Purpose of this blog

My name is Cor and this is my story dealing with mucosal melanoma (MM) in my nose which was diagnosed on 10 Jan 2017. I am married and have 2 kids. I write and update this blog to reach out to all my loved ones far away with updates and my state of mind and also to share information with other patients.

Saturday, April 01, 2017

Results of the PET scan

The meeting with the dr Zenda after the PET scan was taken was very different than our experience in Singapore. The responsible treating radiologist interpreted the images personally instead of by an independent analyst.
dr Zenda explained that there were no signs of spreading of the melanoma. The signs of activity were to be confirmed malignous by the MRI scan, which results will be explained on the first day of treatment.
There was an unexpected area of activity in the spine which was a concern to him. We explained the Feb'17 operation in Singapore had included insertion of a tube in my spine fluid, which was approximately in same location. This made the doctor relax and he planned another MRI to check for malignancy in this spot.

All in all positive news:
  • no unexpected spreading of melanoma 
  • the affected area in the sinus and nose can be treated by 5* proton beaming either to kill actual melanoma cells or as a preventive measure
  • further investigation required for the spine. This cannot be melanoma as that only appears in the skin cells
Things are looking up, I feel healthy and I am in good hands in Japan....

Sunday, March 26, 2017

15 years of proven technology and experience

I feel proud to share the technology Japan has developed to improve Quality Of Life for cancer patients. Using proton radiation they have been trying diligently to reduce the side effects of radiation. Even for the rarest types of cancer they develop treatments.

When looking at the available YouTube movies, there are now treatments in Germany (Essen), Korea and the US too.

In this movie about the Japanese Cancer Centers, the whole method of treatment is explained in steps, providing an awesome image of what has been accomplished since 1996. There are no shocking images so rest assured it's a beautiful and enlightening experience.

https://youtu.be/zvVe6vCkgMg