Rockford2
12-28-2008, 09:10 PM
Can somebody please help me? All I did was go into the doctor's office for something and ended up talking about a mole that was 'weird' looking to me....not even remotely thinking anything about it.
I received news 3 days later, (day after Christmas) that it is melanoma. I don't know anything else cept that I have to see a surgeon.
What should I expect?
TIA!
I received news 3 days later, (day after Christmas) that it is melanoma. I don't know anything else cept that I have to see a surgeon.
What should I expect?
TIA!
Sponsor
Rockford2
12-28-2008, 10:14 PM
Please....anyone?
I have no idea what to expect.
I have no idea what to expect.
Chele60
12-29-2008, 12:07 PM
Scary news that, isn't it? I can so relate!
2 years ago I noticed a strange looking mole growing on my left knee. I talked about with my doctor during my physical, and she removed it and sent it out for a biopsy. News came back that it was melanoma. And guess what? It's been 2 years, and I'm still here and I plan on being around for a lot longer!
Okay, first things first...take a deep breath and truly resist the urge to start doing research on the internet. You truly will scare the pants off yourself. Yes, you will need to talk to a surgeon, and the surgeon will give you a lot of information - take some paper with you if you like, or a close friend/spouse to hear the stuff you will miss.
The first visit with the surgeon is likely to be for information and answering questions and to set up a date for WLE, which is a wide excision. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a large area of skin and tissue surrounding where the melanoma was located. The hope is that if the melanoma was not very deep, the surgeon can remove all traces of cancereous cells in the area. Whatever tissue is removed is biopsied so the surgeon will get clear margins. If this all the farther it goes, you will be left with quite an impressive scar, and frequent skin checks with a dermatologist. This is typically a stage IA or IB (depending on ulceration).
If it is determined the melanoma has a depth of 1 millimeter or greater, then the surgeon will do a Sentinal Node Biopsy. In this procedure, s/he will trace the lymph from the site of the melanoma to the nearest lymph node(s), and remove a couple. Those lymph nodes will be biopsied to determine if the cancer has spread. If the lymph nodes come back clear, you will be staged at II, either A, B, or C - depending on the depth of the melanoma and ulceration.
If the lymph nodes come back positive for melanoma, you are staged at III and this requires more intensive treatment.
You will not be staged on your first visit to the surgeon. You will probably be staged after the WLE, and you might have to ask, but this is important to know. Those individuals staged at IA or IB have a 5 year survival rate in the high 90%, and a 10 year survival rate in the upper 80% to 90%. If melanoma is caught in its earliest stages it is highly treatable and the prognosis is highly favorable.
I know hearing the word "melanoma" is frightening. Melanoma can be frightening. However, I remember I threw myself into a complete panic before I even met with the surgeon, and that wasn't good. It's easy to find horror stories. My advice? Get your own information and facts first. Don't be afraid to talk to your sugeon. Don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how seemingly stupid. Bring some one with you - there will be things you miss, and you need support. The surgeon will understand.
If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.
You WILL get through this.
2 years ago I noticed a strange looking mole growing on my left knee. I talked about with my doctor during my physical, and she removed it and sent it out for a biopsy. News came back that it was melanoma. And guess what? It's been 2 years, and I'm still here and I plan on being around for a lot longer!
Okay, first things first...take a deep breath and truly resist the urge to start doing research on the internet. You truly will scare the pants off yourself. Yes, you will need to talk to a surgeon, and the surgeon will give you a lot of information - take some paper with you if you like, or a close friend/spouse to hear the stuff you will miss.
The first visit with the surgeon is likely to be for information and answering questions and to set up a date for WLE, which is a wide excision. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a large area of skin and tissue surrounding where the melanoma was located. The hope is that if the melanoma was not very deep, the surgeon can remove all traces of cancereous cells in the area. Whatever tissue is removed is biopsied so the surgeon will get clear margins. If this all the farther it goes, you will be left with quite an impressive scar, and frequent skin checks with a dermatologist. This is typically a stage IA or IB (depending on ulceration).
If it is determined the melanoma has a depth of 1 millimeter or greater, then the surgeon will do a Sentinal Node Biopsy. In this procedure, s/he will trace the lymph from the site of the melanoma to the nearest lymph node(s), and remove a couple. Those lymph nodes will be biopsied to determine if the cancer has spread. If the lymph nodes come back clear, you will be staged at II, either A, B, or C - depending on the depth of the melanoma and ulceration.
