Hi Bryan, I am not having any side effects from the Braf meds, except the first day when I was totally tired. My oncologist started me on a lower dosage because a different oncologist previously gave me a very strong dosage which was way too strong for my body to handle.
Current oncologist told me to contact the clinic any time if I experience any nasty side effects and they would adjust the dosages accordingly. This was great info - as the first oncologist didn't have any experience, the current oncologist does have a lot of experience with Braf dosages - to suit each patient.
I hope you were given that option. The current dosage I have is half the dosage I was given originally, and is much better! The original dosage had me totally bedridden - and I only took it for two days!
I will be hoping for a positive reading on a PET scan set for next week, but am ready to hit the natural materials if the Braf is not working. I will continue with the Braf as well, but give it a hand if required.
My malanoma metastisised mainly to my brain, and I had a 3cm tumour removed in December, still have another six or seven there, another one or two in a lung, and a tiny one in my liver.
I haven't suffered any pain at all and the only side effects are short term memory issues and, while on the Braf, some instanses of imbalance. They only last a few seconds. I think I need to travel along with the Braf meds and work up to Immunology. Thats the impression I get from the oncologist.
I have experienced an SCC, and this was mentioned in the info for Braf meds. The GP diagnosed it.
It came up really quickly, the size of a wart, no colour, but it really was itchy. His recomendation was to remove it surgically ASAP. It is now dead and gone. I do expect to have more SCC's appear - because I have had many BCC's over the past decade and must be prone to skin cancers - including that melanoma 😞
Life goes on and it's all great, and I only have to see the oncologist monthly at this time.
I keep a positive attitude happening, and this may take some serious 'music' days where I play lots of my favourite music up really loud ( I live alone so I can), or planting vegies in my little garden, and doing anything I want to do. I cannot go back to work, ever, accoring to my prognosis, but I still catch up with my workmates. That helps too because it makes me feel that I am still a part of my old life..
When my diagnosis was given to me I couldn't even understand what they were saying. The big one in my head was affecting me very badly. It was quite sudden, and my whole life changed just as quickly. Now I can enjoy an early retirement and enjoy my family and friends, and I give thanks for every beautiful day.
I have been through a rough few months not knowing what was in store for me, and seeing some really negative medics in my home town. That has changed now, I am seeing an oncologist that does know what they are doing, does listen to what I tell them, and I feel so encouraged by that.
I take joy in seeing some of those overdue jobs being completed around my house - solar system, fence replacement, electrical work. I think it gives me a sense of accomplishment and makes me smile. That's all I aim for, a smile, happiness in what I can do with whatever time I am blessed to have.
I have had an interstate friend, and an interstate relative both come to stay with me a couple of times. I know they are scared that I may not last long, and I know they are saying goodbye in their own way. This is OK with me, I understand they need to do this and I don't take offense or feel sad, that's just life and how it happens. I still feel fine, I look fine, and I still do everything for myself.
As you said, this may change at any time and I won't feel so good. We do need to have somebody to talk to who will understand and offer encouragement, and I believe that friends and family may not fully understand how we think in this challenge/situation. I tried explaining exactly this to my daughter and although she means well she cannot fully grasp my feelings on my mortallity when I need to talk about it. I feel that it's not fair on them that they should listen to my thoughts. They want to enjoy my company, not to hear how I feel about it sometimes....I did consult a councellor with the Cancer Clinic and she was amazing help to me whenI was feeling down.
I hope your consulation was a positive one, and my very best wishes that the meds are friendly to your body.
Kerri
Cheers,
Kerri
