Melanoma Experiences
Craig
I’m Craig G, and I am surviving with Melanoma.
We always hope that I get a year or two off, but that has not been the case. My recurrent melanoma’s have been treated with surgeries, since 2005, and I appreciate how lucky I am not too have to go through chemo, yet.
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PLX4032 Provides Positive Results for Advanced Melanoma
Results from a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine look promising for a new experimental drug called PLX4032 used for advanced melanoma. The results indicate an 81% response rate to treatment in patients with the BRAF mutation. Dr. Vernon K. Sondak, author of an editorial that goes along with the published study results states, “[the medication] seems to be extremely effective and causes a very high response rate that happens pretty quickly. It can cause improvement even in people who failed standard treatments. It shows a benefit even in patients with tumors in their livers and other places where traditional treatment bogs down a lot.” – drugwatch.com
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BON Melanoma and Skin Cancer Group
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Melanoma Group
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Memorial Medical Oncology
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Open Chat Community
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TX Hematology Oncology
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Melanoma Recommendations
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Helpful page with links to Melanoma related Articles.
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I'm Becky and I'm the Community Manager for Navigating Cancer
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Entertainment Industry Foundation's Cancer Telethon
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Welcome to Navigating Cancer — we are dedicated to helping cancer patients and the people around them navigate the journey to achieve the best care and support possible.
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Support Network and Home Page Changes
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Welcome to Navigating Cancer — we are dedicated to helping cancer patients and the people around them navigate the journey to achieve the best care and support possible.
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Nurse Navigators Help Cancer Patients
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I'm Barbara Burd, and I support someone with cancer
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Book recommendation
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Tips & Suggestions
Beans Help Prevent Cancers
Legumes like garbanzo beans contain diosgenin, a substance that may help prevent intestinal and other cancers.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin cells called melanocytes (cells that color the skin).
Melanocytes are found throughout the lower part of the epidermis. They make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken.
The skin is the body's largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. The skin has 2 main layers: the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer).
When melanoma starts in the skin, the disease is called cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma may also occur in the eye and is called intraocular or ocular melanoma.
Frequently Used Chemotherapy Regimens
Melanoma Chemotherapy and Biologic Drugs
- DTIC (decarbazine)
- Interferon Alfa-2b PEG Conjugate
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