What to expect treatment of malignant melanoma with mets?

Posted by rblegend50 @rblegend50, Jun 1 3:35am

My healthy 65 yo husband has malignant melanoma- had the big lesion removed 2 yrs ago. Clean PET scan, then 2 yrs later- Mets to lungs etc. Anyone want to share their experience?
What to prepare for?
I’m an RN with realistic expectations.
+ braf-stage 111C

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jun 1 7:10am

Hello @rblegend50 and welcome to the Cancer support group on Mayo Connect. I'm glad that you found this forum. I found this forum when I faced with my third surgery for a rare form of cancer, so I understand how helpful it is to find others who have walked the same path.

We have a few other discussion groups where you can read about the experience of other members who have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Here is a link,
--Stage 4 Malignant Melanoma Internal
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stage-4-malignant-melanoma-internal/?commentsorder=newest#chv4-comment-stream-header
and
--Malignant Melanoma Internal
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stage-4-malignant-melanoma-internal/
I would also like to invite @gingerw, to this discussion who might be able to offer some additional information.

Has your husband been offered any treatment options at this time? Is surgery planned?

markymarkfl | @markymarkfl | Jun 1 4:45pm

A little more discussion here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/metastatic-melanoma/?pg=1#comment-1075615

Check into the Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes treatment.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jun 1 10:26pm

@rblegend50 Please let me echo the welcome from @becsbuddy, to Mayo Clinic Connect.

I had a malignant melanoma removed in late 2008, on my right forearm. A beautiful 32 stitch scar from the flap surgery done. Since then I have had many squamous cell skin cancer surgeries, and some basal cell surgeries. No recurrence of the melanoma.

Have they indicated a stage yet of the new mets? Any lymph node screening? Where was his first melanoma removed from? Did they do any check to nearby lymph nodes?
Ginger

yrarbil | @yrarbil | Jun 9 9:24pm

He is lucky with you in his corner. He should be very greatful and thankful. I have no one with the same melanoma.

rblegend50 | @rblegend50 | Jun 9 10:18pm

In reply to @gingerw "@rblegend50 Please let me echo the welcome from @becsbuddy, to Mayo Clinic Connect. I had a..." + (show)

Recurrence. Mets to bones. Lung- primary lesion on abdomen. For 2 yrs clean scans lymph node neg
All new CT & PET Mets.

rblegend50 | @rblegend50 | Jun 9 10:19pm

In reply to @yrarbil "He is lucky with you in his corner. He should be very greatful and thankful. I..." + (show)

Oh thank you. Sorry to hear you have no one in your corner. Praying for your strength and healing.
What treatment are you doing?
This is all new. Haven’t even seen a MD since news

yrarbil | @yrarbil | Jun 10 6:40am

I am starting immunotherapy with opdivo and yervoy. Other medical names but this is the easiest to remember. It is only one day at a time. I am in Tampa, FL. The system is busy and overworked

rblegend50 | @rblegend50 | Jun 10 2:37pm

In reply to @yrarbil "I am starting immunotherapy with opdivo and yervoy. Other medical names but this is the easiest..." + (show)

We are in Cape Coral, which system do you speak of? We will be going to Moffit next month for a 2nd opinion.

yrarbil | @yrarbil | Jun 10 7:13pm

In reply to @rblegend50 "We are in Cape Coral, which system do you speak of? We will be going to..." + (show)

I do not understand? Which system do you speak of? What does that mean?

rblegend50 | @rblegend50 | Jun 10 7:56pm

In reply to @yrarbil "I do not understand? Which system do you speak of? What does that mean?" + (show)

Sorry for the misunderstanding, this is in reply to your post:

“I am starting immunotherapy with opdivo and yervoy. Other medical names but this is the easiest to remember. It is only one day at a time. I am in Tampa, FL. The system is busy and overworked”
What type