Fresh off the Melanoma Truck.

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  • Post
    • July 1, 2015 at 1:00 am
    Steph001
    Participant

      I have been recently diagnosed with superficial spreading melanoma. I had a mole on the back of my arm that my husband thought looked "funny". I also had a black, irregular mole on my temple so I figured I'd get them checked out. The mole on my temple was atypical and the one on my arm was melanoma. It's a Clark level II and the Breslow depth is .47. I see the doctor next week to have the tissue around the biopsy removed. 

      I am now super paranoid and there are about 5 other "spots" that I've found that I'm concerned about. Is it common to have more than one primary melanoma at once? I feel like I'm being a crazy person! 

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    • Replies
        • July 1, 2015 at 1:58 am
        Janner
        Participant

          Actually, no.  Less than 10% of the melanoma population EVER have more than one.  Have your other spots changed?  That's my #1 criteria for biopsies.  I have baseline pics and use those to decide whether something stays or goes.  (I've had 3 primaries).  Be vigilant, not paranoid.  It's hard at first to reconcile a diagnosis but your prognosis is good.  

            • July 1, 2015 at 2:40 am
            Steph001
            Participant

              I don't think they've changed but I'm not sure. They just seem irregular. I've not paid attention to them like I should, unfortunately. The only reason I had the first two checked was because my mom was diagnosed with uveal melanoma a year ago and her scans caught thyroid cancer. Because of this her doctors said her kids were at a higher risk. Thank you so much for your response! I'm really trying not to be paranoid but I'm having a hard time. 

              Also, are baseline pics something I should do or something the doctors will do? 

              • July 1, 2015 at 3:10 am
              Janner
              Participant

                Either.  Some docs use them, some don't.  But for me, they are the most important "independent eye" I can have and keep my imagination in check.  I only biopsy things that change and the pics keep things honest when lots of things have a little bit of a funky look.  Ask your derm, and if he can't help, do your own.

                • July 1, 2015 at 3:22 am
                Steph001
                Participant

                  I will definitely do that. Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you're sharing your knowledge! 

                  • July 1, 2015 at 3:22 am
                  Steph001
                  Participant

                    I will definitely do that. Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you're sharing your knowledge! 

                    • July 1, 2015 at 3:22 am
                    Steph001
                    Participant

                      I will definitely do that. Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you're sharing your knowledge! 

                      • July 1, 2015 at 3:10 am
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        Either.  Some docs use them, some don't.  But for me, they are the most important "independent eye" I can have and keep my imagination in check.  I only biopsy things that change and the pics keep things honest when lots of things have a little bit of a funky look.  Ask your derm, and if he can't help, do your own.

                        • July 1, 2015 at 3:10 am
                        Janner
                        Participant

                          Either.  Some docs use them, some don't.  But for me, they are the most important "independent eye" I can have and keep my imagination in check.  I only biopsy things that change and the pics keep things honest when lots of things have a little bit of a funky look.  Ask your derm, and if he can't help, do your own.

                          • July 1, 2015 at 2:40 am
                          Steph001
                          Participant

                            I don't think they've changed but I'm not sure. They just seem irregular. I've not paid attention to them like I should, unfortunately. The only reason I had the first two checked was because my mom was diagnosed with uveal melanoma a year ago and her scans caught thyroid cancer. Because of this her doctors said her kids were at a higher risk. Thank you so much for your response! I'm really trying not to be paranoid but I'm having a hard time. 

                            Also, are baseline pics something I should do or something the doctors will do? 

                            • July 1, 2015 at 2:40 am
                            Steph001
                            Participant

                              I don't think they've changed but I'm not sure. They just seem irregular. I've not paid attention to them like I should, unfortunately. The only reason I had the first two checked was because my mom was diagnosed with uveal melanoma a year ago and her scans caught thyroid cancer. Because of this her doctors said her kids were at a higher risk. Thank you so much for your response! I'm really trying not to be paranoid but I'm having a hard time. 

                              Also, are baseline pics something I should do or something the doctors will do? 

                            • July 1, 2015 at 1:58 am
                            Janner
                            Participant

                              Actually, no.  Less than 10% of the melanoma population EVER have more than one.  Have your other spots changed?  That's my #1 criteria for biopsies.  I have baseline pics and use those to decide whether something stays or goes.  (I've had 3 primaries).  Be vigilant, not paranoid.  It's hard at first to reconcile a diagnosis but your prognosis is good.  

                              • July 1, 2015 at 1:58 am
                              Janner
                              Participant

                                Actually, no.  Less than 10% of the melanoma population EVER have more than one.  Have your other spots changed?  That's my #1 criteria for biopsies.  I have baseline pics and use those to decide whether something stays or goes.  (I've had 3 primaries).  Be vigilant, not paranoid.  It's hard at first to reconcile a diagnosis but your prognosis is good.  

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