If the lymph nodes come back positive for melanoma, you are staged at III and this requires more intensive treatment.
You will not be staged on your first visit to the surgeon. You will probably be staged after the WLE, and you might have to ask, but this is important to know. Those individuals staged at IA or IB have a 5 year survival rate in the high 90%, and a 10 year survival rate in the upper 80% to 90%. If melanoma is caught in its earliest stages it is highly treatable and the prognosis is highly favorable.
I know hearing the word "melanoma" is frightening. Melanoma can be frightening. However, I remember I threw myself into a complete panic before I even met with the surgeon, and that wasn't good. It's easy to find horror stories. My advice? Get your own information and facts first. Don't be afraid to talk to your sugeon. Don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how seemingly stupid. Bring some one with you - there will be things you miss, and you need support. The surgeon will understand.
If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.
You WILL get through this.
Rockford2
12-29-2008, 06:11 PM
Scary news that, isn't it? I can so relate!
2 years ago I noticed a strange looking mole growing on my left knee. I talked about with my doctor during my physical, and she removed it and sent it out for a biopsy. News came back that it was melanoma. And guess what? It's been 2 years, and I'm still here and I plan on being around for a lot longer!
Okay, first things first...take a deep breath and truly resist the urge to start doing research on the internet. You truly will scare the pants off yourself. Yes, you will need to talk to a surgeon, and the surgeon will give you a lot of information - take some paper with you if you like, or a close friend/spouse to hear the stuff you will miss.
The first visit with the surgeon is likely to be for information and answering questions and to set up a date for WLE, which is a wide excision. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a large area of skin and tissue surrounding where the melanoma was located. The hope is that if the melanoma was not very deep, the surgeon can remove all traces of cancereous cells in the area. Whatever tissue is removed is biopsied so the surgeon will get clear margins. If this all the farther it goes, you will be left with quite an impressive scar, and frequent skin checks with a dermatologist. This is typically a stage IA or IB (depending on ulceration).
If it is determined the melanoma has a depth of 1 millimeter or greater, then the surgeon will do a Sentinal Node Biopsy. In this procedure, s/he will trace the lymph from the site of the melanoma to the nearest lymph node(s), and remove a couple. Those lymph nodes will be biopsied to determine if the cancer has spread. If the lymph nodes come back clear, you will be staged at II, either A, B, or C - depending on the depth of the melanoma and ulceration.
If the lymph nodes come back positive for melanoma, you are staged at III and this requires more intensive treatment.
You will not be staged on your first visit to the surgeon. You will probably be staged after the WLE, and you might have to ask, but this is important to know. Those individuals staged at IA or IB have a 5 year survival rate in the high 90%, and a 10 year survival rate in the upper 80% to 90%. If melanoma is caught in its earliest stages it is highly treatable and the prognosis is highly favorable.
I know hearing the word "melanoma" is frightening. Melanoma can be frightening. However, I remember I threw myself into a complete panic before I even met with the surgeon, and that wasn't good. It's easy to find horror stories. My advice? Get your own information and facts first. Don't be afraid to talk to your sugeon. Don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how seemingly stupid. Bring some one with you - there will be things you miss, and you need support. The surgeon will understand.
If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.
You WILL get through this.
thank you, thank you, thank you......for answering everything. My doctor said (not the surgeon) that it 'looks superficial' so is that good news??
2 years ago I noticed a strange looking mole growing on my left knee. I talked about with my doctor during my physical, and she removed it and sent it out for a biopsy. News came back that it was melanoma. And guess what? It's been 2 years, and I'm still here and I plan on being around for a lot longer!
Okay, first things first...take a deep breath and truly resist the urge to start doing research on the internet. You truly will scare the pants off yourself. Yes, you will need to talk to a surgeon, and the surgeon will give you a lot of information - take some paper with you if you like, or a close friend/spouse to hear the stuff you will miss.
The first visit with the surgeon is likely to be for information and answering questions and to set up a date for WLE, which is a wide excision. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a large area of skin and tissue surrounding where the melanoma was located. The hope is that if the melanoma was not very deep, the surgeon can remove all traces of cancereous cells in the area. Whatever tissue is removed is biopsied so the surgeon will get clear margins. If this all the farther it goes, you will be left with quite an impressive scar, and frequent skin checks with a dermatologist. This is typically a stage IA or IB (depending on ulceration).
