› Forums › General Melanoma Community › I think I might get diagnosed today…
- This topic has 36 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 9 months ago by
Janner.
- Post
-
- May 24, 2016 at 3:54 pm
I'm sitting at my computer, freaking out somewhat, as I have an appointment with a dermatologist in 4 hours where I'll find out my biopsy results.
Three weeks ago, my doctor (also a minor cosmetic surgeon) took out two small moles that he thought were "questionable" to send for further testing.
I wasn't too worried – I'd researched my 'ABCDE's', and these ones looked like two very dark small freckles – that's it, they certainly didn't fit any of the characteristics you're supposed to look for. The only reason my doctor even looked at them in the first place is I have tons of moles (50+?), and have never been checked, as I've never had any with any of the 'scary' characteristics. I thought I might as well ask, and even then he only looked at my arms where I have the most. So I was very surprised that he even thought they needed to come out.
In Canada, we can't make appointments with dermatologists – you need a doctor's referal. I cold called 8 dermatologists until I found one that had an opening that wasn't (no joke) four months away. Convinced a walk in clinic doctor to give me a referal (mine was on vacation). This was only at my paranoia of wanting a full body check. Lab results were not back at this point.
Five days ago my doctor phoned. He wanted to meet in person, and was proposing days. He's booked solid for three weeks and not taking appointments in general, so this is not good news. I meet with him tomorrow, but I convinced his office to share the lab resuts with the dermantologist who just by sheer coincidence I have booked for today.
As I type this, it doesn't look good – or they would have not bothered to even phone in the first place.
I could use some practical advice on what to ask, how to keep my head on, or any other wisdom you have. Please no power of prayer or positive thinking comments. Help? Thank you.
- Replies
-
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:26 pm
The best thing I can suggest is to ask for a copy of the pathology reports. Since we have no information up front, it's hard to give you questions to ask. But if you get a copy of the report, then you know ALL the characteristics and we can be of more help.
Please remember that it is possible to have atypical or dysplastic nevi (moles) that require extra margins. These aren't melanoma. It's possible that you have something like this that isn't melanoma at this time.
Good luck
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:26 pm
The best thing I can suggest is to ask for a copy of the pathology reports. Since we have no information up front, it's hard to give you questions to ask. But if you get a copy of the report, then you know ALL the characteristics and we can be of more help.
Please remember that it is possible to have atypical or dysplastic nevi (moles) that require extra margins. These aren't melanoma. It's possible that you have something like this that isn't melanoma at this time.
Good luck
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:26 pm
The best thing I can suggest is to ask for a copy of the pathology reports. Since we have no information up front, it's hard to give you questions to ask. But if you get a copy of the report, then you know ALL the characteristics and we can be of more help.
Please remember that it is possible to have atypical or dysplastic nevi (moles) that require extra margins. These aren't melanoma. It's possible that you have something like this that isn't melanoma at this time.
Good luck
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:32 pm
As Janner said, get a copy of the pathology results. If it is melanoma, there are some things I didn't think about the moment I got the phone call (my derm told me over the phone, not in person) and I was not expecting bad news: ask about the initial stage, ask them to go over the pathology report with you and explain what the terms mean.
When I got the call, all I remember was "Hello Jennifer, how are you doing? We have the results back and I am sorry to have to tell you it is melanoma". She talked for a while after that but it was all white noise to me, so I had to email her that night and ask all the staging and pathology questions that I didn't or couldn't listen to. And ask about surgery and what all that entails as well. Of course, once you have the pathology report, those on here well versed in pathology will be able to tell you what it means and what to expect from there.
All the best,
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:32 pm
As Janner said, get a copy of the pathology results. If it is melanoma, there are some things I didn't think about the moment I got the phone call (my derm told me over the phone, not in person) and I was not expecting bad news: ask about the initial stage, ask them to go over the pathology report with you and explain what the terms mean.
When I got the call, all I remember was "Hello Jennifer, how are you doing? We have the results back and I am sorry to have to tell you it is melanoma". She talked for a while after that but it was all white noise to me, so I had to email her that night and ask all the staging and pathology questions that I didn't or couldn't listen to. And ask about surgery and what all that entails as well. Of course, once you have the pathology report, those on here well versed in pathology will be able to tell you what it means and what to expect from there.
