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

ShellySunshine
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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

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    Hi Shelly,

    Thank you Jenn for tagging me, I didn't see Shelly's post.

    I'm also Stage 3 but I was diagnosed in 2009, 9 years before adjuvant therapy became available for Stage 3 patients. I had a full node clearance though, so I sympathise with what you have been through so far.

    Adjuvant treatment wasn't available retrospectively so I can't give you personal knowledge of the side effects etc, but I do know many people who are receiving this treatment and I can pass on their advice and perhaps give you information on the area you live and the hospital you are under - to do this we will have to chat my private message, so I will send you a friend request. Once you've accepted it we can chat some more.

    It's good that you have a good support network around you but it certainly helps to talk to others who can give you personal advice as to what treatment is like - you don't feel so alone then.

    Speak soon,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009) 

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie

    Thank you so much for messaging me. 

    Hopefully we can chat on private message. 

    Speak soon,

    Shelly. 

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