If it is determined the melanoma has a depth of 1 millimeter or greater, then the surgeon will do a Sentinal Node Biopsy. In this procedure, s/he will trace the lymph from the site of the melanoma to the nearest lymph node(s), and remove a couple. Those lymph nodes will be biopsied to determine if the cancer has spread. If the lymph nodes come back clear, you will be staged at II, either A, B, or C - depending on the depth of the melanoma and ulceration.
If the lymph nodes come back positive for melanoma, you are staged at III and this requires more intensive treatment.
You will not be staged on your first visit to the surgeon. You will probably be staged after the WLE, and you might have to ask, but this is important to know. Those individuals staged at IA or IB have a 5 year survival rate in the high 90%, and a 10 year survival rate in the upper 80% to 90%. If melanoma is caught in its earliest stages it is highly treatable and the prognosis is highly favorable.
I know hearing the word "melanoma" is frightening. Melanoma can be frightening. However, I remember I threw myself into a complete panic before I even met with the surgeon, and that wasn't good. It's easy to find horror stories. My advice? Get your own information and facts first. Don't be afraid to talk to your sugeon. Don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how seemingly stupid. Bring some one with you - there will be things you miss, and you need support. The surgeon will understand.
If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.
You WILL get through this.
thank you, thank you, thank you......for answering everything. My doctor said (not the surgeon) that it 'looks superficial' so is that good news??
Chele60
12-29-2008, 07:26 PM
You're welcome!
The odds are actually with you that you've probably caught this early. The surgeon will give you far more information than your primary physician, though the surgeon will probably not be very forthcoming with your exact condition until after the WLE. The wide excision - and knowing the exact depth of the melanoma is what is prime information in this. Anything under 1 millimeter is terrific news! (The biopsy that was already taken might have this news, depending on the method your physician used to remove it: punch or shave) The surgeon will also be able to tell you if the melanoma was fast or slow growing and whether it had started growing down. (Most melanomas grow along the surface first for a time, and then begin growing down into the skin.)
Your 1st appointment with the surgeon should be made fairly quickly, and the WLE should happen fairly soon after that. (It might be an office procedure or it may be outpatient procedure - mine was an outpatient procedure) It will seem whirlwind, but really, once it is done your physician and the surgeon will have all the information they (and YOU!) need to move foward.
Go with your doctor's words - there is no reason to think otherwise at this point! And positive thoughts are your body's best friend right now!
The odds are actually with you that you've probably caught this early. The surgeon will give you far more information than your primary physician, though the surgeon will probably not be very forthcoming with your exact condition until after the WLE. The wide excision - and knowing the exact depth of the melanoma is what is prime information in this. Anything under 1 millimeter is terrific news! (The biopsy that was already taken might have this news, depending on the method your physician used to remove it: punch or shave) The surgeon will also be able to tell you if the melanoma was fast or slow growing and whether it had started growing down. (Most melanomas grow along the surface first for a time, and then begin growing down into the skin.)
Your 1st appointment with the surgeon should be made fairly quickly, and the WLE should happen fairly soon after that. (It might be an office procedure or it may be outpatient procedure - mine was an outpatient procedure) It will seem whirlwind, but really, once it is done your physician and the surgeon will have all the information they (and YOU!) need to move foward.
Go with your doctor's words - there is no reason to think otherwise at this point! And positive thoughts are your body's best friend right now!
Rockford2
12-29-2008, 09:08 PM
You're welcome!
The odds are actually with you that you've probably caught this early. The surgeon will give you far more information than your primary physician, though the surgeon will probably not be very forthcoming with your exact condition until after the WLE. The wide excision - and knowing the exact depth of the melanoma is what is prime information in this. Anything under 1 millimeter is terrific news! (The biopsy that was already taken might have this news, depending on the method your physician used to remove it: punch or shave) The surgeon will also be able to tell you if the melanoma was fast or slow growing and whether it had started growing down. (Most melanomas grow along the surface first for a time, and then begin growing down into the skin.)
Your 1st appointment with the surgeon should be made fairly quickly, and the WLE should happen fairly soon after that. (It might be an office procedure or it may be outpatient procedure - mine was an outpatient procedure) It will seem whirlwind, but really, once it is done your physician and the surgeon will have all the information they (and YOU!) need to move foward.
