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Crazy to scan?
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Crazy to scan?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Crazy to scan?

  • Post
    • April 18, 2017 at 7:24 pm
    Alce123
    Participant
      I was diagnosed with 1a (.44mm, no ulceration, 0 mitotic figures) in 07/2016. I had a WLE and called it a day.

      My lesion happened to be found in the middle of stimulus for IVF (the embryo making part). We took the eggs out, fertiled them and froze them. It was recommended to wait a year before implanting. That 1 year mark is quickly approaching.

      I keep having vague symptoms and always link them to melanoma… back pain, headaches, constipation etc. Whatever the symptom the answer is always Mel. So, It causes me anxiety.

      My latest issue is discomfort/fullness in my upper right quadrant. There does seem to be something firm that is almost always in the location of discomfort. I have a longstanding history of constipation so… I think it’s probably poop. All the same, unless I know for sure, it’s going to drive me nuts.

      I’m worried that if I do get pregnant I’m going to be completely batty with anxiety. My doctor offered a CT (chest abdomen, pelvis) but said it was probably overkill.

      Would I be an even crazier person to take him up on this?

      Thanks!

      Alc

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    • Replies
        • April 18, 2017 at 8:23 pm
        MichelleRHG
        Participant
          Peace of mind is very important! You’d get no by me judgment if you got a scan. Anxiety is terrible and can cause all kinds of physical problems. Do it, relax after the hood results and get on with your life. Good luck with the IVF.
            • April 18, 2017 at 8:25 pm
            MichelleRHG
            Participant
              Well I had a ton of typos in there but you know what I mean 🙂
            • April 18, 2017 at 8:25 pm
            Julie in SoCal
            Participant

              Hi Alc,

              It's not crazy, but it's probably overkill.  

              However, after having a diagnosis of melanoma it's easy to think that every ache, pain and cough is melanoma returning.  This is normal and happens to everyone.  The question to ask yourself is if you didn't have a history of melanoma, would you think that the pain, ache, or cough it was melanoma, or something else?  

              All of this said, do what makes you comfortable.  If having the scan gives you a measure of peace you wouldn't have otherwise then go for it. 

              Wishing you all the best.

              Shalom,

              Julie

               

              • April 18, 2017 at 8:58 pm
              Alce123
              Participant
                Thanks for the responses! It’s really nice to hear from those who understand the fear. I’m glad to hear I don’t sound that crazy 🙂
                • April 19, 2017 at 12:37 am
                geriakt
                Participant

                  You can elect to have a full body CT and or PET, but at 1A it is doubtful your insurance will pay the bill. Get it appoved first or expect a bill for $10,000 to $20,000. The investment may be worth it since you are investing a lot for the IVF. 

                  Tom 

                  • April 20, 2017 at 7:34 am
                  raun cesar
                  Participant

                    It is normal that mind centrally link all the problems to melanoma. Stress free living is very important, considering pregnancy.

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