Stage 4 melanoma - is anyone else going through this?

I'm Jamie and 34 years old, last year I went into remission, this was in September after having stage 3 melanoma, my oncologist saw my last CT scan results and was happy with it, nothing was there and also finished my treatment, I was happy when I though I was clear.

End of December and beginning of January I come down with alot of pain in my stomach and had alot of nausea and sickness, got rushed into hospital because the pain was around my appendix area, had a CT scan of the area, within an hour I had 2 oncologist Dr come to my ward and explain to me there is newly discovered lesions on my liver, spleen and adrenal gland and this happened within a few months, I was shocked, wasn't emotional, sort of had to stay strong as now iv got stage 4 melanoma, the plan of action was immunotherapy, had my first treatment on the 27th January, didn't go very well, I got an infection on my chest, which is cleared now then afterwards it hit my kidneys, so I'm currently on steroids but I'm currently being weaned off them as my kidney levels are coming down( creatine) so it's currently the 23rd February, just waiting to come off my steroids so I can start my second round, hopefully it goes well.

Is anyone else going through this similar situation? 

  • Thank you for the reply.  Yes mentally to know its gone through your organs is quite hard to get your head around.  I have my op this Wednesday and I gather the treatment will start the beginning of June.  Good news about the second dose for you.  I will keep my fingers crossed it keeps like that.  I was thinking maybe the first dose would be ok and it gets worse. I suppose everyone is different.  I really appreciate your reply.  I hope you dont mind me keeping in touch..

  • At first it is hard to grasp how far it's spread but with the treatment and the kind words from my oncologist and specialist nurse, it makes the situation alot better. I really hope your first treatment goes very well and you have minimal to no side affects, they should give you a book of information on what to look out for on side affects. It's really helpful. That's no problem at all, I'm happy to tell you on my situation and what's to come. Keep my posted on how you get on after your surgery.

  • Will do thanks Jamie.  My name is Natalie  :-)

  • It's nice to meet you Natalie :)