Go with your doctor's words - there is no reason to think otherwise at this point! And positive thoughts are your body's best friend right now!
Chele?
I have the pathologist report and this is what it said:
Skin, left upper extremity, punch biopsy
Malignant melanoma, superficial spreading type with dermal invasion (see melanoma profile)
Classification: Superficial Spreading
Clark's leval: 11
Breslow's depth: 0.3 mm
Panmelanoa stain was performed to confirm diagnosis and Breslow depth
Wider complete excision is recommended.
And...
"Specimen is received in formalin labeled with the patient's name and consists of one piece (s) from a punch biopsy of skin measuring 0.4x0 . 3x0.25 cm, oval in shape and tan-gray in color with a pigmented area measuring in cm., 0.2x0.2, tan-brown in color. Specimen is bisected. The specimen is entirely submitted in one cassette (s)"
The odds are actually with you that you've probably caught this early. The surgeon will give you far more information than your primary physician, though the surgeon will probably not be very forthcoming with your exact condition until after the WLE. The wide excision - and knowing the exact depth of the melanoma is what is prime information in this. Anything under 1 millimeter is terrific news! (The biopsy that was already taken might have this news, depending on the method your physician used to remove it: punch or shave) The surgeon will also be able to tell you if the melanoma was fast or slow growing and whether it had started growing down. (Most melanomas grow along the surface first for a time, and then begin growing down into the skin.)
Your 1st appointment with the surgeon should be made fairly quickly, and the WLE should happen fairly soon after that. (It might be an office procedure or it may be outpatient procedure - mine was an outpatient procedure) It will seem whirlwind, but really, once it is done your physician and the surgeon will have all the information they (and YOU!) need to move foward.
Go with your doctor's words - there is no reason to think otherwise at this point! And positive thoughts are your body's best friend right now!
Chele?
I have the pathologist report and this is what it said:
Skin, left upper extremity, punch biopsy
Malignant melanoma, superficial spreading type with dermal invasion (see melanoma profile)
Classification: Superficial Spreading
Clark's leval: 11
Breslow's depth: 0.3 mm
Panmelanoa stain was performed to confirm diagnosis and Breslow depth
Wider complete excision is recommended.
And...
"Specimen is received in formalin labeled with the patient's name and consists of one piece (s) from a punch biopsy of skin measuring 0.4x0 . 3x0.25 cm, oval in shape and tan-gray in color with a pigmented area measuring in cm., 0.2x0.2, tan-brown in color. Specimen is bisected. The specimen is entirely submitted in one cassette (s)"
Chele60
12-30-2008, 12:19 PM
This is really, really good news! Thankfully your doctor had the foresight to perform a punch biopsy - many doctors do a shave biopsy, which doesn't always give a concise reading. Kudos to your doc for that!!
The two important factors here are the superficial spreading and the Breslow depth. The Breslow depth tells you the thickness of the melanoma. At .3, your melanoma is extremely thin, and chances are you have caught this in the earliest stages. (There are some people who have melanomas that are 2 and even 5 millimeters thick and are facing some real problems with melanoma, so this gives you a comparison)
The superficial spreading means your melanoma is pretty much on the surface of the skin, and hasn't yet begun to grown down. It is also a fairly slow growing melanoma. Remember when I said most melanoma first grow along the surface of the skin and then start to grow down into the epidermis? Yours really hasn't started growing downwards yet - that's a good, very good thing!
Based on a Breslow of .3, you will not need a SNB (Sentinal Node Biopsy). After the WLE, you will be required to see a dermatologist for the next 5 years for skin checks. Usually once every 3 - 4 months for the first couple of years, and then once every 6 months after that. You will also need to be more cautious about being in the sun: protect your skin with sunscreen/sunblock, hats, protective clothing. Once you have had melanoma, you are more at risk of getting another one. Also, anyone who is a direct blood relative is also now at risk and should get regular skin checks: parents, siblings, children. Based on what the biopsy report states, and what the surgeon finds in the WLE, I would suspect you would be staged 1A (5 year survival 91%-95%;10 year survival 83%-88% - keep in mind they include the stats for 5 year in the 10 year). You just have to be diligent about your skin and exposure to the sun for the rest of your life.
But - this is extremely good news! Truly, you could not have hoped for better, and I am happy for you!
