In December of 2010 I was diagnosed with melanoma cancer. A tumor in my cheek, suspected to be no more than a cyst, was the culprit. The doctor was surprised at the diagnosis, since melanoma is a skin cancer. The primary source was never found. Thinking operation No. 1 had taken care of it, I rejoiced in Mayo’s early detection.

Then tumor No. 2 showed up. After a second operation with a melanoma diagnosis and radiation, I had a PET scan. Numerous suspicious spots showed up on my lungs. Was it more melanoma? A biopsy failed to produce an answer, so operation No. 3 confirmed melanoma.

Asking Dr. Jones (fictitious name) what my future was, he said maybe a year and that I would die of suffocation when I could no longer breathe. Pretty dire!

But he was just starting a second clinical trial. Mayo had conducted one trial six years ago with 10 patients and two are cancer-free yet today, and he wanted me in this new trial. Needless to say, I’m in it. It involves 28-day cycles with the first five days of a strong chemo “cocktail” of five pills, taken orally with no side effects for me. Then it is 23 days of no pills. The chemo is designed to stimulate my immune system, which then attacks the cancer.

Having just finished Cycle 2, I had another CT scan on Jan. 17. Dr. J. was ecstatic. The small tumors are gone completely, and the larger ones are 50 percent reduced. Joy flowed down my cheeks at the news.

Does this mean there is a cure for melanoma? Dr. J. says it is too early to tell. It is my hope that this clinical trial will help future melanoma patients.

I have just started Cycle 3, more positive than heretofore. Mange tusen takk (many thousand thanks) to all of you who were praying, and don’t stop!

God is good all the time.

 

Stan Hankins

retired teacher

Albert Lea