choroidal eye melanoma

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maxcat40
maxcat40 Member Posts: 7
edited March 2014 in Emotional Support #1
Hi,
I was recently diagnosed with choroidal eye melanoma. I had no warning except for the 2 weeks before I went to the eye doctor. I went, thinking I needed glasses. I'm on the computer all day at work and my vision in my right eye was getting blurry. I also started having headaches above my right eye. When I went to my optometrist he said I had a detached retina and he sent me to an opthamologist who then referred me to a retina specialist, because he saw a tumore growing out of my choroidal layer of my eye. I was then sent to a specialist in San Francisco. My only options were removal of the eye or Proton Beam radiation. I go on monday for a week of treatments. As you can see this has totally turned my world upside down. I've experienced Sadness, Anger and Optimism. It's been hard to work or enjoy activities with my children. I'm young and before this, had never heard of this cancer before. All my tests came back and the cancer hasn't spread anywhere else, yet. I had to wait for three weeks from test before radiation and this worried me. What if? I'll have to go to the doctor and oncologist for the rest of my life. First at 6 weeks, then 3-4 months and then every six months for five years and then yearly thereafter. What I'm having a problem with is waiting for the test results. I feel for the most part so positive. Waiting for the test results has brought me to my knees. Everything in life that used to be important to me isn't anymore.
Does anyone else have this cancer? If so maybe would could talk. There isn't a support group in my town and my treatments are a 9 1/2 hour car ride away. The longest trip in more ways than one.

I'd love to here from anyone else that understands. Thanks :)

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  • crtsang
    crtsang Member Posts: 102
    #2
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    A friend of mine, a 10+-year survivor of ovarian cancer, arranges to have the tests taken a few days before her appointment so that they have the results by the time she goes in. I don't know what kinds of tests you need done, but if any local arrangements could be made for you and your doctors, that's a thought.
    For what it's worth
    Carol
  • maxcat40
    maxcat40 Member Posts: 7
    #3
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    crtsang said:

    A friend of mine, a 10+-year survivor of ovarian cancer, arranges to have the tests taken a few days before her appointment so that they have the results by the time she goes in. I don't know what kinds of tests you need done, but if any local arrangements could be made for you and your doctors, that's a thought.
    For what it's worth
    Carol

    Thanks Carol!

    That is what I'm going to do. My next check-up is January 10. I've lost most of my vision in my right eye, but my left eye is compensating nicely.

    I had more tests done recently that all came back fine. It was really hard for the wait. I was so ecstatic to get good results for a change.

    My radiation was completed and went o.k.

    Thanks for your support, it means a lot.

    Sherri
  • crtsang
    crtsang Member Posts: 102
    #4
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    maxcat40 said:

    Thanks Carol!

    That is what I'm going to do. My next check-up is January 10. I've lost most of my vision in my right eye, but my left eye is compensating nicely.

    I had more tests done recently that all came back fine. It was really hard for the wait. I was so ecstatic to get good results for a change.

    My radiation was completed and went o.k.

    Thanks for your support, it means a lot.

    Sherri

    I'm so glad to hear that your results were good! I hope you get lots and lots and lots more good results...decades of them.

    Thank you for letting me know!

    Carol
  • Tabaret
    Tabaret Member Posts: 1
    #5
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    Hi Maxcat :)
    My name is Terry. I was diagnosed with a choriodal melanoma in Feb. 99. My right eye was removed because it was a medium sized tumor and it had not spread. Dr Paul Finger (a Terrific NYC Dr) treats me and I have so far had no problems(). My life was getting pretty much back to normal. I don't miss my eye much and was just getting over my cancer fear. My 23 yearold son was diagnosed with testicular cancer 8/02 and unfortunatly, it has spread. If it is any consulation, my cancer was like having a toe nail clipped compared to what he is going though.
    I would love to comunicate if you
    want to talk (or anyone else out there).
    My email address is Tabaret@aol.com. God Bless!
  • donl
    donl Member Posts: 1
    #6
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    maxcat40 said:

    Thanks Carol!

    That is what I'm going to do. My next check-up is January 10. I've lost most of my vision in my right eye, but my left eye is compensating nicely.

    I had more tests done recently that all came back fine. It was really hard for the wait. I was so ecstatic to get good results for a change.

    My radiation was completed and went o.k.

    Thanks for your support, it means a lot.

    Sherri

    MY FATHER HAS THE SAME TYPE OF CANCER AND HAS GONE THROUGH THE RADIATION THERAPY AND IS WAITING FOR THE RESULTS, I WAS WONDERING WHO WAS THE DOCTOR THAT YOU USED? THANKS

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