The two important factors here are the superficial spreading and the Breslow depth. The Breslow depth tells you the thickness of the melanoma. At .3, your melanoma is extremely thin, and chances are you have caught this in the earliest stages. (There are some people who have melanomas that are 2 and even 5 millimeters thick and are facing some real problems with melanoma, so this gives you a comparison)
The superficial spreading means your melanoma is pretty much on the surface of the skin, and hasn't yet begun to grown down. It is also a fairly slow growing melanoma. Remember when I said most melanoma first grow along the surface of the skin and then start to grow down into the epidermis? Yours really hasn't started growing downwards yet - that's a good, very good thing!
Based on a Breslow of .3, you will not need a SNB (Sentinal Node Biopsy). After the WLE, you will be required to see a dermatologist for the next 5 years for skin checks. Usually once every 3 - 4 months for the first couple of years, and then once every 6 months after that. You will also need to be more cautious about being in the sun: protect your skin with sunscreen/sunblock, hats, protective clothing. Once you have had melanoma, you are more at risk of getting another one. Also, anyone who is a direct blood relative is also now at risk and should get regular skin checks: parents, siblings, children. Based on what the biopsy report states, and what the surgeon finds in the WLE, I would suspect you would be staged 1A (5 year survival 91%-95%;10 year survival 83%-88% - keep in mind they include the stats for 5 year in the 10 year). You just have to be diligent about your skin and exposure to the sun for the rest of your life.
But - this is extremely good news! Truly, you could not have hoped for better, and I am happy for you!
Rockford2
12-30-2008, 01:01 PM
This is really, really good news! Thankfully your doctor had the foresight to perform a punch biopsy - many doctors do a shave biopsy, which doesn't always give a concise reading. Kudos to your doc for that!!
The two important factors here are the superficial spreading and the Breslow depth. The Breslow depth tells you the thickness of the melanoma. At .3, your melanoma is extremely thin, and chances are you have caught this in the earliest stages. (There are some people who have melanomas that are 2 and even 5 millimeters thick and are facing some real problems with melanoma, so this gives you a comparison)
The superficial spreading means your melanoma is pretty much on the surface of the skin, and hasn't yet begun to grown down. It is also a fairly slow growing melanoma. Remember when I said most melanoma first grow along the surface of the skin and then start to grow down into the epidermis? Yours really hasn't started growing downwards yet - that's a good, very good thing!
Based on a Breslow of .3, you will not need a SNB (Sentinal Node Biopsy). After the WLE, you will be required to see a dermatologist for the next 5 years for skin checks. Usually once every 3 - 4 months for the first couple of years, and then once every 6 months after that. You will also need to be more cautious about being in the sun: protect your skin with sunscreen/sunblock, hats, protective clothing. Once you have had melanoma, you are more at risk of getting another one. Also, anyone who is a direct blood relative is also now at risk and should get regular skin checks: parents, siblings, children. Based on what the biopsy report states, and what the surgeon finds in the WLE, I would suspect you would be staged 1A (5 year survival 91%-95%;10 year survival 83%-88% - keep in mind they include the stats for 5 year in the 10 year). You just have to be diligent about your skin and exposure to the sun for the rest of your life.
But - this is extremely good news! Truly, you could not have hoped for better, and I am happy for you!
I hate to sound stupid, but if this as good as you say, why is there this statistic on survival? If they catch it, and get it out, then I'm fine, right? Can you please explaine more about this: "staged 1A (5 year survival 91%-95%;10 year survival 83%-88%"
Thank you sooo very much for all of your help so far. I've been sick with worry and had no idea what melanoma was about???
The two important factors here are the superficial spreading and the Breslow depth. The Breslow depth tells you the thickness of the melanoma. At .3, your melanoma is extremely thin, and chances are you have caught this in the earliest stages. (There are some people who have melanomas that are 2 and even 5 millimeters thick and are facing some real problems with melanoma, so this gives you a comparison)
The superficial spreading means your melanoma is pretty much on the surface of the skin, and hasn't yet begun to grown down. It is also a fairly slow growing melanoma. Remember when I said most melanoma first grow along the surface of the skin and then start to grow down into the epidermis? Yours really hasn't started growing downwards yet - that's a good, very good thing!
