My friend was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic, melanoma yesterday. Has anyone lived through this or...?

Question

Has anyone lived through this or know of anyone who has? I'm looking for any optimism that I can provide to him and his famil.y

Thank you...

Answer 1

Stage IV cancer is basically a way for the oncologist to know which protocol to use when treating a patient. It is often misinterpreted by people who do not understand the disease to be a 'death sentence'. That's just not true at all. Stage IV is, however, more difficult to treat because it indicates the cancer has metastasized.

What you should do for your friend is become very educated about the disease. Read and locate resources, talk to people who have the disease, look for support groups, talk to doctors, perhaps even seek out a second or third opinion, look over treatment options, find the best oncologist that you can and than put your trust in him completely. Once an oncologist is on your friends side, they can make referrals and recommendations that open doors for treatments.
Remember, there is always hope . . remain positive . . and help your friend to remain strong. It is a tough battle, but human beings are remarkable creatures . . with a good friend like you . . he will find his strength to face whatever comes.

My son was diagnosed 20 months ago with stage IV abdominal sarcoma that had metastasized. His pediatric oncology team was able to eliminate all visible tumors and he underwent an experimental intraperitoneal chemoperfusion to eradicate micrometatastes from the diaphragm and abdominal cavity. He is doing very well, he still has 2 small nodules (about a cm) that we are dealing with. But, in the meantime he has excellent quality of life, is asymptomatic, takes college classes, and hangs out with his friends. It's been tough, but it can be done.

Good luck to you.

And, a word of caution, any treatment offered should be evidence based and scientifically documented.

The American Cancer Society is an excellent resource for information about melanoma. The site also offers stories of encouragement:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/lrn/lrn_0.asp

You may also want to encourage your friend or his caregiver to joing a ListServ group specifically for patients with Melanoma, so that you can talk directly to others with the disease.
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/melanoma.html

American Melanoma Foundation
http://www.melanomafoundation.org/

Good luck and stay strong.

Answer 2

My mother was diagnosed over 2 years ago with stage IV metastatic breast cancer, and she is in remission now and completely cancer free. Not all cancers can be cured, but there are new chemotherapy drugs and other therapies being used all the time!!

Your friend needs to go to the biggest, best cancer center they can find and be willing to be uncomfortable through side effects, but a positive attitude is also very helpful!!

Best wishes to you and your friend.

Answer 3

There is a New treatment for Cancer and other Diseases; The use of electronic. It's a difference approach in Medical Treatment used widely in Europe. Invented by Royal Raymond Rife and is named after him. "The Rife Machine" I have been using It for about a year against Lyme Disease which is a Horrible Disease and I expect to have a complete recovery over time. The Rife Machine has a great record against Cancer. First tested with 13 terminal Cancer patients with 100% cured. There is much information on the Internet about this machine . Do a search for Rife Machine and (the type of cancer.) You will probably find testimonies from people who have used this machine with success against Cancer. This Machine is FDA approved in USA for home use only. Don't expect your doctor to support it's use, Most doctors don't know anything about it One can buy them on eBay. Many well known US companies make them now, Newtone and others. I use Global Wellness. The cancer cure takes time but this machine can find cancer cells where ever they spreed. So its never to late to to try. But don't wast time act now. Contact me if I Can Helo.

Answer 4

Stage IV of any cancer is the final stage and is sometimes referred to as end stage. People do not "live through" it, they die. Metastized means that person has a cancer that has spread to other organs and makes it even more serious.