Help how do you kep going after you have been told you have melanoma skin cancer? I just found out a week ago. I noticed this spot on my face which actually has been there for two years. Well a year ago I went to my doctor and he told me it was not melanoma. While on vacation my Aunt noticed it and told me to go to a dermagolist well I did he said it was not melanoma but shaved off the top half. Well it came back being cancer, I am scheduled to go have it removed by a plastic surgeon. Can anyone tell me what my next steps will be.

Well the next steps will be a WLE which I guess that the plastic surgeon is going to to. Depending on your Clarks Level and Breslow Depth your treatment will range from a SNB to Interferon to nothing more than follow up appts. Do you know what your Clarks level and Breslow is?

No I don't know any of the levels that was my question to the Plastic Surgeon When I find out I will let you know Thanks for replying

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A plastic surgeon is not an expert in melanoma usually. Have they set you up with an oncologist? You may be sent for a PET scan which is painless, just annoying. Once you find out more info from your doctor, you will be able to know what you are looking at. Just make sure they send you to an oncologist or a melanoma specialist. :)

I beleive that is my next step going to a cancer doctor. I am having a bad taste in my mouth not sure what this is and it taste awful not sure if I have a gum infection or maybe cancer has showed up in my mouth really am nervous about this whole thing thanks for all the info you have given me so far. Its the waiting that is hard. I appreciate your writing back it helps talking to other people in the same situation.
Thanks

Surgery over with they are confident they got all the cancer out. This was all done by Plastic Surgeon since spot was on my face. Should I still see a oncologist and what questions should I be asking? Thanks for any imput on this.

You will be referred to an oncologist by the derm or maybe surgeon if needed. I would have thought they would have sent you to one prior to the surgery. But again, it depends on the Clarks and Breslow... there are other factors too.
Whatever questions you have it is a good idea to write them down and keep it with you. It is very easy to forget what you want to know once you are there and it can be overwhelming at times.

FInally found out I have Lentigo Maligna Melanoma which tends not to metastasize as some other melanomas do. My plastic surgeon is confidnet they got it all. I am going to follow through with a Oncologist my appointment is for Sept 21. My neighbor has Lung Cancer and is going to the same Oncologist says he is the Best I met another person who has been going to him for seven years and he said he is very very good. Thanks for the imput Lady Pepper
Thanks CHerman