UK Skin Cancer and Melanoma Patients

[Big C 69]

I was diagnosed with cancer on 27 November 2007 after I had a 'Bad Mole' excised from the left side of my chest (situated on my 5th rib). My Oncologist staged me as Stage IIIC.
I had had my mole for about seven years, and it had been ulcerated for almost five years.
I immediately underwent a 'wide excision' of the infected area, and had a lymph node biopsy (under my left arm). Five lymph nodes were harvested, of which one was infected.
Four weeks later I had completed lymph node removal in which another eleven lymph nodes were harvested, and five were infected.
My Oncologist urged me to undergo chemotherapy (1 month of high dosage Interferon; then 1 year low dosage Interferon) but I had to decline the treatment because I suffer from Muscular Atrophy (Charcot-Marie Tooth Syndrome) and, although I can still walk (barely), I know for a fact that my body would not handle the side affects of the potent drug.
About two months ago I had some CT scans done of my head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. The CT scans showed no visible tumors, but they did reveal that I had emphysema in my lungs, and Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) which is why I insisted on having CT scans of my brain because of excruiciating headaches.
I was referred to a Neurosurgeon who told me that my Hydrocephalus was already at a dangerous level and that I could suffer a stroke or even brain damage. But he said that there was no evidence of a tumor causing the blockage. I will only have a shunt inserted if my headaches last for longer than two days, or if I vomit while I have a headache. Thanfully this has not yet happened!
I am already feeling excruiciating pain in my kidneys and have problems passing wind (flatulance). Two weeks ago I found a lot of blood in my stool ('shit') which was a terrifying experience. It was the second time I've discoverede this, the first time was on 7 April 2008 and had no recurrence until two weeks ago. Now I am terrified of going to the toilet in case I see this again. (I somehow know that the cancer has infectede my colon.) I have not told anyone about this, not even my Oncologist. I am not married but I do have a wonderful loving family and the best friends a lifetime can buy. I have decided to keep my 'blood in stool' discovery silent for now, as I don't want to worry them more than they already are.
My medication includes; Doxyfene S5 (for pain); DF118 S6 (for pain); 500ml of Morphine Syrup (10mg) S7 (for pain) and Propranolol 40mg (to control my shaking caused by Muscular Atrophy).
It has been a rollercoaster ride into hell, but I am determined to see my 40th birthday next year. If I can achieve this, then I will have one of the most memorable birthday parties ever because my birthay is on 31 December.

If anyone would like to contact me, my Email address is: clivegasco@live.co.za

[Pip]

Dear Clive.
I am stunned and unable to write anything here but will email you when I can.
My God.....You poor man. To be writing at some unearthly hour you must be feeling very low.You must get help and the people on this forum are better than I for 'words' of advice on this.
best of luck.
I am shellshocked.

[seanty]

Hi Clive,

you have posted on the member's polls section, where not everyone looks. You will have more responses on the general info on melanoma section here: http://www.scansol.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=1

It sounds like you have been in the wars.

S

[tewy72]

Clive,
Just wanted to let you know that I've read your post - really sorry to hear your news.
As Seanty said a lot of people will be along to offer support when they read your post.
It sounds like you have come through so much - please try and mention the blood in your stool to someone, it may be unrelated and you could be stressing unnessecarily. Get all the help and advice you can
Thinking of you
Kathy

[MaryOf]

Clive, I am so sorry to hear what a terrible time you are having and as I was reading through your post, I assumed you were much older than you are. I am in no position to give you advice, as I can only comprehend what you are going through....Having said that, don't you think you are in a place where you should be putting your needs first without having to take on the responsibility of how other people will worry. I would bet they would be very upset to think you were carrying this alone. I will certainly be thinking about you on your 40th birthday.