dIon Gillard

As some people may know, I've recently been accepted onto a clinical trial to treat Melanoma (skin cancer).

I thought I'd start a Blog going of my experiences, as a friend of mine, Kelvin Lawrence , has done for his ordeal.

Ok, first of all some history.

1. August 2005 - I had a mole removed from my lower left back. The mole proved to be cancerous (Melanoma) and I had a further area around the mole removed and tested, which was clean


2. The mole area didn't heal well and I ended up with ulcerations around the area and getting it washed and re-dressed on a regular basis for the next few weeks


3. 14th May 2008 - I'd done a strenuous push-up workout on the WiiFit with the kids the day before, and noticed my chest muscles were a little sore. As I was checking my wounds, I noticed a small (about the size of a lime) lump in the left armpit. Scary. I thought at that point it could be anything, but was worried about it anyway


4. 15th May 2008 to Early June -
   
   
   
   1. I went to to the doctor (GP), did an Ultrasound, which showed two lumps in the area
   
   
   2. I was referred to a specialist who got a CT scan done
   
   
   3. The CT looked like a tumour, so I had an XRay, another Ultrasound and then finally a biopsy of the lump
   
   
   4. The lump was confirmed to be Melanoma and I was referred to the Sydney Melanoma Clinic
   
   
   5. Next I had a PET scan which showed a definite hot-spot on my right side as well.
   
   
   6. Fine Cut CT scans were done of my brain and the right arm, as well as a strange area in the left thigh. Mainly see if there was a tumor in the brain, and to work out what the right arm and left thigh contained.
   
   
   7. Brain was clear, left thigh was clear, but the right arm wasn't. It also wasn't typical melanoma, and as well it was located inside the bone
   
   
   8. Bone biopsy was done on the right arm to ensure 100% it was melanoma, and it was
   
   
   
   

So I've been diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma, which is not curable. I'm very lucky in that the current tumors are not in a major organ, or my brain and are causing me no real hassle.

I had several consultations with Dr. Macneill and Professor Kefford, and was informed of a clinical trial for chemotherapy, which would possibly get me access to a drug which is twice as effective, and if not, gets me very similar treatment to what I would normally be having.

So last Thursday (2008-07-24) I did blood tests and another CT scan (brain and chest/abdomen) to see if I was eligible to go on the trial.

Wednesday (2008-07-30), I found out I was.

This coming Monday 4th August I have a physical, and on the 5th (Tuesday) I start treatment.

Fingers crossed!

I'm really glad I'm starting treatment after almost 3 months. The lump in my left arm is now the size of a grapefruit and is uncomfortable most of the time, but not unbearable.

Thanks to my many friends for the support, both electronically and in person. It really makes a big difference having positive reinforcement.

GoodOnya,

dIon