All the best,
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:32 pm
As Janner said, get a copy of the pathology results. If it is melanoma, there are some things I didn't think about the moment I got the phone call (my derm told me over the phone, not in person) and I was not expecting bad news: ask about the initial stage, ask them to go over the pathology report with you and explain what the terms mean.
When I got the call, all I remember was "Hello Jennifer, how are you doing? We have the results back and I am sorry to have to tell you it is melanoma". She talked for a while after that but it was all white noise to me, so I had to email her that night and ask all the staging and pathology questions that I didn't or couldn't listen to. And ask about surgery and what all that entails as well. Of course, once you have the pathology report, those on here well versed in pathology will be able to tell you what it means and what to expect from there.
All the best,
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Thank you both for your level-headed and timely replies. I don't know if it's worse to be horribly surprised like you were over the phone, or in my case, they phoned before holiday long weekend, so I've been brewing with the 'what if's' for 5 days now…
Asking for a copy of the report is on my 'to do' list. I'll post once I know more. These boards are so so so hellpful, but being Canadian it's a totally different system of how follow up care works. Yes, a huge releif is free health care (but you pay for medications), but we often have too few doctors, which can lead to months of being wait-listed for something like a CT scan…I'm the type that a lack of information sends me into a tail spin, but the more information I have leads to (at least) a sense of control over an 'action plan'.
It's also reassuring for people to post their stages. I'm so surprised by my initial google-ing how unlike 'other' cancers, the 'scary' stages of melanoma can be so asymptomatic! You naively think "if it's really bad, I'd know" – eg extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, etc…but this doesn't seem to be the case with melanoma which is why it's so easy to jump to concusions. I know I'm likely overreacting, but it seems like a stage 0 or 1 can feel the same as someone in stage 4 – is this true?
Other tips on what to ask? How was your news revealed? Did they give you a timeline of treatment? Survival prognosis (wow, is that a scary thing to even type!)?
-
- May 24, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Treatment discussions and all of that would come later. Since you wouldn't be fully staged until you've had a full body scan to check if there's anything happening on the inside, and a sentinel lymph node biopsy to check lymph nodes. BUT, those would only happen depending on what the initial biopsy results show. So, at this point, the biopsy report and initial staging is all you need to worry about. The rest may or may not come after. One step at a time. I totally know the feeling that having as much knowledge as possible makes you feel more in control, I am exactly the same way.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Treatment discussions and all of that would come later. Since you wouldn't be fully staged until you've had a full body scan to check if there's anything happening on the inside, and a sentinel lymph node biopsy to check lymph nodes. BUT, those would only happen depending on what the initial biopsy results show. So, at this point, the biopsy report and initial staging is all you need to worry about. The rest may or may not come after. One step at a time. I totally know the feeling that having as much knowledge as possible makes you feel more in control, I am exactly the same way.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Treatment discussions and all of that would come later. Since you wouldn't be fully staged until you've had a full body scan to check if there's anything happening on the inside, and a sentinel lymph node biopsy to check lymph nodes. BUT, those would only happen depending on what the initial biopsy results show. So, at this point, the biopsy report and initial staging is all you need to worry about. The rest may or may not come after. One step at a time. I totally know the feeling that having as much knowledge as possible makes you feel more in control, I am exactly the same way.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Thank you both for your level-headed and timely replies. I don't know if it's worse to be horribly surprised like you were over the phone, or in my case, they phoned before holiday long weekend, so I've been brewing with the 'what if's' for 5 days now…
Asking for a copy of the report is on my 'to do' list. I'll post once I know more. These boards are so so so hellpful, but being Canadian it's a totally different system of how follow up care works. Yes, a huge releif is free health care (but you pay for medications), but we often have too few doctors, which can lead to months of being wait-listed for something like a CT scan…I'm the type that a lack of information sends me into a tail spin, but the more information I have leads to (at least) a sense of control over an 'action plan'.
It's also reassuring for people to post their stages. I'm so surprised by my initial google-ing how unlike 'other' cancers, the 'scary' stages of melanoma can be so asymptomatic! You naively think "if it's really bad, I'd know" – eg extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, etc…but this doesn't seem to be the case with melanoma which is why it's so easy to jump to concusions. I know I'm likely overreacting, but it seems like a stage 0 or 1 can feel the same as someone in stage 4 – is this true?
Other tips on what to ask? How was your news revealed? Did they give you a timeline of treatment? Survival prognosis (wow, is that a scary thing to even type!)?
