Diagnosed with Melanoma in situ
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Diagnosed with Melanoma in situ

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Diagnosed with Melanoma in situ

  • Post
    • July 2, 2016 at 2:30 pm
    CourtneyDMiller
    Participant
    Hello,

    Ever since I heard my diagnosis had the word melanoma in it, i havent been able to resume normal life. I feel so guilty because i should be extremely happy it the was cut it out and you are done kind, but i cant go a hour without thinking about it. I’m constantly checking myself for changes in moles/freckles and feeling for lymph nodes. I do have 3 papable nodes in my groin that i would guess are under a cm – I just had an aytypical mole cut off my buttock and leg, so I’m assuming that is why those are able to be felt. I also can feel one on the right side of my neck and two on the right. They are small as well, but they continue to freak me out. Two days ago i have also noticed that a mole on my arm has began to have a burning sensation. I am just constantly worries about everything. I want more moles/freckles taken off, but the doctors tell me that they are fine, and i should be done being cut on for a while. I had a full body check by my doctor as soon as we found out, and have already had all suspicious ones removed that she picked out. I have an appointment with a well trusted and liked dermatologist in my aera for a full body check again on 7/19. The thing im most concerned about is my lymph nodes.. what do you all think?

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  • Replies
      • July 2, 2016 at 3:14 pm
      DragonLadyRed
      Participant

      For the moles that you're concerned about and your doctor is not, photograph them. Then do it again in a month or two. If you see change, let your doctor know and have them biopsied. If they're not changing, they're fine. 

      Mention the lymph nodes to the doctor, but they're probably fine, too. It could just be a sign that your body is fighting off an illness, but it's worth having your doctor take a look.

      As for the anxiety you're feeling about this, it wouldn't hurt to see a professional about it. Melanoma is a scary word, but since yours was an in situ, the excision is all you needed. Odds are, you'll never have another brush with it again. Be diligent in your skin checks, but if you find that the anxiety is overwhelming (and it sounds like it is right now), a counselor may be able to help you find some coping mechanisms.

      • July 2, 2016 at 3:14 pm
      DragonLadyRed
      Participant

      For the moles that you're concerned about and your doctor is not, photograph them. Then do it again in a month or two. If you see change, let your doctor know and have them biopsied. If they're not changing, they're fine. 

      Mention the lymph nodes to the doctor, but they're probably fine, too. It could just be a sign that your body is fighting off an illness, but it's worth having your doctor take a look.

      As for the anxiety you're feeling about this, it wouldn't hurt to see a professional about it. Melanoma is a scary word, but since yours was an in situ, the excision is all you needed. Odds are, you'll never have another brush with it again. Be diligent in your skin checks, but if you find that the anxiety is overwhelming (and it sounds like it is right now), a counselor may be able to help you find some coping mechanisms.

      • July 2, 2016 at 3:14 pm
      DragonLadyRed
      Participant

      For the moles that you're concerned about and your doctor is not, photograph them. Then do it again in a month or two. If you see change, let your doctor know and have them biopsied. If they're not changing, they're fine. 

      Mention the lymph nodes to the doctor, but they're probably fine, too. It could just be a sign that your body is fighting off an illness, but it's worth having your doctor take a look.

      As for the anxiety you're feeling about this, it wouldn't hurt to see a professional about it. Melanoma is a scary word, but since yours was an in situ, the excision is all you needed. Odds are, you'll never have another brush with it again. Be diligent in your skin checks, but if you find that the anxiety is overwhelming (and it sounds like it is right now), a counselor may be able to help you find some coping mechanisms.

        • July 2, 2016 at 3:51 pm
        CourtneyDMiller
        Participant
        Thank you so much for your reply, awesome advise, and reassuring words. I 100% agree with you that I may be in need of a counsler. I am such a worrier and over thought things before this happend. I’ve been on anti depressants from battling post partum depression. If after i see the 2nd dermatologist and they too beleive everything is ok, and i still can’t kick my worries, i will definitely look into getting counseling. I just live in constant fear that there is another melanoma on me, but we just dont know it.
        • July 2, 2016 at 3:51 pm
        CourtneyDMiller
        Participant
        Thank you so much for your reply, awesome advise, and reassuring words. I 100% agree with you that I may be in need of a counsler. I am such a worrier and over thought things before this happend. I’ve been on anti depressants from battling post partum depression. If after i see the 2nd dermatologist and they too beleive everything is ok, and i still can’t kick my worries, i will definitely look into getting counseling. I just live in constant fear that there is another melanoma on me, but we just dont know it.
        • July 2, 2016 at 3:51 pm
        CourtneyDMiller
        Participant
        Thank you so much for your reply, awesome advise, and reassuring words. I 100% agree with you that I may be in need of a counsler. I am such a worrier and over thought things before this happend. I’ve been on anti depressants from battling post partum depression. If after i see the 2nd dermatologist and they too beleive everything is ok, and i still can’t kick my worries, i will definitely look into getting counseling. I just live in constant fear that there is another melanoma on me, but we just dont know it.
        • July 2, 2016 at 4:37 pm
        UriahPH
        Participant
        Luckily Melanoma in Situ isn’t Melanoma so that’s something to be happy about. Just watch for change, of everything is stable then do 3 month checks.
        • July 2, 2016 at 4:37 pm
        UriahPH
        Participant
        Luckily Melanoma in Situ isn’t Melanoma so that’s something to be happy about. Just watch for change, of everything is stable then do 3 month checks.
        • July 2, 2016 at 4:37 pm
        UriahPH
        Participant
        Luckily Melanoma in Situ isn’t Melanoma so that’s something to be happy about. Just watch for change, of everything is stable then do 3 month checks.
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