StrongSteph

I’m impressed by your success! I hope I’ll be Ble to say the same.

Hi Steph, we have an opportunity for melanoma patients to participate in a survey/study about their treatments they have taken. It's a simple survey that will take about 90 minutes by phone, if you qualify to take the survey you will be paid $200.00. If you check your email you will find an invitation to take the survey to see if you will qualify. Let me know if you have any questions.
Greg

Hi, Steph. I just happened upon a post you wrote and saw your photo in the Sierras. I just wanted to say that you have a beautiful smile, and admire your courage! I am back in chemo again, and I am determined to beat this monster. Again. And I will be as joyful as I can possibly be! And I agree that being positive is key. Hugs to you from New Jersey!

Steph, I too am stage IV anal cancer that has spread to
Lymph nodes. I have had six months of chemo, 5 days a week at the beginning of each week. I was diagnosed with this demon right before Christmas 2012. I am now waiting on docs to decide whether radiation will be next. If so it will be for six weeks while I have to work during this treatment time. How old are your children and how did you tell them about your prognosis? I have two; a son and daughter son 22 and daughter 20. I told them this was not curable only treatable ( whatever treatable means). I told them I didn't know what God has planned. I just couldn't bring myself to tell them this demon would be taking me from them... My mother gets angry with me for not being positive, but really? What is there to be positive about? My scans have been coming back "good" according to docs but that brings me no joy no happiness. How do you feel about your journey? Hope to hear from you soon. Lisa

Hey there, I love seeing "survivor" on your profile. My fiance was just diagnosed less then a month ago. We find out the mutation in 5 days. He has started radiation on his back and just got done with radio-surgery on his brain. Was wondering what types of things I can be doing for him and what worked well for you...thanks!

wheatgrass sounds like an intelligent action

Dear StrongSteph:
I am a breast cancer survivor of one year whose mom's was just diagnosed with melanoma. Seems to be early stage - I hope so. I don't know how much harsh treatment she can handle at 88 years old. BTW, I love town - I've downed many a beer at the Cutthroat Saloon! Great area for motorcycle riding. I learned a lot from your journey.
Fight On,
AttyPatty

Glad to hear your getting your scan! I know how nice it is to have a clean scan, and be able to relax for awhile.

Here's wishing you don't glow!!

Greg P
Team WhatNext

If you have not tried the Cancer Card Xchange, they may be able to provide a one-time gift of some donated gift cards that can be used at gas stations, if their supply allows it. http://www.cancercardxchange.org/ In the past, they have tried to gift up to $100. in gift cards to people with cancer.

StrongSteph - I see you are BRAF positive. I'm waiting on my BRAF results as we speak, should be tomorrow or Thursday. What does a positive diagnosis mean for the BRAF test? How does it help with treatment?

Glad to read about your friend, NED. My friend is lower case ned; PET scans quiet since Dec 2010 and tumors stable since Dec 2011. They are some 2% of original size and my doctor thinks they are just scar tissue. Been in clinical trial phase II for Zelboraf since March 2010 and I'm feeling good - thanks for asking.

Hi Steph, just wanted to say thank you for being active on the site and answering questions for people. As you know, it's a scary thing to take off on this journey, when I was diagnosed 24 years ago for the first time, there was nothing like this site around. It helps people tremendously to have someone to talk to who has been there, and came out the other side.

Let us know if you need anything.

Greg P
3X Survivor
Team WhatNext
Community Mgr

I am so glad to hear you are NED I get depressed when I read some of the posts and love to see something positive!

Steph,

Christina's husband has a similar diagnosis to you and she is looking for some help. See her questions below.

https://www.whatnext.com/questions/my-husband-has-stage-iv-melanoma-he-is-braf-positive-and-taing-zelboraf-chemo-pill-this-is-the-third-month-how-long-does-he-have

You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to register on WhatNext and share your experiences.

David
Founder, WhatNext