Based on a Breslow of .3, you will not need a SNB (Sentinal Node Biopsy). After the WLE, you will be required to see a dermatologist for the next 5 years for skin checks. Usually once every 3 - 4 months for the first couple of years, and then once every 6 months after that. You will also need to be more cautious about being in the sun: protect your skin with sunscreen/sunblock, hats, protective clothing. Once you have had melanoma, you are more at risk of getting another one. Also, anyone who is a direct blood relative is also now at risk and should get regular skin checks: parents, siblings, children. Based on what the biopsy report states, and what the surgeon finds in the WLE, I would suspect you would be staged 1A (5 year survival 91%-95%;10 year survival 83%-88% - keep in mind they include the stats for 5 year in the 10 year). You just have to be diligent about your skin and exposure to the sun for the rest of your life.
But - this is extremely good news! Truly, you could not have hoped for better, and I am happy for you!
I hate to sound stupid, but if this as good as you say, why is there this statistic on survival? If they catch it, and get it out, then I'm fine, right? Can you please explaine more about this: "staged 1A (5 year survival 91%-95%;10 year survival 83%-88%"
Thank you sooo very much for all of your help so far. I've been sick with worry and had no idea what melanoma was about???
Chele60
12-30-2008, 07:38 PM
I had to go back and re-check my figures and I do owe you an apology. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5 year survival rate for stage 1A melanoma is around 99%, and the 10 year survival rate for stage 1A melanoma is around 97%. What I posted here before are the survival rates for stage 1B.
Now, survival rates are based on statistics from groups of people - and you may or may not be representative of that group. Various factors play into it: age, health, and tumor characteristics. Also, these figures, even from the ACS, are based on information received years ago. And the good news on that is there is recent news that survival rates for melanoma are getting better.
Now, I suspect your next question might be: what about 15 year survival? There simply isn't any data for that. After 5 years stage 1 melanoma patients cease seeing a dermatologist, and it's difficult sometimes to locate stage 1 melanoma survivors after 10 years - they have simply gone on with their lives. That's not to say that melanoma doesn't have a recurrance rate. Just look at some one like Senator John McCain. Your odds are probably extremely low; however, for the rest of your life you will be a melanoma (cancer) survivor, and that means you will need to protect your skin. And even though a dermatologist might tell you after 5 years you no longer need to see him/her, you will still need to do regular skin checks yourself and be very aware of any changes in your skin.
Now, survival rates are based on statistics from groups of people - and you may or may not be representative of that group. Various factors play into it: age, health, and tumor characteristics. Also, these figures, even from the ACS, are based on information received years ago. And the good news on that is there is recent news that survival rates for melanoma are getting better.
Now, I suspect your next question might be: what about 15 year survival? There simply isn't any data for that. After 5 years stage 1 melanoma patients cease seeing a dermatologist, and it's difficult sometimes to locate stage 1 melanoma survivors after 10 years - they have simply gone on with their lives. That's not to say that melanoma doesn't have a recurrance rate. Just look at some one like Senator John McCain. Your odds are probably extremely low; however, for the rest of your life you will be a melanoma (cancer) survivor, and that means you will need to protect your skin. And even though a dermatologist might tell you after 5 years you no longer need to see him/her, you will still need to do regular skin checks yourself and be very aware of any changes in your skin.
Rockford2
12-30-2008, 09:36 PM
I had to go back and re-check my figures and I do owe you an apology. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5 year survival rate for stage 1A melanoma is around 99%, and the 10 year survival rate for stage 1A melanoma is around 97%. What I posted here before are the survival rates for stage 1B.
Now, survival rates are based on statistics from groups of people - and you may or may not be representative of that group. Various factors play into it: age, health, and tumor characteristics. Also, these figures, even from the ACS, are based on information received years ago. And the good news on that is there is recent news that survival rates for melanoma are getting better.
Now, I suspect your next question might be: what about 15 year survival? There simply isn't any data for that. After 5 years stage 1 melanoma patients cease seeing a dermatologist, and it's difficult sometimes to locate stage 1 melanoma survivors after 10 years - they have simply gone on with their lives. That's not to say that melanoma doesn't have a recurrance rate. Just look at some one like Senator John McCain. Your odds are probably extremely low; however, for the rest of your life you will be a melanoma (cancer) survivor, and that means you will need to protect your skin. And even though a dermatologist might tell you after 5 years you no longer need to see him/her, you will still need to do regular skin checks yourself and be very aware of any changes in your skin.
