The bottom line is that the new treatments are going to be more and more tailor made for each individual. Each person who receives a melanoma diagnosis can ask for their tumor to be genetically tested for mutations and then doctors can treat you based on the mutation. Just as the BRAFF mutation allows for a specific treatment, there are many more mutations of melanoma to be discovered and thus treated appropriately and HOPEFULLY more effectively. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT for melanoma patients to see a melanoma specialist.
On a side note: it brought me great comfort to share my experience with others who have also been through biochemotherapy. This medieval treatment is still used on occasion and from what I learned, it is still unclear how it actually works..... melanoma is a tricky beast.
If you are reading this and you are fighting melanoma, please see a specialist. Please know there is more to your options than going home and calling hospice. Know that others have fought the fight and you are not ALONE.
PEACE, LOVE, and HOPE are my fighting melanoma motto!!
I didn't know you had a blog! I do too, and feel free to share mine as well :) www.eyeonmelanoma.blogspot.com!
ReplyDeleteAnd your comments are right on!
ReplyDeleteMelanoma is, indeed, a tricky beast. However, it’s advisable to cooperate with your specialist in order to survive from this illness. With the advanced technologies and various researches in treating melanoma, no patient should lose hope. I hope you’ll continue to share your experience and give hope to those who are still at their battles against cancer. Thanks for the share! :)
ReplyDeleteAurora Diag