined: 17 Sep 2007
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:58 pm Post subject: somewhat similar situation |
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In the summer of 2005 I had a mole that itched and bled. I knew nothing about cancer and so ignored it. In August of 2006 I had an uncomfortable swelling in my right armpit. Was referred to a surgeon and had a biopsy in November. December 2006 I was diagnosed with metastatic malignant melanoma. Had two lymph nodes removed, the largest one being 6 cm in diameter as well as an excision of what was thought to be the primary site, the still existent mole on my back.
The day I was diagnosed I started praying and running, short distances and working my way up. I started on a vitamin regimen twice a day, heavy on vitamin c about 20 grams a day. I ate as healthy as possible, no alcohol, low fat, raw fruits and vegetables, green tea and of course no sugar. I tried to employ means that made some sense to me.
After surgery I had to wait for awhile to resume running as I had a hemovac hanging out of my armpit for the blood and lymph. When the fluid volume lessened I was able to disconnect, tie it off and go for a short jog. One day the tube fell out and as it was prone to mild infections and inflammation I decided to leave it out. I have decided not to have radiation or chemo.
My ct scan has shown no distant metastasis. The lab results on the egg sized lymph node said "no visible extranodal extension". Lungs, bones, etc. all clear. I was a clinical stage 3b. I am well aware that this can all change. I just got back from visiting my little sister in a hospice. She is dying from lung cancer so I pray for her too. I've never been as sad or as afraid.
I believe that the vitamins and the running and nutrition are at the very least, slowing down the disease's progression. Hope and faith are helping me wait it out. I hope this helps. God bless. |
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brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3783
Location: Tennessee
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| Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:51 am Post subject: Re: Metastatic Malignant Melanoma |
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Hi bcjim, I spit off your replay to make your own thread so that others and I could respond to your story.
You are a case study in why any skin abnormalities should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. I am glad that you are doing well and taking care of yourself. I hope you made the decision not to have any further treatments in consultation with your medical team.
My heart also reaches out to you because of what your sister is going through. Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/ |
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sodapop
Senior User
Joined: 03 Sep 2007
Posts: 178
Location: Orange County
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: somewhat similar situation |
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bcjim, I'm glad that you're doing well. Keep up the fight. You seem to have a very positive attitude which can only help.
What other vitamins are you taking besides vitamin c?
My thoughts and prayers are with you man!
Sodapop! 
[quote="bcjim"]In the summer of 2005 I had a mole that itched and bled. I knew nothing about cancer and so ignored it. In August of 2006 I had an uncomfortable swelling in my right armpit. Was referred to a surgeon and had a biopsy in November. December 2006 I was diagnosed with metastatic malignant melanoma. Had two lymph nodes removed, the largest one being 6 cm in diameter as well as an excision of what was thought to be the primary site, the still existent mole on my back.
The day I was diagnosed I started praying and running, short distances and working my way up. I started on a vitamin regimen twice a day, heavy on vitamin c about 20 grams a day. I ate as healthy as possible, no alcohol, low fat, raw fruits and vegetables, green tea and of course no sugar. I tried to employ means that made some sense to me.
After surgery I had to wait for awhile to resume running as I had a hemovac hanging out of my armpit for the blood and lymph. When the fluid volume lessened I was able to disconnect, tie it off and go for a short jog. One day the tube fell out and as it was prone to mild infections and inflammation I decided to leave it out. I have decided not to have radiation or chemo.
My ct scan has shown no distant metastasis. The lab results on the egg sized lymph node said "no visible extranodal extension". Lungs, bones, etc. all clear. I was a clinical stage 3b. I am well aware that this can all change. I just got back from visiting my little sister in a hospice. She is dying from lung cancer so I pray for her too. I've never been as sad or as afraid.
I believe that the vitamins and the running and nutrition are at the very least, slowing down the disease's progression. Hope and faith are helping me wait it out. I hope this helps. God bless.[/quote] |
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