| Re: Stage 1B Melanoma-SCARED
I have had two melanomas, one in l987 and one in l992.
I have never had sentinal node biopsies or a pet scan. I am not sure they
were doing them then.
I go and be checked now at least once a year. Aft first I had to go every
six months.
I think your melanoma was in the very early state. My last melanoma was
a level 2. Melanoma if caught early is very curable.
I do check myself monthly for any moles that have changed in color and/or
size.
I found both of my melanomas myself. The key color is black.....
I was seeing a dermatologist in DC and he didn't think the last one was anything, he said if you will feel better I will take if off. I said take if off,
three days later he called me and said it was melanoma. He said how did
you know....It really didn't fit the melanoma mold, it was a small black
place about the size of a pinhead. The key is if there is a lump under
it and black color. Of course irregular is also a sign.
| 
