Hi folks,
Hi folks,
I am back to work as of 8/15 full time and feeling great. I just had a complete oncology checkup and dermatology visit also (just happened to be a week apart, usually I stagger each appt a bit further apart). Anyways, I had noticed a blue spot three weeks previous to my derm appt right below my knee on my right leg, where all the melanoma has been. It was removed in a punch biospy and was black below the skin line…I was quite dismayed as was my dermatologist as in this exact spot I have had two melanoma intransit mets removed several years ago and they looked just like this tissue sample. But on Monday, my first day of work, I got the following news. YOU ARE STILL A COMPLETE RESPONDER and here is the actual PATHOLOGY report….basically it was explained to me that my body's immune system is working to attack melanoma…thats the Ipi! I remain a complete responder!!
Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED
Pathology report:
A – There are numerous macrophages containing coarse melanin pigment
(melanophages) within the deep dermis and scar. These cells have the
histologic appearance of melanophages, strongly express CD68, and are
negative for MART-1. In this patient with known metastatic melanoma, the
findings are consistent with a regressed site of melanoma. Multiple
additional sections were examined and melanoma cells are not identified.
Prior biopsies SD09-26017 and SD10-14908 were correlated.
Interestingly, normal melanocytes are not identified in the epidermis on
MART-1 stain, and this result is duplicated on a repeat MART-1 stain. This
apparent absence of MART-1 staining normal melanocytes in the epidermis is
not understood. Possible explanations include regression of normal
melanocytes, a vitiligo-like response, and effect of prior radiation.
.
