Six in a million people per year. I am now one of these, diagnosed with ocular melanoma (OM). This is a very rare, aggressive cancer.
I am in the care of a highly regarded specialist, an ocular oncologist at Porter Hospital, Dr. Peter Hovland. There are only two specialists in Colorado. His diagnosis is that I have a medium-sized choroidal melanoma in my left eye.
We agreed that the best treatment is to have radiation in my eye, called plaque brachytherapy. It requires two surgeries. The first to sew a small gold disc containing radioactive seeds into my eye, will be done on Friday, November 2. I will come home, with a lead shield over my eye. On November 7, I will go back to have it removed. I don't expect I will lose vision right away, but there are often long-term complications from exposure to radiation.
At the time of insertion, they will do a biopsy. This will be used for genetic testing. They will tell me if the cancer is Class 1 or Class 2. Class 1 has a low risk of metastases (spreading to other organs) and Class 2 - high risk. There will be different schedules of surveillance depending on the results. I won't know the genetic results until mid-December.
I had a PET/ CT scan of my entire body, and it shows no detectable tumors that have metastasized. There is about a 50% chance of it spreading in the next 10 years. The cancer most commonly metastasizes to the liver or lungs first.
I will be monitored by CT scans, MRI's, blood tests and X-rays for the rest of my life. They will begin measurements to see if the tumor has shrunk about 3 months after the surgery.
Skin melanoma and ocular melanoma are distinct conditions which share the same name but are biologically and genetically very different diseases. Although there have been advances in skin melanoma treatments, there are no recent developments that have shown any significant improvement for ocular (or uveal) melanoma. There is more detailed information in this link----> OM
I am at peace that I am getting the best care available, and I have a great support network of family and friends. Thank you all.
2 comments:
Susan,
As always, you choose to take control of the things you can control in life--your attitude, your treatment, your ability to find beauty and meaning in the things that make you happy despite setbacks. Bravo for you! I will hold you in my heart and in my prayers as you go through this next phase in your life. I will put your health and comfort out there in the universe as well. Hugs, Tammy
Tammy, I feel stronger because you believe in me. The way you handle your own challenges is an inspiration for me. Thank you for being a friend indeed.
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