A brief truncated history: I was diagnosed Stage 3 Melanoma with 1 positive lymph node in 2012. I declined the removal of the whole gland. I had 2 surgeries for Melanoma in transit until I was diagnosed Stage 4 in 2017. Immunotherapy worked but caused severe gastric immune disorders. Subsequent treatment allowed the cancer back and I began targeted therapy, Dabrafenib and Trametinib in 2019. Because of severe initial side affects I was switched to 3 days a week and because that was working never went back to 6 or 7 days. After over 6 years on the drugs I am on a voluntary break with tests / scans every 3 months. I have been offered very little in the way of statistics of the risks I am taking. I am seeking info from other long term users of these drugs especially those that have ceased or paused treatment.
Hi AussieJohn and a very warm welcome to our little corner of the online community.
I was diagnosed with melanoma 9 years ago but didn't have immunotherapy. However, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet so responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.
There are lots of people who are on dab/tram in the group so hopefully they'll come forward soon and share their experiences with you. I've found these previous posts which mention that drug combination for you to have a look through while you wait.
It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi AussieJohn
The search function isn't currently very user friendly and a bit cumbersome. However, to use it you need to do the following:
Now any posts in the group that have that word in them will be pulled up for you.
To become friends with someone, you need to select the person you'd like to be friends with by selecting their username, then click on 'connect' in their user profile. This will send them a friend request which they have to accept before you can send them private messages.
I hope this helps
Anne
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
