Stage III Melanoma Warrior Message

In July of 2007, I was diagnosed with Stage III Melanoma. I never thought this would ever happen to a young adult, especially me!  I turned 16 on August 1st, the same day I had my first surgery.  Since one lymph node was found positive for cancer, I underwent a second surgery to remove 12 more lymph nodes.  Fortunately, the next 12 lymph nodes were cancer free.

    I underwent Interferon therapy five days per week for 4 weeks, and landed in the hospital for a week due to the toxin build-up in my body.  I am now taking a smaller dose of Interferon that is self-injected 3 times per week for 11 months. 

   I haven't been able to attend school first semester, (I am a junior in high school) but plan to try to attend second semester.

   Having just celebrated Thanksgiving, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for.  I am thankful that I am still alive and look forward to the end of my treatment and being told that I am "cancer free!"

   I am also thankful for people like Jean Schlipmann and The Schlip Melanoma Foundation, who provide a lot of support, and fund research in hopes of finding a cure.

Mitch Brogdon, 16, Stage III Warrior