Hi, i'm so sorry to hear this about your father in law, I am in the same boat as you as my dad got diagnosed two/three weeks ago with Myeloma cancer. It was the biggest shock of our lives as he is only 65, living a very healthy life, he used to exercise, gardening, walking 2 miles everyday and look after my 3 young kids.

GP wasted 4 months trying different things, finally he referred my dad to our local hospital where he had a MRI and blood test done. In 4 months his pain went from bad to worse -  unable to walk, unable to sit for more than 5mins, he needs 24hour care of my mum, he is in severe pain all day long.

Today another blood test results came out to find out he is at stage 3.

So far he has had 3 chemotherapy, side effects so far, lost his voice, nails are changing colours, his both foot are swollen, feeling very week, lost weight.

Anyway enough of me!!

Keep strong!!!

Hi, I’m sorry to hear that your dad has gone through such a tough experience and still going through. I hope that the treatment works for him. Keep strong. Make sure you take care of yourself as well. 

Each time results come in ya are just praying for good results. 

My father in law is only 63 and has just took early retirement. Not what we were expecting to happen that’s for sure.

All we can do is be supportive.

Thanks for the reply. 

X

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma 10 years ago (age 51). I had a full node clearance from my groin and pelvis - melanoma was found in one node at each site. I am very lucky that I am still here, fit and healthy, with no evidence of disease. It's hard being diagnosed Stage 3 but the good thing is that drug therapy is now offered for a year to try and stop a recurrence. This wasn't offered until last year and it's only for newly diagnosed Stage 3 melanoma patients so your father in law has a much better chance of beating his cancer, especially as the drug treatments are showing great promise. Good luck to your fil and you can contact me if you would like anymore advice etc.

Angie

Hi, I am new to this site so bear with me, but yesterday I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in my groin lymph node. I had a wide excision procedure 7 years ago on a mole, but now it has returned in my groin.  I am now waiting for a CT scan to see if it has spread to other organs, although I feel fit and well.

i am terrified, 57 years old with a very active life, I can't believe this is happening to me and feel very lost at the moment with all the conflicting information on the internet.

Is there anybody else out there with some advice and success stories.

thank you

Elizb

Hi angie 

Thankyou for the reply, it’s positive to know that there has been a success story :). You have been through such a big battle and come out of the other side. Incredible strength.

The lymph nodes in the groin did it make a big difference after the op. Just ya read up about it been part of immune system and getting rid of fluid. Has it made a big difference to u not having them? 

They have mentioned immunology after all of the surgery. It’s just come out of no where he’s generally fit and healthy.

thanks

Hi Elizb

There seems to be a lot of information on the internet. We were advised to not believe everything you read and to speak to the consultant in regards to true information. 

Apparently there is new treatment that has just in the last few years become available but the consultant will put a plan in place to best support you with fighting your cancer. 

I understand the feeling lost part. But I know this is easy to say and harder to do. But try to stay positive as best as you can.

good luck 

Hi,

Some patients get problems as a result of the op - lymphoedema being the biggest problem. An infection (cellulitis) and a seroma (a build up of lymph fluid that causes a lump) are other problems. I, unfortunately, suffered all 3 but they weren't too bad. Cellulitis started 10 days after the op - fortunately I was still in hospital with a drain & that was why it became infected. These days they try & take the drain out quicker. A course of IV & tablet antibiotics sorted it within a week. Two weeks after the op a seroma started so it was partly aspirated & then left to break down on it's own which took a few months - it wasn't very large & caused me no problems. Lymphoedema started a few days later but I was quickly referred to the lymphoedema clinic. I now wear compression tights which help stop my leg swelling too much. Mine is mild because of the quick treatment but it will never disappear & is a lifelong side effect of the op. However, I wouldn't be here without the op & my quality of life is 98% of what it was then so it's a small price to pay in my mind. 

As you mention, it's a greater shock because melanoma patients feel fit & healthy. Feeling unwell only happens if the melanoma spreads to an internal organ, the brain or the bones. Also, immunotherapy can cause several side effects that make the patient feel ill but Stage 3 patients only take it for a year - it's the Stage 4 patients that are on it for a lot longer that get the worst deal! Some patients tolerate it better than others so some can breeze through without a problem so hopefully your fil will get minimal problems with the op and immunotherapy.

I've sent you a friend request so we can private message,

Angie x

Hi, thank you for taking the time to reply

best wishes

Elizb

Hi Elizb,

Did you find a lump in your groin like I did? I was 51 when mine was found - I had previously been Stage 1 when I was 39 so it came as a huge shock to me like it has for you. My pre-op CT showed a 'mark' on my liver which they monitored & did another scan 3 months later. There was no change so they were happy it was just a 'mark' (apparently we have just as many spots, lesions etc in our body like we have on our skin)! 

I too had an active life and I still have now (at 62). I was walking miles within 3 months - I know others who have resumed jogging, even marathons, within months of surgery, so you will get back to it, just take it slowly & listen to your body.

If you want to chat just contact me. I've sent you a friend request. Good luck,

Angie x

Hi Angie, thank you for contacting me, yes, I found the lump in my groin about 8 weeks ago

I feel like I am going mad at the moment, because I am having to wait to see if it has spread.

Can I ask what treatment you had - did you have surgery as well as drugs, and how did you cope

with all the waiting?

Thank you

Elizb x