John McCain has/had skin cancer? I feel like I've been living under a rock! You have helped me so much in understanding melanoma, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! (((HUGS)))
I have an appt with a surgeon for Friday, Jan 2nd. I will post what he tells me.
Now, survival rates are based on statistics from groups of people - and you may or may not be representative of that group. Various factors play into it: age, health, and tumor characteristics. Also, these figures, even from the ACS, are based on information received years ago. And the good news on that is there is recent news that survival rates for melanoma are getting better.
Now, I suspect your next question might be: what about 15 year survival? There simply isn't any data for that. After 5 years stage 1 melanoma patients cease seeing a dermatologist, and it's difficult sometimes to locate stage 1 melanoma survivors after 10 years - they have simply gone on with their lives. That's not to say that melanoma doesn't have a recurrance rate. Just look at some one like Senator John McCain. Your odds are probably extremely low; however, for the rest of your life you will be a melanoma (cancer) survivor, and that means you will need to protect your skin. And even though a dermatologist might tell you after 5 years you no longer need to see him/her, you will still need to do regular skin checks yourself and be very aware of any changes in your skin.
John McCain has/had skin cancer? I feel like I've been living under a rock! You have helped me so much in understanding melanoma, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! (((HUGS)))
I have an appt with a surgeon for Friday, Jan 2nd. I will post what he tells me.
Chele60
12-31-2008, 12:32 PM
John McCain has had a total of 4 melanomas removed. (Though 2 of those were in situ, which are staged at 0) Remarkable to have that many, but truly a survivor!
Yes, do keep us posted on what the surgeon says. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and wishing good luck!
Happy New Year!
Yes, do keep us posted on what the surgeon says. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and wishing good luck!
Happy New Year!
Rockford2
12-31-2008, 01:25 PM
John McCain has had a total of 4 melanomas removed. (Though 2 of those were in situ, which are staged at 0) Remarkable to have that many, but truly a survivor!
Yes, do keep us posted on what the surgeon says. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and wishing good luck!
Happy New Year!
One last question.
People are asking me if I have an appt to see an 'oncologist?" Do I need to? My primary care physician just recommended the surgeon.
Thanks again for all your help, Chele!! :angel:
Yes, do keep us posted on what the surgeon says. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and wishing good luck!
Happy New Year!
One last question.
People are asking me if I have an appt to see an 'oncologist?" Do I need to? My primary care physician just recommended the surgeon.
Thanks again for all your help, Chele!! :angel:
Chele60
12-31-2008, 02:31 PM
You're welcome!
With the information you've posted here regarding your initial biopsy, I sincerely doubt you will need to see an oncologist. Normally, an oncologist is part of your treatment team when the melanoma is quite thick (stage II, possibly) or if there is lymph node involvement.
Unless something really strange shows up in the WLE, I'm thinking your surgeon will have you return for post-op care and then have you start seeing a dermatologist in addition to your regular physician. However, the WLE will give your surgeon a lot of information, and it will truly be up to the two of you to determine what treatment plan works best. A lot of times people hear the word "cancer" and they think you should automatically be under the care of an oncologist - that isn't always the case. Oncologists really only become involved when cancers spread and more intensive treatments are necessary.
It sounds like you've caught this very early, and I really do think you will be just fine!
With the information you've posted here regarding your initial biopsy, I sincerely doubt you will need to see an oncologist. Normally, an oncologist is part of your treatment team when the melanoma is quite thick (stage II, possibly) or if there is lymph node involvement.
Unless something really strange shows up in the WLE, I'm thinking your surgeon will have you return for post-op care and then have you start seeing a dermatologist in addition to your regular physician. However, the WLE will give your surgeon a lot of information, and it will truly be up to the two of you to determine what treatment plan works best. A lot of times people hear the word "cancer" and they think you should automatically be under the care of an oncologist - that isn't always the case. Oncologists really only become involved when cancers spread and more intensive treatments are necessary.
It sounds like you've caught this very early, and I really do think you will be just fine!
Rockford2
12-31-2008, 04:30 PM
You're welcome!
With the information you've posted here regarding your initial biopsy, I sincerely doubt you will need to see an oncologist. Normally, an oncologist is part of your treatment team when the melanoma is quite thick (stage II, possibly) or if there is lymph node involvement.
