Stage 4 update

[HSsweetheart]

It's been a whirlwind testing and looking at treatment options since my husband's diagnosis two months ago. I have to say I'm feeling more optimistic than when we started but I know things can go south quickly. Since he's NED (no evidence of disease) the doctor has recommended BRAF & MECK inhibitors to start and save the better tolerated immunotherapy drugs for later.

The situation is forcing us to get our estate planning ducks in a row and he optimistically talks about plans of travel next year and three years out when our son graduates highschool. Really, he'd be thrilled just to get through the latter. The rest is gravy.

The gravity of the situation hasn't sunk in for me yet; it will be a different story if he doesn't tolerate treatment well. Until then.

[Crycleo]

Yes, it is a scary time, but no one knows what the future will bring. One thing I have learned us that worry doesn’t change the outcome, good or bad. So, whenever you start to worry,remind yourself that worry isn’t going to help either way so try not to waste precious time on that activity. Hope the new drug combination works well for you, and hang in there. New treatment options are on the horizon.

[HSsweetheart in reply to Crycleo]

Thank you.

[missyrand Ambassador]

HSsweetheart

I can tell you’ve been able to take a breath and that’s a blessing.

Sounds like you all have a treatment direction and actions to take for the future. It’s a recommendation for all of us as adults to do estate planning, and to regularly review and revise these plans. Sorry this melanoma is pushing that issue, but good for your family that it’s on the front burner to do list.

It might also be a to do item to also educate your son and start him with annual melanoma/ skin cancer full body check ups because he will be in the elevated risk group all his life. It is a good habit to start. Sometimes it’s gelpful to connect it with another regularly occurring event or holiday because it acts as an additional prompt. For instance, I use October as my prompt for my Gyn and mammogram annual appointments because it is the month a friend of mine in Australia was diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s breast cancer awareness month in the US, and I have a friend with whom we verify we’ve done those self care activities. Halloween is my completion deadline 🎃

Missy

[HSsweetheart in reply to missyrand]

Good advice. Even though we were relieved to find out this particular isn't passed on genetically, we know this is an education and screening opportunity for both our sons.