cheryl.stratos

I am one of the the phase 1 PLX4032 (Zelboraf) clinical trail lab rats. It took us from November 23 until February 28 before I started my treatment at UCLA on a phase I trail for PLX4032 (I live in DC, it has been a big commute). I’ve been in this clinical trial for 29 months, and during that time this drug has not only stopped my cancer from growing, it’s now only a fraction of its original (baseline) size. I have had side effects – hair loss, skin rash, cysts everywhere, night sweats, nausea and diarrhea. But, all in all, not bad relative to what I could have happened

PLX4032/ ZELBORAF has been one of the fastest drugs ever approved by the FDA and is changing how we fight cancer.

During this odyssey my husband Mike and I learned some interesting facts, most important if you want to survive, you need to advocate. Reach out to friends, family and friends of friends. YOU need to determine the right path for you and your disease. There is no “Melanoma for Dummies” users guide available.

I have learned that getting connected can save your life.

Cheryl Stratos -- Fighting Melanoma

I was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma November 2009 and I have been on Zelboraf for 29 cycles. I am being treated at UCLA. I have been NED for the past 10 months. I had the opportunity to experience every side effect the weight loss, high fever, rash, skin peeling off, total loss of hair (all over) and sores popping out all over my face. But is was all worth it! I am still here.

I also used Reiki to help with nausea, ate lots of seaweeds, took vit. D, drank wheat grass, and loaded up on all the green leafy bright colored veggies to help with my energy level.

Tell your brother healing thoughts and keep away from bad JUJU. This is a mind game as well. I have also keep a document of the process and list the latest developments on a FB page Fighting Melanoma (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fighting-Melanoma/252483701462665)

BTW great website!

I have been on Zelboraf since February 28th 2010. I am one of the phase 1 lab rats and my last CT is showing NED. 30 days after starting PLX I had the opportunity to experience every side effect the weight loss, high fever, rash, skin peeling off, total loss of hair (all over) and sores popping out all over my face.

I also used Rakkii, eat seaweeds, vit. D, and wheat grass, loaded up on all the green leafy bright colored veggies to help with my energy level and keep my weight. Got to think out of the box as well.

I have set-up a facebook page called Flighting Melanoma to communicate the latest drug discoveries and developments for fighting melanoma. It may be another resource.

All the best Cheryl