Hi Bron
I know exactly what you mean about people having no idea about Melanoma. I was 33 when I had one cut out in Feb, a mole on my back that the doctor told me not to bother with as it was fine. Luckily I insisted that he cut it out then and there and it turned out to be a 1mm, ulcerated, clarks level IV. I have since had a PET scan that was fine and an ultrasound. Have had 2 follow up visits with the surgeon (Toowoomba), who is also very relaxed about everything.
He has now said I only need follow up visits with a doctor. He told me to learn how to check my own lymph nodes for swelling. Now I just need to find a decent doctor who doesn't just say you'll be fine and is willing to do yearly scans. I have read alot of cases where it's years later and the cancer has returned, not on the skin but as tumors. It is so scary. I think it's important to have follow up PET scans, the sad thing is most doctors won't agree. And I got told by my surgeon it's because 'they are expensive'. I mean who really cares about expense, i sure don't! It was covered by medicare anyway.
From what I have researched the a good specialist in Brisbane is a Dr Smithers (maybe not spelt that way). Your daughter should try and get in with him. I was lucky the skin cancer clinic in Toowoomba sent him my pathology results when I was deciding whether to have a SNB done or not.
I guess the important thing for your daughter now is regular skin checks by a skin cancer clinic (not a doctor), and to find a good GP who will be thorough with follow up tests.
Kelly