Unless something really strange shows up in the WLE, I'm thinking your surgeon will have you return for post-op care and then have you start seeing a dermatologist in addition to your regular physician. However, the WLE will give your surgeon a lot of information, and it will truly be up to the two of you to determine what treatment plan works best. A lot of times people hear the word "cancer" and they think you should automatically be under the care of an oncologist - that isn't always the case. Oncologists really only become involved when cancers spread and more intensive treatments are necessary.
It sounds like you've caught this very early, and I really do think you will be just fine!
thank you, thank you, and thank you!!! Your caring has allowed me to sleep the past few nights. I truly cannot thank you enough!!
With the information you've posted here regarding your initial biopsy, I sincerely doubt you will need to see an oncologist. Normally, an oncologist is part of your treatment team when the melanoma is quite thick (stage II, possibly) or if there is lymph node involvement.
Unless something really strange shows up in the WLE, I'm thinking your surgeon will have you return for post-op care and then have you start seeing a dermatologist in addition to your regular physician. However, the WLE will give your surgeon a lot of information, and it will truly be up to the two of you to determine what treatment plan works best. A lot of times people hear the word "cancer" and they think you should automatically be under the care of an oncologist - that isn't always the case. Oncologists really only become involved when cancers spread and more intensive treatments are necessary.
It sounds like you've caught this very early, and I really do think you will be just fine!
thank you, thank you, and thank you!!! Your caring has allowed me to sleep the past few nights. I truly cannot thank you enough!!
Rockford2
01-10-2009, 12:08 AM
Wanted to let you know, Chele, that I had the surgery today. Took maybe an hour and was I ever surprised to see the large scar! I was also surprised to see how deep they went but I know it was nothing compared to those horrible skin graft stories i have read about.
Thank you so very much for all of your help!!
Thank you so very much for all of your help!!
Chele60
01-12-2009, 01:46 PM
Hello there!
I'm so glad you posted again. I was thinking about you and hoping all had worked out for the best. I'm truly to glad to hear that is so - and that your surgeon was able to work to work so quickly. Yes, that scar is quite impressive, isn't it? I'm not sure if something like Mederma works on it, either. I've left mine as it is. A reminder to me always to be diligent.
I'm happy for you and wish you all the best!
I'm so glad you posted again. I was thinking about you and hoping all had worked out for the best. I'm truly to glad to hear that is so - and that your surgeon was able to work to work so quickly. Yes, that scar is quite impressive, isn't it? I'm not sure if something like Mederma works on it, either. I've left mine as it is. A reminder to me always to be diligent.
I'm happy for you and wish you all the best!
Rockford2
01-12-2009, 10:47 PM
Chele? does melanoma cause fatigue??
Chele60
01-13-2009, 12:21 PM
I don't think I've ever heard that melanoma in and of itself has caused fatigue, but then I'm far from knowing everything. I do know that many treatments for late stage melanoma can very well cause fatigue - interferon, IL2, radiation, etc.
If you are experiencing fatigue, there might be a couple of causes. If your physician used a general anathesia while performing your WLE, you may have residual grogginess and tiredness. I know it takes a while for that stuff to fully leave my system. It may also be that you were fairly well stressed with the news having a melanoma, and now that some of that stress has been alleviated your body is experiencing fatigue. Hearing a diagnosis of any sort of "cancer" is extremely stressing to the body, and once that stress has been lifted, the body might demand rest.
These are two reasons for fatigue that I personally experienced, and while the fatigue was annoying, it was short-lived. You know your body, and I would suggest that if you really don't think it's either of these reasons then a talk with your physician might give you some direction.
If you are experiencing fatigue, there might be a couple of causes. If your physician used a general anathesia while performing your WLE, you may have residual grogginess and tiredness. I know it takes a while for that stuff to fully leave my system. It may also be that you were fairly well stressed with the news having a melanoma, and now that some of that stress has been alleviated your body is experiencing fatigue. Hearing a diagnosis of any sort of "cancer" is extremely stressing to the body, and once that stress has been lifted, the body might demand rest.
These are two reasons for fatigue that I personally experienced, and while the fatigue was annoying, it was short-lived. You know your body, and I would suggest that if you really don't think it's either of these reasons then a talk with your physician might give you some direction.
Rockford2
01-13-2009, 09:48 PM
Thank you again, Chele.