My Mother was diagnosed in 1990 with Clark's level IV melanoma on her thigh. She allowed the dr. to remove the mole but would NOT seek further treatment. In the past 3 years she has developed a large raised lump just under her neck. It is growing in size and oozes blood constantly. Everything she owns has stains or fresh blood on it. We are six children who are very angry that she will NOT see a Doctor. I had arranged for the original Dr. to JUST LOOK, not touch, free of charge. My intent is to TRY to find out what we can expect. We cannot help her w/o knowing the 'signs' of detoriation. She is in total denial and has ostracized all of us by verbal abuse and showing signs of dementia. She claims, nothing is wrong with her, she will NOT allow anyone to see 'it'. Will we just find her dead one day? Will she become so ill one morning that we will have to rush her to the hospital? Besides that she will not see or talk to any of us. I am not allowed to call her ever again...Does anyone know what is going to happen? The size of the melanoma is approx. 5" in diameter. I do realize everyone's right to be treated or not. Our anger stems from the fact that we are obviously NOT enough for her to want to 'stay'. She also has 5 Grandchildren. She is in total denial. Can anyone help with information?
-
Mother has Level IV Melanoma
-
The battle with cancer has to start with the patient. Ultimately the cancer starts and ends with the patients desire to beat this deadly disease.Melanoma is an especially dangerous form of cancer as not alot of treatments are available.But there are some such as Thalidimide which has gotten favorable results in melanoma patients.First,i would say get comfortable with your mother again,then maybe she might listen to the suggestions you have for her.Melanoma has to be dealt with sooner than later as it can spread to any part of the body in a very limited time frame.Maybe if your mother knows there is a will then possibly a way can be found.