New to this forum/Stage 3 and NED

[tbrooks]

Hello, I am always looking for new forums and have come across this one. Thought I'd post to maybe get some feed back. With the exception of the mel dx I am in good health and NED since the removal of 22 lymphnodes Jan. 28, 2005. All were neg. I was not so fortunate Jan. 6, 2005 during the SNB and the wide excision where it was found that 2 out of the 3 nodes removed had microcells. I had malignant melanoma. It has not to this point progressed any further than 3. I have had 4 Pet/ ct's and all have been clear. This last one showed a slightly enlarged node on the left side of my neck. It also showed some activity on my left jaw. I had out patient surgery a while back to remove dysplastic nevi on my back as well as what turned out to be scar tissue on the top of the scar left @ the SNB. The primary was on my left forehead and the surgerys took place in front of and below my left ear, down my neck to my collar bone. The activity is probably post opertive and my onc seems to agree. I have scheduled another Pet/ct in three months instead of the routinely 6 month scan just to be sure.

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I have educated myself with this cancer and am informed and notified of all the new advances and procedures. I am a single father of 2 boys aged 7 and 8. I am 45 years old and run a drywall company. I am doing great and live as if all is well. I keep this dx in the back of my mind always knowing that I am one positive reading from stage 4. I don't plan ahead as far as I used to. I tend to live for the day. And today is a good day.

tbrooks
Diagnosed Oct. 2004 stage 3
Currently NED