Whats next?? - Cancer: Skin Message Board

msandy · 08-17-2006, 08:19 AM

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!!!!!!!!

Ladypepper · 08-20-2006, 01:23 AM

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.

msandy · 08-25-2006, 07:04 AM

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

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!!

until later. signing off!

cherman · 08-25-2006, 07:49 AM

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,

Warren123 · 08-25-2006, 11:01 AM

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