what is the life expectancy with stage 4 melanoma that has mestasized?

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Mark

I am a stage 4 melanoma survivor so your question has a long history of relevance to me. As it turns out, the numbers were vastly inaccurate for me. Stage 4 melanoma survival rates vary, but these statistics will give you a general idea of stage 4 melanoma survival rates for people who live in the U.S. The five-year survival rate represents the percentage of patients alive five years after their initial diagnosis of stage 4 melanoma. Five-Year Survival Statistics for Stage 4 Melanoma:

Skin, lymph nodes, colon, or rectum: 14%
Lungs: 4%
Liver, brain, or bone: 3%

Average Survival Statistics for Stage 4 Melanoma:

Skin, lymph nodes, colon, or rectum: 13 months
Lungs: 8 months
Liver, brain, or bone: 4 months

These stage 4 melanoma survival statistics were derived from a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Researchers analyzed data from approximately 15,000 patients treated for stage 4 melanoma at the John Wayne Cancer Institute between 1971 and 1993. I was diagnosed with the primary melanoma in late 1984, more than a quarter of a century ago. I was 28 at the time and finishing my Ph.D. following an MA in a separate discipline. My “logic” told me I would likely be dead soon. So much for logic. I had a metastatic recurrence in late 1993, 9 years later. At that point I “knew” I was not likely to survive much more than a year, and possible not nearly that long. So much for “knowing.”

I’ve just had my 53^rd birthday and I remain cancer free. Clearly my survival had nothing to do with optimism, since I didn’t have any. I am now living with gratitude.

My advice is learn about psychological trauma (PTSD) and get treatment for it. The trauma treatment I used is called EMDR. It is strange but incredibly effective. In my mind trauma treatment is mandatory for all patients and their family members. Psychological trauma impairs immune system functioning to a massive degree. Don’t live with trauma!

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JR

What type of treatment did you receive?

My husband has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma - He is scheduled to start Chemotherapy in a couple days.

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