The Pink Flamingo :: The Melanoma "Cure"

I've known about one "cure" for a year and a half, and figured they would be forced to "out" the "cure" if John McCain were running for POTUS. I know one of the people in the study. From what I remember he was a late Stage 4, with maybe 3 months to live. That was at least 7 years ago. There were something like a dozen people in his test group - all late Stage 4. Every single one of them is alive today.

I don't know if this is the same thing. If it isn't, it is even more exciting - perhaps another option!

"...In recent experiments, Rosenberg and other researchers have focused on souping up a certain kind of immune system cell—the "killer T cells" that envelop and kill foreign agents. Experiments have also involved giving patients chemotherapy or other drugs that are toxic to patients but can help the immune system's ability to fight cancer. The new research took a different approach. The Hutchinson center scientists focused instead on specific helper T cells that are adept at locking onto a cancer cell and guiding the killer cells to their target. The researchers drew blood from patients, located the special helper cells and then grew more of them in the laboratory. They then infused roughly 5 billion of the cells back into the patients—without chemotherapy or the other harsh drugs.

"It's a simpler and less toxic approach to melanoma than had been previously employed," said Dr. Louis Weiner, director of the cancer center at Georgetown University. The fourth patient they treated was the Oregon man, who had a melanoma on his back before it had spread to his groin and right lung. He was treated in July 2005. Two months after the treatment, advanced scans of his body revealed no tumors. Two years after the treatment, he had no symptoms. More good news: There were no harmful side effects. What's more, an analysis showed that his immune system had targeted not only one type of protein target on cancer cells, but two others as well. It's possible the treatment spurred his immune system to expand its cancer-fighting ability in new ways, Yee said. However, the case raised many unanswered questions. The man had been treated earlier with other drugs. It's possible those treatments had already weakened or altered the cancer..."

I am shaking after reading this. Evidently there are two - count 'em - TWO cures on the way for Melanoma. In other words, I probably won't die of it. Do you know how this feels, to know that the cancer that will probably kill me one day can be cured! This is a time for prayers and thanksgiving. Think of the lives (including mine) that will be saved!

I go back to the people I've known over the years who have died from this malicious disease. I know the one study has been waiting for specific break-through where a yearly vaccine is no longer needed.

THESE ARE DIFFERENT CURES - There is more than one cure treatment for melanoma! I do know there are so many people who would still be alive if the one study would be made public. Maureen Reagan was diagnosed the same week I was. I think of Deidra who died suddenly after an experimental treatment. They might still be alive.

Politically this is exciting. The Dems will not be able to hold the threat of melanoma over John McCain's head.

Personally, this is like a death sentence has been lifted! I have spent the past few years hoping and praying I could hold out long enough for this day! I made it!