-
- May 24, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Thank you both for your level-headed and timely replies. I don't know if it's worse to be horribly surprised like you were over the phone, or in my case, they phoned before holiday long weekend, so I've been brewing with the 'what if's' for 5 days now…
Asking for a copy of the report is on my 'to do' list. I'll post once I know more. These boards are so so so hellpful, but being Canadian it's a totally different system of how follow up care works. Yes, a huge releif is free health care (but you pay for medications), but we often have too few doctors, which can lead to months of being wait-listed for something like a CT scan…I'm the type that a lack of information sends me into a tail spin, but the more information I have leads to (at least) a sense of control over an 'action plan'.
It's also reassuring for people to post their stages. I'm so surprised by my initial google-ing how unlike 'other' cancers, the 'scary' stages of melanoma can be so asymptomatic! You naively think "if it's really bad, I'd know" – eg extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, etc…but this doesn't seem to be the case with melanoma which is why it's so easy to jump to concusions. I know I'm likely overreacting, but it seems like a stage 0 or 1 can feel the same as someone in stage 4 – is this true?
Other tips on what to ask? How was your news revealed? Did they give you a timeline of treatment? Survival prognosis (wow, is that a scary thing to even type!)?
-
- May 24, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Ok. Deep breath. Here's hoping it's a stage I at most, and they aren't even ordering further exams.
Leaving now – wlll keep you posted.
Boy, have I developed some serious emapthy for what you all went through – and I'm only scratching the surface of those experiences.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Ok. Deep breath. Here's hoping it's a stage I at most, and they aren't even ordering further exams.
Leaving now – wlll keep you posted.
Boy, have I developed some serious emapthy for what you all went through – and I'm only scratching the surface of those experiences.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Ok. Deep breath. Here's hoping it's a stage I at most, and they aren't even ordering further exams.
Leaving now – wlll keep you posted.
Boy, have I developed some serious emapthy for what you all went through – and I'm only scratching the surface of those experiences.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 9:41 pm
Great news!!! "You do not have melanoma."
Nearly cried. Why on earth would they make me wait 6 days to tell me?!?
BUT – as you advised, I did get a copy of the pathology report.
For both moles that were removed:
"Dysplastic junctiomal melanocytic nevus, mildly atypical, excised."
How the dermatologist explained it – they had potential to become something, and the cells are "atypical", but they got it all. Continue to self monitor, and if my doc feels like it, come back for another mole check in a year.
How would you explain it? This seemed too simplistic…
ALSO:
He did dermascope a few moles, but does not do mole mapping ("too time consuming with too many unreliable results"). My full body scan involved me in my bra, panties, and a paper gown that opened at the back…so he never checked the moles on my breasts or abdomen? All in all, in and out in about 5 mins…
I see my regular doc tomorrow. Further follow up advice?
Thanks so much for your answers this morning. Best wishes to all on full recoveries. You are generous with your time to help others.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 9:50 pm
I am always happy to hear good news and no melanoma diagnosis for someone, yay!
It's very annoying they felt the need to have you come in and wait for such a minor result, but some doctors are like that.
My derm doesn't do mole mapping either… well, maybe if I asked.. but it's really good to keep track of your moles yourself. Anything that looks weird, take a picture, compare in a month and a month after that, if something begins to change, get it checked out and biopsied. A dermascope is a great tool that all derms should have, really helps them better see what's going on with a mole and whether it looks like something that needs to be biopsied.
I recommend taking your bra off next time and if he doesn't look under your underwear.. which I realize both things are kinda awkward.. just keep an eye down there yourself as much as you can. My derm is a woman, so I feel a little less awkward with her very thorough checks… she checks everywhere.. literally.
Basically, you have to be on top of your skin more than a doctor. You see your skin every day, some spots are not as easy to see, if you have a loved one or significant other that can examine those places for you once a month or so then that's great. Watch for change, that's the best thing you can do. Keep your skin protected while you're outdoors. And hopefully you'll never have to deal with any kind of skin cancer.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 9:50 pm
I am always happy to hear good news and no melanoma diagnosis for someone, yay!
It's very annoying they felt the need to have you come in and wait for such a minor result, but some doctors are like that.
