It's been verified!

[JDinNC]

On Monday, I saw my melanoma surgeon regarding my biopsy. Unfortunately, it has returned and possibly metastasized since it had spread deep into my skin. Next Thursday, I have to go in for a MRI ( for the brain and liver ) and a PET scan for everything else since melanoma doesn't care where it spreads. I've been diligent with my check ups, I saw my melanoma Doctor the first week in February and my dermatologist two weeks ago and this still happens. Needless to say, I have no appetite and have already lost 5 lbs. The ideal of dealing with two stage 4 cancers has become more then I can deal with. I've lost all interest in my projects ...feeling why bother. To make matters worst, I've been dealing with bad back pain and chigger bites from working in the yard. This makes me wonder if maybe my chiggers bites are really the start of shingles since they don't itch but burn with pain.

God...I hate cancer.

[WriterGirl1969]

Ugh, JD... that sucks so bad.
It's hard enough to deal with one thing, let alone two. Hopefully your scans will come back clear and allow you some breathing room.
From your description of your reaction I wonder if you should check with someone on depression and get something to help. Not being able to lose yourself in your other interests and projects takes away the ability to let your mind and emotions have a break. Maybe if they can give you something you can at least regain that portion.

Hugs and Prayers from me.
Tracy

[midlifemom]

I hate it with you JD.

[Lund5505]

So sorry to hear this. Cancer just plain sucks times two. Have somebody take a look at the chigger bites just seems early in the year for them but I suppose that depends how far south you are. If it is shingles you will want to get a jump on it fast. Warm hugs.

[ziggymonster]

I fully understand where you are at. I am also fighting 2 Stage 4 cancers .....currently doing chemo for my very advanced prostate cancer, then I still have to deal with the mets in my lungs from the colorectal. I get so discouraged......there is no enjoyment in my life right now....nothing but endless tests, doctor visits, scans and assorted other medical B/S. We must hang in, tomorrow might be a brighter day. Were it not for my family I would call it quits.

[AppleTree]

Sorry about your news.

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm so sorry JDinNC!*hugs* I hate cancer too!*hugs* Sorry you are dealing with this!*hugs*

[GrouseMan]

JDinNC,

I urge you to look into one of the immunotherapy trials for Melanoma. They have been helping many melanoma patients. Also the following links to something I have been following for some time:

PV-10 (a solution of Rose Bengal) injected into the tumor. This kills the tumor, but also for some reason, not fully understood also results in an Immune response and activates the immune system to attack tumors that have not been injected! This is a very simple molecule know for a very long time (Discovered in 1882). Overall its pretty innocuous as far as chemicals go. Its used as a coloring agent in foods and cosmetics. And is very cheap. What will make it expensive is the clinical trials and other studies needed to bring this to patients.

The Company:
https://www.pvct.com/pv10melanoma.html

A report from 2012 describing its responses. This links to the Skin Cancer Foundations web site.
http://www.skincancer.org/publications/ ... no-1/PV-10

A Wikipedia article about Rose Bengal - a known dye commonly used in eye drops to stain damaged conjunctival and corneal cells and thereby identify damage to the eye.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_bengal

And Lastly a PubMed Abstract from 2014 referencing a Study in the Journal of Surgical Oncology.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24510477

Also: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT ... tus&rank=6

Who knows it might also help treat your colon cancer as well!

Good luck.
GrouseMan

[Nik Colon]

Is there a pattern to the spots/bites? Shingles would run along a nerve and burn/sting.

[JDinNC]

Grouse man...

thank you for the information. I have tried to do some research but have only come up with Keytruda, which is what Former President Jimmy Carter was on. I guess the scans will determine my next step. At least I have a new oncologist that I hope will will be diligent and aggressive with a treatment.

Nik...it's on my left hip. There spots and a few groupings...I figured it might be chiggers since we were working in the yard but there's no itching at all just skin aching, a burning sensation and spot pains

[Ajane]

JD, I hate this for you and Ziggymonster. As others have said, it's hard enough fighting one stage 4, much less two. Good advise others have offered here. Will be thinking of you.