Just 3 days ago I visited the Dermatologist (age 41) for the 1st time, to have a mole checked -
I walked out - having 2 punches taken/biopsys.
The one came back Clark level 4 1.25mm melanoma -
My Dr. called me yesterday and gave me the news.
I felt numb for hours.
With-in 30 minutes the oncologist office called and advised me that I should come in ASAP, for lymph node testing and organ testing - and overall scans
I am going in Monday -
what should I expect with this next visit - ????
I'm abit freaked out!!!!!!!!:dizzy:

The oncologist will probably send you for a PET scan which is painless. They will take blood and schedule you for WLE and probably a Sentinal Node Biopsy. When that is done and they have the results, that will determine what other treatment you will need. Hope that helps.
I can understand that you are a bit freaked out. We all are when we are initially diagnosed. Don't worry too much cause it doesn't do any good and it isn't good for you. :) Let us know how you are doing.

Thanks for the note lady pepper !.
I have just been through an MRI, blood test, now have a new Internal Medicine Dr., and going for the PET scan today!.
My surgery is on 9/1 - to have the margins removed.
The surgeon explained that until he gets in there with the mapping he can't tell me what stage:confused:
It's all quite confusing and scary!
If anything - it has encouraged friends and family to have every spot on their body checked for cancer!
Thanks for the note - these boards really are nice for communicating with people going through the same! I don't know anyone else with MM!!:wave:
until later. signing off!

Hi

I to have mm just found out on Aug 15 it is scary. I am going in on the 29 to have the rest taken off. and to see where I go from there. I had a spot on face and my regular doctor looked at it and told me it was not melanoma well a year later my Aunt advised me to go see a dermagolist he didn't think it was melanoma either he did shave off a sample and it came back MM. I am glad I found this web site so I can talk to people going through the same thing. Good Luck I keep tabs on where your at,:wave: :wave: :wave:

Best of luck with your treatment! I hope everything turns out well for you!

Sounds like you are on the right track. I hope all goes well with your surgery.
When I was first diagnosed, I was kind of shocked, but then I thought "it is only skin cancer"... Very uneducated. Your breslow is not HUGE, but it is good size so you will probably undergo a sentinal node biopsy. That will be one of the ways they will 'stage' you.
If you google melanoma patients, there is a few other groups to go to. A lot of useful info. :) I wish you the best.

Well surgery went well. 9/1. 2 weeks later I'm left with a huge scare on my leg 7 inches long, and a 4 inch cut on my groin......ouch:eek:
The pain pills made me very dizzy and spacy:dizzy: ..I recommend anyone on them to get off just as soon as you can.
My questions to anyone and everyone who's had a similar surgery is............
What do I put on my scar for healing the best. The Dr.'s ofc suggested just Vasilene. I don't want to have a huge scar - Someone else told me vitE -
Does anyone know how you but vit E and if it works. Do you buy it in the capsul and squeeze it out from that, or is there a tube of vit E available. ??
Please advise.
Recovery - ......ugggggggggggh! its been a bearable but very painful! Things are looking up after 2 1/2 wks:)
Thanks for all of you who have responded to my board!
Michelle

msandy, glad the proceedure is over. I find using an anitbacterial ointment has really helped. I had part of my ear removed, plastic surgery on that to re-construct. Then a large area cut on the hip and bottom of foot, used this all 3 times and they are healing nicely.

Have you received your report as of yet?

Just read your post...hope you are doing well!

Vitamin E does work...buy the capsules and punch a hole with a needle and squeeze out.

I had 3 dermatofibromas removed last year, had to go back in to re-excise one of the bigger ones, as the pathologist found cells on the outside of the tissue, so I ended up with a 4" scar on the outside of my thigh...I'm 33....

I used Vitamin E....and I only have a hairline scar there....it is there, but not very noticable...

Using Vit E is much less expensive than some of the scarring ointments on the market and works very well! My mother always used it when I was a kid, and I don't have many scars...and believe me...I was one rough little girl!!

Good luck!!