Melanoma and Kidney Cancer - Cancer: Kidney Message Board

dmcguire · 07-13-2008, 06:27 PM

My husband has been diagnosed with both melanoma and kidney cancer. He is being treated for the melanoma with Interferon but nothing yet for the kidney cancer. Does anyone have any information or experience with either? Thanks for your advice.

lilsis1071 · 07-13-2008, 06:34 PM

Hi there DMC

I am sorry to hear about your husband. I do have some experience with the kidney cancer as my father has it also. As you may have read the other post on the "kidney cancer warriors". May I ask if the Interferon is a IV type treatment. If so it is also something they use to treat Kidney cancer and this is probably why it may seem like they are only treating the melanoma. Please correct me if I am wrong. Ask questions with the doctor if you are unsure.

If you need I will be here to listen and answer any other questions you may have. If i can help I will.

A/F Wendy "lilsis"

prayers and thoughts are with you both.

dmcguire · 07-13-2008, 06:59 PM

Hi Wendy,

The Interferon is for the melanoma since it is the more aggressive of the two cancers. I have gotten different responses with one doctor saying that with melanoma the prognosis is usually 6 months to one year. He started Interferon one month ago 5 days a week and is now starting it 3 days a week for the next 11 months. Do you have any knowledge of Melanoma or Interferon?
Thanks for your comments.

Debbie

lilsis1071 · 07-14-2008, 12:04 PM

Debbie,

I have no knowledge of melanoma and or the interferon. I just know that the interferon was an opition for my father when he was first told he needed to start treatment for the kidney cancer.

How has your husband been since he started treatment ? Has he had any surgery for the kidney cancer? Please let me know if you have any other questions on the kidney cancer. I am sure you probably have done some research online. Dont let it all scare you. Everyone is different on how they handle treatments and what not.

A Friend, Wendy

leea1206 · 07-15-2008, 09:36 PM

DMC,

Don't know if it is of much help, but my brother was dxed with stage 3 melanoma and was given interferon. - He is doing great now, almost 8yrs later.

When he took the interferon it mainly made him very tired and sometimes flu-like symtoms. - He worked half days during his tx for about a year. - His boss was very accomadating.

So sorry about your husband.-Hope his treatments help him.
God bless.
Leea