My derm doesn't do mole mapping either… well, maybe if I asked.. but it's really good to keep track of your moles yourself. Anything that looks weird, take a picture, compare in a month and a month after that, if something begins to change, get it checked out and biopsied. A dermascope is a great tool that all derms should have, really helps them better see what's going on with a mole and whether it looks like something that needs to be biopsied.
I recommend taking your bra off next time and if he doesn't look under your underwear.. which I realize both things are kinda awkward.. just keep an eye down there yourself as much as you can. My derm is a woman, so I feel a little less awkward with her very thorough checks… she checks everywhere.. literally.
Basically, you have to be on top of your skin more than a doctor. You see your skin every day, some spots are not as easy to see, if you have a loved one or significant other that can examine those places for you once a month or so then that's great. Watch for change, that's the best thing you can do. Keep your skin protected while you're outdoors. And hopefully you'll never have to deal with any kind of skin cancer.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 9:50 pm
I am always happy to hear good news and no melanoma diagnosis for someone, yay!
It's very annoying they felt the need to have you come in and wait for such a minor result, but some doctors are like that.
My derm doesn't do mole mapping either… well, maybe if I asked.. but it's really good to keep track of your moles yourself. Anything that looks weird, take a picture, compare in a month and a month after that, if something begins to change, get it checked out and biopsied. A dermascope is a great tool that all derms should have, really helps them better see what's going on with a mole and whether it looks like something that needs to be biopsied.
I recommend taking your bra off next time and if he doesn't look under your underwear.. which I realize both things are kinda awkward.. just keep an eye down there yourself as much as you can. My derm is a woman, so I feel a little less awkward with her very thorough checks… she checks everywhere.. literally.
Basically, you have to be on top of your skin more than a doctor. You see your skin every day, some spots are not as easy to see, if you have a loved one or significant other that can examine those places for you once a month or so then that's great. Watch for change, that's the best thing you can do. Keep your skin protected while you're outdoors. And hopefully you'll never have to deal with any kind of skin cancer.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 11:58 pm
The likelihood that a mildly dysplastic Nevus would ever become melanoma is not high. If it were severely atypical, yes. But mildly atypical is basically totally benign. Watch for change, take pics yourself if something seems a little more concerning. Don't rely on your doc to find change, do it yourself.
good news!
-
- May 24, 2016 at 11:58 pm
The likelihood that a mildly dysplastic Nevus would ever become melanoma is not high. If it were severely atypical, yes. But mildly atypical is basically totally benign. Watch for change, take pics yourself if something seems a little more concerning. Don't rely on your doc to find change, do it yourself.
good news!
-
- May 24, 2016 at 11:58 pm
The likelihood that a mildly dysplastic Nevus would ever become melanoma is not high. If it were severely atypical, yes. But mildly atypical is basically totally benign. Watch for change, take pics yourself if something seems a little more concerning. Don't rely on your doc to find change, do it yourself.
good news!
-
- May 24, 2016 at 9:41 pm
Great news!!! "You do not have melanoma."
Nearly cried. Why on earth would they make me wait 6 days to tell me?!?
BUT – as you advised, I did get a copy of the pathology report.
For both moles that were removed:
"Dysplastic junctiomal melanocytic nevus, mildly atypical, excised."
How the dermatologist explained it – they had potential to become something, and the cells are "atypical", but they got it all. Continue to self monitor, and if my doc feels like it, come back for another mole check in a year.
How would you explain it? This seemed too simplistic…
ALSO:
He did dermascope a few moles, but does not do mole mapping ("too time consuming with too many unreliable results"). My full body scan involved me in my bra, panties, and a paper gown that opened at the back…so he never checked the moles on my breasts or abdomen? All in all, in and out in about 5 mins…
I see my regular doc tomorrow. Further follow up advice?
Thanks so much for your answers this morning. Best wishes to all on full recoveries. You are generous with your time to help others.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 9:41 pm
Great news!!! "You do not have melanoma."
Nearly cried. Why on earth would they make me wait 6 days to tell me?!?
BUT – as you advised, I did get a copy of the pathology report.
For both moles that were removed:
"Dysplastic junctiomal melanocytic nevus, mildly atypical, excised."
How the dermatologist explained it – they had potential to become something, and the cells are "atypical", but they got it all. Continue to self monitor, and if my doc feels like it, come back for another mole check in a year.
