Melanoma: Alan Lewis' story

You are truly two very brave men and I hope that New Zealand watched, listened and acted. I am one of the lucky ones who found my melanoma early and I am now passionate about trying to raise awareness to the young and old in this country about the dangers of skin lesions that are left unchecked. I am a strong supporter of The New Zealand Melanoma Foundation. I have three young children all blonde and white celtic skin so you can bet there is a lot of sun tan lotion purchased for my house. I really do think you are both remarkable and amazing for going on to the TV and telling your stories. I wish you lots of love and luck on your journey to win this fight.

Just been watching the story about Alan and it is so close to my own, I was diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma last January and had an 8 hour op in February to remove it along with 45 lymph nodes, since then I have had 1 more tumor removed and in the last month another one has appeared. I have been recommended for the trial drug R05185426, which also has something to do with the BRAF gene, and hopefully this will kill the melanoma cells. This trail is being done in Palmerston North Hospital and hopefully will have some effect on my melanoma.
Keep positive Alan, as I am trying to do.

Very sad story, and very close to my own experience as well,I know how hard it is to be positive in this dark hard time, But I strongly recommend Alan to see if he can get on the new drug trial that has shrunk my 19 Melanoma tumors in my lungs, Its called a B RAF inhibitor (plx4032) from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in OZ, but they just started the trail here in NZ. I honestly can say this drug works, I have no problem with Alan contacting me at the email address provided. Last year I started Melanoma Awareness NZ in which I am trying to travel to all the schools talking the them about being sun smart and get your skin checked, and offering rides in the Melanoma skyline for children that are been sun smart. All the best Alan, Stay strong and positive mate, it is they key to keep wining