In April 1992, I was diagnosed with a .58mm lesion. (Stage IB under today's staging system). Pre-internet days and no books on melanoma at my library. It was incredibly difficult to find anything in print, and what was written was incredibly negative. Mostly geared toward higher stages and low survival rates. The internet and sites like this have become an incredible tool if you don't let them freak you out. 19 years later (and with 2 more primaries in 2000 and 2001), I'm still stage IB.
In April 1992, I was diagnosed with a .58mm lesion. (Stage IB under today's staging system). Pre-internet days and no books on melanoma at my library. It was incredibly difficult to find anything in print, and what was written was incredibly negative. Mostly geared toward higher stages and low survival rates. The internet and sites like this have become an incredible tool if you don't let them freak you out. 19 years later (and with 2 more primaries in 2000 and 2001), I'm still stage IB.
This place can be scary for the newly diagnosed – especially those who are early stage. Most stage 0 or 1's move on and don't stay to post here as their anxiety wanes. So I'm posting as one of those long time stage I people who is still stage I after MANY years. Heck, it's hard to remember my life without melanoma.
Best wishes to all,
Janner
1992 – ..58mm, Clark Level II, 1 mitosis
2000 – in situ
2001 – .88mm, Clark Level III, 1 mitosis
Tested positive for melanoma genetic defect, CDKN2A
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