Tuesday 15th October

Today I learn from the Macmillan nurse that my biopsy has returned from the Royal Marsden, showing my gene mutation to be B-raf positive. This means I will be eligible for a drug trial on Vemurafenib. Not necessary right now, but the information is there, ready to be acted upon quickly.

I also find out my cancer is now Stage 3a. Meaning??  Well, firstly, the melanoma cells have now spread to the lymph nodes in my groin ~ at the top of my left leg. Secondly, the survival statistics now become reduced ~ a 57% – 73% of surviving the next five years, and to be here in ten years time, 50% – 67% chance.

Not the best of news, but I have enormous faith and confidence with the healthcare professionals looking after me, and the advances being made with drug therapy to treat melanoma is truly outstanding.

Positive all the way.