any survivors of stage 4 mestastic melanoma out there?

[cahanson]

i'm new to the world of cancer. i just spent a week sitting with the man i love in icu as he was receiving his first round of IL-2 treatment. he was diagnosed 2 years ago with melanoma from a mole on his arm, did a round of interferon. 6 month scans revealed it had showed up in his lymph nodes in that arm, had numerous ones removed. the surgeon made us feel that he got it all, no other treatment at the time. 6 month scan revealed the melanoma had mestastisized to his lungs, colon kidney and liver. they are considered small leasions but inoperable. the only thing available at this time is the IL-2, which is an immune booster to fight off, possibly shrink the tumors and slight chance of eliminating them. the plan was for 14 doses over the course of 5 days, two weeks off and then repeat, then another scan. he could only tolerate 10 doses, the creatinine in his kidneys was rising too high which could lead to shut down. it was a very difficult treatment, with horrific side effects. he will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks to see if they can do the second round. in the meantime, we will be trying to see what clinical trials he may qualify for. from what i've been reading, the odds arn't good. he is currently taking re-liv nutritional drinks and is hoping to get a boost from that. i truly believe that an all natural/organic diet would be beneficial plus a few other supplements i've read about. i realize you take a chance of wasting money on some of these things, but how can you not try? looking for some long term survivors here with a similar situation. need some inspiration. we are both very religious and have certainly been praying overtime and realize that to some extent it is out of our hands. he's 43 by the way, with 4 young children. spent his life outdoors, very athletic and aside from carrying a few extra lbs., is very healthy. i really don't think the general population has a clue how serious this condition is and that more people are being diagnosed every year, especially our generation. carol hanson (cahanson42@yahoo.com)

[Zress]

Keep praying. i'll pray too.

[MOM]

I do have a relative with stage 4 melanoma. When they found it they only gave her a few months to live. She wasnt even feeling ill yet. Well anyway her husband being a doctor at Stanford was able to get her into some trials and she is still with us, its been about 2 years now. I dont really think the long term outcome is good but there is some hope for short term. I would get ahold of the Stanford Hospital and see if they can offer some advice.

They are telling me that my 7 year old daughter may have Melanoma but have not confirmed it yet. I am still waiting on the pathology results. You just never know who and when this might hit. It is a terrible disease. Unfortunatly there is virtually noting offered for children with it. There are no trials and only one treatment option that is not real promising.

My thoughts will be with you.