Fresh off the Melanoma Truck.
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Fresh off the Melanoma Truck.

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  • Post
    • July 1, 2015 at 1:00 am
    Steph001
    Participant

    I have been recently diagnosed with superficial spreading melanoma. I had a mole on the back of my arm that my husband thought looked "funny". I also had a black, irregular mole on my temple so I figured I'd get them checked out. The mole on my temple was atypical and the one on my arm was melanoma. It's a Clark level II and the Breslow depth is .47. I see the doctor next week to have the tissue around the biopsy removed. 

    I am now super paranoid and there are about 5 other "spots" that I've found that I'm concerned about. Is it common to have more than one primary melanoma at once? I feel like I'm being a crazy person! 

Viewing 2 reply threads
  • Replies
      • July 1, 2015 at 1:58 am
      Janner
      Participant

      Actually, no.  Less than 10% of the melanoma population EVER have more than one.  Have your other spots changed?  That's my #1 criteria for biopsies.  I have baseline pics and use those to decide whether something stays or goes.  (I've had 3 primaries).  Be vigilant, not paranoid.  It's hard at first to reconcile a diagnosis but your prognosis is good.  

        • July 1, 2015 at 2:40 am
        Steph001
        Participant

        I don't think they've changed but I'm not sure. They just seem irregular. I've not paid attention to them like I should, unfortunately. The only reason I had the first two checked was because my mom was diagnosed with uveal melanoma a year ago and her scans caught thyroid cancer. Because of this her doctors said her kids were at a higher risk. Thank you so much for your response! I'm really trying not to be paranoid but I'm having a hard time. 

        Also, are baseline pics something I should do or something the doctors will do? 

        • July 1, 2015 at 3:10 am
        Janner
        Participant

        Either.  Some docs use them, some don't.  But for me, they are the most important "independent eye" I can have and keep my imagination in check.  I only biopsy things that change and the pics keep things honest when lots of things have a little bit of a funky look.  Ask your derm, and if he can't help, do your own.

        • July 1, 2015 at 3:22 am
        Steph001
        Participant

        I will definitely do that. Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you're sharing your knowledge! 

        • July 1, 2015 at 3:22 am
        Steph001
        Participant

        I will definitely do that. Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you're sharing your knowledge! 

        • July 1, 2015 at 3:22 am
        Steph001
        Participant

        I will definitely do that. Thank you so much, I really appreciate that you're sharing your knowledge! 

        • July 1, 2015 at 3:10 am
        Janner
        Participant

        Either.  Some docs use them, some don't.  But for me, they are the most important "independent eye" I can have and keep my imagination in check.  I only biopsy things that change and the pics keep things honest when lots of things have a little bit of a funky look.  Ask your derm, and if he can't help, do your own.

        • July 1, 2015 at 3:10 am
        Janner
        Participant

        Either.  Some docs use them, some don't.  But for me, they are the most important "independent eye" I can have and keep my imagination in check.  I only biopsy things that change and the pics keep things honest when lots of things have a little bit of a funky look.  Ask your derm, and if he can't help, do your own.

        • July 1, 2015 at 2:40 am
        Steph001
        Participant

        I don't think they've changed but I'm not sure. They just seem irregular. I've not paid attention to them like I should, unfortunately. The only reason I had the first two checked was because my mom was diagnosed with uveal melanoma a year ago and her scans caught thyroid cancer. Because of this her doctors said her kids were at a higher risk. Thank you so much for your response! I'm really trying not to be paranoid but I'm having a hard time. 

        Also, are baseline pics something I should do or something the doctors will do? 

        • July 1, 2015 at 2:40 am
        Steph001
        Participant

        I don't think they've changed but I'm not sure. They just seem irregular. I've not paid attention to them like I should, unfortunately. The only reason I had the first two checked was because my mom was diagnosed with uveal melanoma a year ago and her scans caught thyroid cancer. Because of this her doctors said her kids were at a higher risk. Thank you so much for your response! I'm really trying not to be paranoid but I'm having a hard time. 

        Also, are baseline pics something I should do or something the doctors will do? 

      • July 1, 2015 at 1:58 am
      Janner
      Participant

      Actually, no.  Less than 10% of the melanoma population EVER have more than one.  Have your other spots changed?  That's my #1 criteria for biopsies.  I have baseline pics and use those to decide whether something stays or goes.  (I've had 3 primaries).  Be vigilant, not paranoid.  It's hard at first to reconcile a diagnosis but your prognosis is good.  

      • July 1, 2015 at 1:58 am
      Janner
      Participant

      Actually, no.  Less than 10% of the melanoma population EVER have more than one.  Have your other spots changed?  That's my #1 criteria for biopsies.  I have baseline pics and use those to decide whether something stays or goes.  (I've had 3 primaries).  Be vigilant, not paranoid.  It's hard at first to reconcile a diagnosis but your prognosis is good.  

Viewing 2 reply threads

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