Trying to understand?

Hi,

I had a 0.35 mm melanoma removed last year and so like you am a stage 1er. As your dermatologist said, it is a good place to be, although, after the shock of a cancer diagnosis it may not feel like it is – I know it did not feel like that to me at first. On survival statisticsm  you need to remember that are just a historical study of a particular group and while they can give you an indication of the seriousness of the diagnosis there are many factors involved and so are not necessarily directly applicable to you; for instance our lesions were caught while they were very thin. I would not get too hung up about statistics. I know that is easier said than done.

Going forward it is important to be vigilant. I had differing advice on how I should follow up; the minimal being an annual dermatological check-up. I’ve been more proactive and see a melanoma specialist every six months (three months in first year) and have had my skin photographed to help identify changes in moles. This works for me but everyone is different and you should do whatever makes you most sense for you.

Take care,

Robert

Hi,

I had a 0.35 mm melanoma removed last year and so like you am a stage 1er. As your dermatologist said, it is a good place to be, although, after the shock of a cancer diagnosis it may not feel like it is – I know it did not feel like that to me at first. On survival statisticsm  you need to remember that are just a historical study of a particular group and while they can give you an indication of the seriousness of the diagnosis there are many factors involved and so are not necessarily directly applicable to you; for instance our lesions were caught while they were very thin. I would not get too hung up about statistics. I know that is easier said than done.

Going forward it is important to be vigilant. I had differing advice on how I should follow up; the minimal being an annual dermatological check-up. I’ve been more proactive and see a melanoma specialist every six months (three months in first year) and have had my skin photographed to help identify changes in moles. This works for me but everyone is different and you should do whatever makes you most sense for you.

Take care,

Robert

Hi,

I had a 0.35 mm melanoma removed last year and so like you am a stage 1er. As your dermatologist said, it is a good place to be, although, after the shock of a cancer diagnosis it may not feel like it is – I know it did not feel like that to me at first. On survival statisticsm  you need to remember that are just a historical study of a particular group and while they can give you an indication of the seriousness of the diagnosis there are many factors involved and so are not necessarily directly applicable to you; for instance our lesions were caught while they were very thin. I would not get too hung up about statistics. I know that is easier said than done.

Going forward it is important to be vigilant. I had differing advice on how I should follow up; the minimal being an annual dermatological check-up. I’ve been more proactive and see a melanoma specialist every six months (three months in first year) and have had my skin photographed to help identify changes in moles. This works for me but everyone is different and you should do whatever makes you most sense for you.

Take care,

Robert

Statistics project outcomes for groups, not individuals. You are an individual.

No, you do not need to see an oncologist, and no, you will not just 'wait around for it to come back' There are a lot of proven ways to increase your odds against cancer and heart disease.

See your family doctor for a yearly physical

See your dermatologist for regular skin checks. Biopsy suspicious spots if they change or you feel they need to be removed.

Don't smoke.

Exercise moderately

Eat a lot of fresh, colorful vegetables,

Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Avoid sun damage.

You might also try:

vitamin D supplementation and turmeric supplements. And if you are into it, there are  a thousand anti cancer diets out there.

I'd also recommend, laughter, taking up a hobby (if you don't already have one) that includes music, art..some way to express your inner artist and fill your life with joy. Joy kills sorrow. raises endorphins, and empowers the immune system.

Don't get caught up in those statistics. Then mean nothing really, in terms of you live your life and face your disease. Screw statistics.

dian

Statistics project outcomes for groups, not individuals. You are an individual.

No, you do not need to see an oncologist, and no, you will not just 'wait around for it to come back' There are a lot of proven ways to increase your odds against cancer and heart disease.

See your family doctor for a yearly physical

See your dermatologist for regular skin checks. Biopsy suspicious spots if they change or you feel they need to be removed.

Don't smoke.

Exercise moderately

Eat a lot of fresh, colorful vegetables,

Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Avoid sun damage.

You might also try:

vitamin D supplementation and turmeric supplements. And if you are into it, there are  a thousand anti cancer diets out there.

I'd also recommend, laughter, taking up a hobby (if you don't already have one) that includes music, art..some way to express your inner artist and fill your life with joy. Joy kills sorrow. raises endorphins, and empowers the immune system.

Don't get caught up in those statistics. Then mean nothing really, in terms of you live your life and face your disease. Screw statistics.

dian

Statistics project outcomes for groups, not individuals. You are an individual.

No, you do not need to see an oncologist, and no, you will not just 'wait around for it to come back' There are a lot of proven ways to increase your odds against cancer and heart disease.

See your family doctor for a yearly physical

See your dermatologist for regular skin checks. Biopsy suspicious spots if they change or you feel they need to be removed.

Don't smoke.

Exercise moderately

Eat a lot of fresh, colorful vegetables,

Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Avoid sun damage.

You might also try:

vitamin D supplementation and turmeric supplements. And if you are into it, there are  a thousand anti cancer diets out there.

I'd also recommend, laughter, taking up a hobby (if you don't already have one) that includes music, art..some way to express your inner artist and fill your life with joy. Joy kills sorrow. raises endorphins, and empowers the immune system.

Don't get caught up in those statistics. Then mean nothing really, in terms of you live your life and face your disease. Screw statistics.

dian