How would you explain it? This seemed too simplistic…
ALSO:
He did dermascope a few moles, but does not do mole mapping ("too time consuming with too many unreliable results"). My full body scan involved me in my bra, panties, and a paper gown that opened at the back…so he never checked the moles on my breasts or abdomen? All in all, in and out in about 5 mins…
I see my regular doc tomorrow. Further follow up advice?
Thanks so much for your answers this morning. Best wishes to all on full recoveries. You are generous with your time to help others.
-
- May 24, 2016 at 10:16 pm
Thanks Jenn!
Have a 6 week holiday to Tuscany this summer already booked…so I know I'll need to be diligent with the sunscreen, and try to avoid pool at peak sun hours. Can't exacly avoid the sun, as it's mostly a winery tour vacation…
BUT – good reminders to be vigilnant, and CHANGES are the key things to look for.
I think I am still a bit freaked out that it was freckle sized spots with none of the 'ABCDE', which makes me more paranoid about all my 50+ moles…but if paranoia=early detection, I can live with that!
-
- May 24, 2016 at 10:16 pm
Thanks Jenn!
Have a 6 week holiday to Tuscany this summer already booked…so I know I'll need to be diligent with the sunscreen, and try to avoid pool at peak sun hours. Can't exacly avoid the sun, as it's mostly a winery tour vacation…
BUT – good reminders to be vigilnant, and CHANGES are the key things to look for.
I think I am still a bit freaked out that it was freckle sized spots with none of the 'ABCDE', which makes me more paranoid about all my 50+ moles…but if paranoia=early detection, I can live with that!
-
- May 24, 2016 at 10:16 pm
Thanks Jenn!
Have a 6 week holiday to Tuscany this summer already booked…so I know I'll need to be diligent with the sunscreen, and try to avoid pool at peak sun hours. Can't exacly avoid the sun, as it's mostly a winery tour vacation…
BUT – good reminders to be vigilnant, and CHANGES are the key things to look for.
I think I am still a bit freaked out that it was freckle sized spots with none of the 'ABCDE', which makes me more paranoid about all my 50+ moles…but if paranoia=early detection, I can live with that!
-
- May 26, 2016 at 12:08 am
Argh! Just got back from a ollow up wih my family doc. He's more atuned to skin issues, as his primary practice is minor cosmetic surgery (botox, hair transplants, moles etc).
He did confirm everything the dermatologist said, BUT – he disagreed about the 'wait a year, and see me again if you think it's necessary' approach the derm took.
Instead, he wants to remove (biopsy) 3 more moles within the next three months, and have me mole map myself now and 6 months from now for a follow up appointment.
His words: "Although the dermatologist said there is a 66% risk of atypical moles becoming cancerous, that's not a margin I'm comfortable with". Basically, expect to see him semi-regulary for removals/biopsies.
I know I should be VERY greatful, but irrationally I'm frustrated and sad that this isn't something that I'm "over", but something I'll have to monitor and worry about forever. Sucks, and I know it doesn't even suck that badly for me!
Thanks again for your patience. It's very comforting to know here's a place I can come to with any questions.
-
- May 26, 2016 at 12:08 am
Argh! Just got back from a ollow up wih my family doc. He's more atuned to skin issues, as his primary practice is minor cosmetic surgery (botox, hair transplants, moles etc).
He did confirm everything the dermatologist said, BUT – he disagreed about the 'wait a year, and see me again if you think it's necessary' approach the derm took.
Instead, he wants to remove (biopsy) 3 more moles within the next three months, and have me mole map myself now and 6 months from now for a follow up appointment.
His words: "Although the dermatologist said there is a 66% risk of atypical moles becoming cancerous, that's not a margin I'm comfortable with". Basically, expect to see him semi-regulary for removals/biopsies.
I know I should be VERY greatful, but irrationally I'm frustrated and sad that this isn't something that I'm "over", but something I'll have to monitor and worry about forever. Sucks, and I know it doesn't even suck that badly for me!
Thanks again for your patience. It's very comforting to know here's a place I can come to with any questions.
-
- May 26, 2016 at 1:37 am
Honestly, 1 mildly atypical mole does not make you high risk, and the 66% figure is something I've NEVER heard and I've been around a LONG time. Maybe severely atypical, but NOT MILD. MILD is NOTHING in the scheme of things – not remotely likely to become melanoma.
