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Stage4 melanoma metastases in lungs. No cure. Offered immunotherapy however unable to tolerate first time around hor skin cancer.Prognosis ?

TILLY.
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Sister had 4 surgeries to remove melanoma from skin, abdominal lymph glands and right lung. Within 6 weeks of surgery to lungs cancer had multiplied in both lungs. 9 tumours, one very close to Aorta. Told no cure. Immunotherapy advised however unable to tolerate first time around. Affected Crohns and Liver. She doesn't want to know prognosis. I however do for practical reasons like care for her children. I have been a nurse for 25 years. Research suggests 3- 7months? Is this accurate? Thank you.

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    If your sister does not want to know her prognosis then you could ask her if she objects to you knowing it. If she gives permission, the doctors will tell you, to the best of their abilities. I don't think researching the issue yourself will provide answers because every cancer is different.
    I'm really sorry about your sister. xx Harry


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    Is she BRAF positive? If so, has she had Targeted therapy? Has her consultant looked to see if there any trials she could join? Even only tolerating one immunotherapy treatment can help fight melanoma (I know several patients who it's working for after just one treatment). I've sent you a friend request - if you accept it I can suggest a couple of resources you can check out that will give you more advice about treatment and your sister's possible options. As for prognosis, I'm afraid not even her consultant will be able to give her much of an idea as every patient in this position is different. My thoughts are with your sister.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I'm sorry to read about your sister. This must be a difficult time for the whole family.

    I can appreciate you want to know more about her prognosis. But I’m afraid I can't tell you very much, as someone's outlook will depend on several features of their disease, and it is such a hard thing to predict.

    Prognosis is really a question best answered by your sister's specialist team. This is because they are familiar with all her medical details and will know so much more about her individual situation. When doctors give a prognosis it can only ever be an estimate, so there is always some uncertainty about what might lie ahead. Sometimes patients live for longer than their doctors expect, but there is no way to predict exactly what will happen in the future

    We do have some information on our website about prognosis.  However I do not think this gives you the best idea on your sister's prognosis.  This is because it is not about her, it is based upon past studies. Statistics are not detailed enough to say what will happen to an individual person as  cancer can behave differently in each person

    Give us a ring if you would like to talk any of this over.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

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