Cancer Research UK main site

I was diagnosed with stage 3 Melanoma cancer in April and have just started Targeted Therapy

ShellySunshine
Offline

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed with stage 3 Melanoma cancer in April this year and have just (today!) started Targeted Therapy. It was delayed a few weeks due to having complications after surgery to remove some of my lymph nodes. I have been told I will be on it for a year.

I have had such mixed feeling about starting therapy. On one hand I am relieved to be finally starting it, but on the other I am very nervous about how it will go and whether or not I'll have side effects and if I'll cope with these. I guess its natural to feel this way but It really can feel overwhelming. I am trying to be as positive as I can be. A McMillan nurse described it as waiting in line for a rollercoaster ride you don't really want to get on. I am so thankful there is treatment out there.

It would be good to be able to chat with people who are going through a similar experience. Even though I am surrounded by supportive friends and family, cancer can make you feel like you're in a lonely place.

Shelly xx

  • Hello Shelly and welcome, although I can understand that you don't really want to be on this rollercoaster ride! 

    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the situation you find yourself in. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about the new treatment that you've recently started and how this may, or may not, impact you over the coming weeks and months. Many members will understand this regardless of their actual diagnosis. 

    It's good to hear that you have supportive friends and family. Undoubtedly, having that network around you can make things easier, but as you say, cancer can leave you feeling like you're in a lonely place, regardless of how much love and support you have. Hopefully you will be able to connect with others here who know and understand some of the challenges that living with cancer can bring. 

    I'm going to tag in  to my reply. I'm sure she will pop along to say Hello when she gets a chance, but Angie also has experience with (and a huge amount of knowledge of) melanoma. Hopefully she will be able to share her experiences with you, which will help with reassurance.  

    If at any point you would like to talk things through with one of our nurses, you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how you get on Shelly. We're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.