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I’m really unsure what treatment to have Targeted or Immune Therapy

dawniebobbins
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Evening 

Today I have been advised to have either have targeted or immune therapy.

I have opted for targeted treatment.However I came home and read up on both and now I’m unsure which is the best for me.

I have stage 3 BRAf mutation melanoma.

Dawniebobbins

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    Hi dawniebobbins,

    I'm not a nurse but I have been a stage 3 Braf positive melanoma patient for many years so I just wanted to pop in & speak from a personal viewpoint.

    I was diagnosed before adjuvant drug treatments were made available to Stage 3 patients in 2018. However, I know several Stage 3 patients who have been in the same position as you & had to make an informed choice. As you have a lot to weigh up when looking at each treatment, and each patient is different, I think it's easiest to help share other's experience by chatting by private message. I've sent you a friend request - if you accept it I can then share fellow patient's experience. I hope this helps,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009) 

  • Hi Dawniebobbins, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry to learn that you need treatment for melanoma. This must be a difficult time.

    It can be difficult making a treatment decision, and if you have been given a choice of treatment, it often means there isn't a wrong answer and comes down to patient choice, and what the benefits and disadvantages of both treatments might be, and thinking about what you feel you would be able to cope with possible side effects. It can be an overwhelming decision to make, so it might be worth getting back with your hospital team if you are finding it difficult to make a decision, especially as they know your situation. There is some information about this on the Macmillan Cancer Support website that you may also find helpful.

    If you would also like to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline, you would be welcome to give us a call on freephone 0808 800 4040 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

    You may also find it helpful to look at the melanoma focus website, they also have a helpline with specialist nurses.

    I hope this helps in some way. Please feel free to get back us if you have any questions,

    Take care,

    Jemma

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