Where do i go from here??

Hi Tabitha,

Naughty GP, guidelines for melanoma state that suspected lesions should be fast-tracked through dermatology and only removed by someone experienced.  Sadly, lots of melanomas don't play according to the rules, and even dermatologists aren't always able to identify one!

I'm assuming that you're in Wales, because interferon isn't really used anymore in England, although you can sometimes obtain it privately.  It's quite a harsh drug and most medics are of the opinion that the negatives outweigh the positives.  It's benefits are slight, and don't effect the outcome.

Avastin is still in trials, I'm on the trial myself, but only got the observation arm.  It's a randomised trial with 50% getting the drug and 50% getting nothing but check ups.  The side effects seem to be minimal, but as for the effect... well who knows.  Sadly melanoma is such an unpredictable disease with very little effective treatments, other than surgery, and almost no adjuvant therapies.

Personally, I felt that if I was no worse off by joining the trial, then why not?

Good luck!

Marsha xx

Hi Tabitha,

Unfortunately I was deemed ineligble for the Avastin trial as melanoma had spread to nodes in my groin & pelvis (classed as 2 different areas for research purposes). I was gutted because personally I want to try anything that gives me a chance of no recurrence. I know the drugs effectiveness is not yet known - but to me any feeling of being in control to even a small extent makes me feel better & more able to cope with the disease.

As Marsha says, melanoma is unpredictable so we all just try & get on with life as best we can. Some people never have a recuurence, hopefully you will be one of them with or without the trial. Others, like myself & Marsha, were melanoma free for years before it returned. Over the months I have learned to just concentrate on the present & enjoy life to the full. We can't know what the future holds so I try not to worry about it - you only ruin today's happiness if you spend it worrying about tomorrow!

Personally, if given the chance for the Avastin trial I would take it - as Marsha says the side effects are often minimal, it may be helpful and can't harm & it may make you feel more in control. But that choice has to be yours. As for Interferon, I have only heard bad rather than good things about it so I would be less inclined to choose it without further research.

Whichever road you decide to take I hope you are successful & keep healthy. Let us know how you go on & as time goes on you will find your own way of dealing with this rollercoaster we are all riding!

Best wishes, Angie x