Experiences with Melanoma and Interferon

I had stage 3 Melanoma and after surgery to removed lymph nodes in the groin tried 4 weeks of interferon treatment - i had 18 out of the 20 treatments with only taking 2 panadol before and after treatment. Left me very exhausted for the 4 weeks but 5 years later i am still melanoma free and hopefully for a long time yet. I firmly also believe in a healthy and active lifestyle and meditation and yoga/pilates.

My wife did interferon twice. The first time was in conjunction with a Melacine trial after she was stage 3 in 1999. And then again initially after she was diagnosed with a recurrence, but before it moved on the stage 4. Interferon, at least at that time (2006) was the only FDA approved "Standard" treatment for Stage 3. Unfortunately, the statistical benefit of high dose interferon by itself is not great (there is some, but not a lot). It also has a lot of side effects. What's also unfortunate is that many of the side effects can be managed very well with non-western techniques (acupuncture, detoxifying the kidneys and liver post-infusions, etc.). But most western doctors don't know about these things (and would frown upon them anyway). I put together a protocol for side effect management for my wife, with the help of some non-western practitioners + my own research, and it really worked well. The hospital staff said they'd never seen anyone go through treatment so healthy. This matters a lot not only for comfort, but also because the success of the western treatments (chemo, interferon, IL2, etc.) is directly related to your ability to complete the treatment. Side effects can sometimes be so bad you have to reduce or stop treatment -- which in turn reduces the chances of success. Proper and thorough side effect management can make a huge difference. If anyone wants to know the protocol, I'm happy to share it.

Also, I wrote an article on my "strategy" to beat melanoma, compiled from all my research. You can read it here: http://www.foundhealth.com/melanoma/mike-rosenthals-strategy-to-beat-melanoma

It was a HORRIBLE experience, that my doctor has admitted that the only reason he prescribed it was to give me some mental hope. I have psoriasis so i do not qualify for any of the trials that are looking to be beneficial, so he could only give me Interferon.