Do the mole mapping. Do a followup. I, personally, would not do the biopsies if you know those moles have been stable. If they've changed, off with them. Honestly, YOU drive this, not your doc. If all your moles are stable (get a baseline set of pics for yourself – you can take them) then there is no reason to have anything removed. That's how I live and I've had 3 melanoma primaries over the last 24 years. Stable – stays. Changes – goes. My derm doesn't tell me what he wants to biopsy, we talk about if I have any concerns and if something has changed. I call the shots. I found my three primaries, not my derms. If YOU take control of your skin, then this is not something you have to get over or get frustrated by. You just take care of business – same as you would do a breast self check monthly. It's always good to have yearly checks but honestly, I think your derm was a bit more practical than your GP is in terms of risk. However, I will ALWAYS suggest everyone have some type of baseline photos so you have something for comparison later. If that means seeing your GP instead of doing them yourself, fine. Get the photos. Then call the shots on what YOU feel comfortable with.
-
- May 26, 2016 at 1:37 am
Honestly, 1 mildly atypical mole does not make you high risk, and the 66% figure is something I've NEVER heard and I've been around a LONG time. Maybe severely atypical, but NOT MILD. MILD is NOTHING in the scheme of things – not remotely likely to become melanoma.
Do the mole mapping. Do a followup. I, personally, would not do the biopsies if you know those moles have been stable. If they've changed, off with them. Honestly, YOU drive this, not your doc. If all your moles are stable (get a baseline set of pics for yourself – you can take them) then there is no reason to have anything removed. That's how I live and I've had 3 melanoma primaries over the last 24 years. Stable – stays. Changes – goes. My derm doesn't tell me what he wants to biopsy, we talk about if I have any concerns and if something has changed. I call the shots. I found my three primaries, not my derms. If YOU take control of your skin, then this is not something you have to get over or get frustrated by. You just take care of business – same as you would do a breast self check monthly. It's always good to have yearly checks but honestly, I think your derm was a bit more practical than your GP is in terms of risk. However, I will ALWAYS suggest everyone have some type of baseline photos so you have something for comparison later. If that means seeing your GP instead of doing them yourself, fine. Get the photos. Then call the shots on what YOU feel comfortable with.
-
- May 26, 2016 at 1:37 am
Honestly, 1 mildly atypical mole does not make you high risk, and the 66% figure is something I've NEVER heard and I've been around a LONG time. Maybe severely atypical, but NOT MILD. MILD is NOTHING in the scheme of things – not remotely likely to become melanoma.
Do the mole mapping. Do a followup. I, personally, would not do the biopsies if you know those moles have been stable. If they've changed, off with them. Honestly, YOU drive this, not your doc. If all your moles are stable (get a baseline set of pics for yourself – you can take them) then there is no reason to have anything removed. That's how I live and I've had 3 melanoma primaries over the last 24 years. Stable – stays. Changes – goes. My derm doesn't tell me what he wants to biopsy, we talk about if I have any concerns and if something has changed. I call the shots. I found my three primaries, not my derms. If YOU take control of your skin, then this is not something you have to get over or get frustrated by. You just take care of business – same as you would do a breast self check monthly. It's always good to have yearly checks but honestly, I think your derm was a bit more practical than your GP is in terms of risk. However, I will ALWAYS suggest everyone have some type of baseline photos so you have something for comparison later. If that means seeing your GP instead of doing them yourself, fine. Get the photos. Then call the shots on what YOU feel comfortable with.
-
- May 26, 2016 at 12:08 am
Argh! Just got back from a ollow up wih my family doc. He's more atuned to skin issues, as his primary practice is minor cosmetic surgery (botox, hair transplants, moles etc).
He did confirm everything the dermatologist said, BUT – he disagreed about the 'wait a year, and see me again if you think it's necessary' approach the derm took.
Instead, he wants to remove (biopsy) 3 more moles within the next three months, and have me mole map myself now and 6 months from now for a follow up appointment.
His words: "Although the dermatologist said there is a 66% risk of atypical moles becoming cancerous, that's not a margin I'm comfortable with". Basically, expect to see him semi-regulary for removals/biopsies.
I know I should be VERY greatful, but irrationally I'm frustrated and sad that this isn't something that I'm "over", but something I'll have to monitor and worry about forever. Sucks, and I know it doesn't even suck that badly for me!
Thanks again for your patience. It's very comforting to know here's a place I can come to with any questions.
-
Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.