的诊断转移性黑色素瘤是令人沮丧的消息。10年生存率低于10％。1[] Recent treatmentshave given hope, doubling the life expectancy of some patients. [2] research is ongoing with scientists searching for more answers, more treatments and better outcomes.
And there are survivors. On the AIM for Melanoma site, one such survivor, Deborah Shemesh writes, "I was 26 when I was diagnosed with Stage III. By the time I was 32, it was Stage IV. Last rites were given several times. I am now 58; 32 years since diagnosis, 12 years of spontaneous remission. I encourage others to be inspired through finding success stories. I hope my story is used to inspire others. Sharing brings me great happiness and I know that in order to heal, happiness is a key ingredient. Happiness heals." [3]
Another 34 + year survivor, Kenneth Shapiro, wrote a blog up until his death in October 2012. His battle with metastatic melanoma began when he was in his 30's. He died of kidney cancer 34 years later. He writes, "There have been many off the wall theories about why I am alive but the only thing that seems to be constant is that no one really knows"I learned early on that the individual has to be involved and totally aware of what is going on and why"I believe that the individual has to be the main focus of the therapy. The medical side cannot do it without the help of the individual and the individual cannot do it without the medical side"Knowledge is the cancer patient's greatest ally and a belief in what you are doing regardless of what anyone else says." [4]
Being Involved in Your Treatment
When you receive a diagnosis of cancer, your mind spins, you feel like you are out of control, you can't think straight. And yet, you need information and you need to make decisions. While you may need to decide on治疗方案quickly, you usually don't need to do so within minutes of hearing your diagnosis.
设置时间与你的医生谈谈。带上你的配偶，伴侣或你信任的家庭成员;有人谁就能帮助您了解并记住你的选择。问的东西，你不明白还有什么期望的问题 - 无论是在预期寿命增加和副作用。一旦你有你的医生的推荐治疗的名单，做你的研究。问问你的医生有信誉的网站，书籍和其他教育材料，以帮助您了解癌症和你的选择。
After you have decided on a course of treatment, keep apprised of what is going on. Continue to ask questions about anything you don't understand and what treatments are available as a secondary course of action.
营养
Eating right during your treatment and in developing a survivorship plan. Some treatments will cause decreased appetite, nausea and abdominal pain may interfere with your ability to eat. Breaking meals down and eating smaller meals throughout the day may help. You may also find that eating with friends, in a more social and enjoyable setting can help increase your appetite. Talk to your doctor about what foods are best to eat both during your treatment and after it has ended.
Physical Activity
Getting some exercise may help you feel better, both physically and emotionally. However, due to your treatment, you may not feel like doing any exercise, even taking a walk. It is important to talk with your doctor about what exercises, and how much, you are able to do. Even a small amount of physical activity can help improve your mood and overall feeling of well-being.
压力管理
转移性黑素瘤的诊断是一个压力事件。它可以影响你的身体，精神和情感。黑色素瘤研究基金会指出，“重要的是，紧张，抑郁和焦虑的迹象与你的医生讨论” [6]压力的一些具体迹象包括：
- Loss of interest in activities
- 睡眠困难
- 感到悲伤或空的大部分时间
- Chronic fatigue
- Stomach problems
- 头晕
- 自杀的念头
Some of these signs, such as fatigue, stomach problems or dizziness can be associated with certain treatment options. Be aware of the side-effects of your treatments so you know what to expect and whether symptoms are a sign of depression or anxiety or whether you will gain strength and energy as the side-effects wane.
Suggestions for dealing with the stress include exercise, listening to music, writing, talking with a therapist and joining a cancer support group.
希望是在你对转移性黑色素瘤的斗争至关重要。杰基·多斯，另一位幸存者，在缓解期，写道：“人生就像坐过山车，我觉得祝福来到这里，但我总是在寻找的路上下一回合”我不会放弃。我不会放弃战斗。我不会放弃希望。我不会恐惧屈服。“[5]
参考文献：
[6] "Melanoma and Stress Management," Date Unknown, Staff Writer, Melanoma Research Foundation
[2] "New Melanoma Drug Doubles Survival Time, Study Shows," 2012, Feb. 22, Ryan Jaslow, CBS News
[3] [4] [5]"Stage IV," Different Dates, Numerous Reader Submissions, AIM for Melanoma
[1]“转移性黑色素瘤的治疗：概述” 2009年，Shailender巴蒂亚，M.D。等人，Oncology