Hi from Seattle — Recently treated for both melanoma (amelanotic) AND thyroid cancer
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Hi from Seattle — Recently treated for both melanoma (amelanotic) AND thyroid cancer

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Hi from Seattle — Recently treated for both melanoma (amelanotic) AND thyroid cancer

  • Post
    • January 3, 2019 at 5:02 am
    DommySonofMommy
    Participant

    Hi all, my story is in my profile, but in short, though they were diagnosed and treated a year apart, I had thyroid cancer AND melanoma at the same time.  What's more surprising than that (to me at least), is that I have never tanned or sunbathed, and am young (36 at the time).  My pathology report was: .9mm, non-ulcerated, Clark's level III/IV, mitotic rate 2.

    My melanoma was pink, and as a result was missed the first time I had it checked out.

    The staging of T1b remained so after my WLE and SNB came back clear (T1bN0M0).

    This all happened just two months ago, basically a year to the date of my thyoidectomy. Sheesh.  I have two young children, and this hasn't been easy emotionally and it has been tough for us all.

    I try to not think about it honestly, though someone recently asked if I was waiting for the other shoe to drop (on a bad day, yes).

    My surgeon was concerned about the mitotic rate and had me see an oncologist to establish yearly visits.  She told me to be on the lookout for bumps in the hotpsot (torso).

    I'd love to hear from others in the PNW — there is no support that I can find for this part of the country.

    And how worrisome is the mitotic rate of 2?  I have read didfferent things online.

Viewing 1 reply thread
  • Replies
      • January 3, 2019 at 10:32 pm
      MMH
      Participant

      Hello to you! I don't have much in the way of knowledge to contribute, just support. I had a .6mm removed in August and understand your stress.  Mine was also unusual looking, almost like a bug bite.  My dermatologist said not to worry, then reluctantly removed it and it was a spitzoid melanoma. I am a 45 year old female with two children, and right now I wait anxiously for lymph node enlargement. Many of us can relate to your anxiety, but please try to be kind to yourself and trust in your doctors. FInd the one that is right for you and that listens to your concerns and is available to REALLY explain things to you. Knowledge is power, and the doctor is the right place to find it.  This site is a great source of knowledge too, and I often take what I learn here and discuss it with my doctor.  For instance, some people in our situation have arranged to have ultrasounds of surrounding lymph nodes to monitor for enlargement.  Keep asking questions, and keep advocating for yourself.  All the best to you.  

        • January 3, 2019 at 10:35 pm
        MMH
        Participant

        And of by the way….I am not from Seattle, but had literally just landed in Seattle for my first visit when I got the dreaded call from Johns Hopkins Dermatology.  I hope my next visit will be better!  

        • January 4, 2019 at 3:53 am
        DommySonofMommy
        Participant

        Thanks so much…I did not know one could arrange to have lymph node monitoring…

        I'm a Baltimore native, by the way!

         

        Take care.

      • January 3, 2019 at 10:38 pm
      SABKLYN
      Participant

      Hi – I think the most important factors revolve around the initial pathology and the results of your WLE and SNB.  All things considered, those results are really good.  There's a very high probability you will not have to deal with this again.  It's a bummer and an anxiety heightener to hve those two come so close to one another, so I totally get the beleaguered feeling. The regular check-ups will ensure someone is staying on top of it and as time passes, so too will the higher level of anxiety.  Good luck!

Viewing 1 reply thread
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
About the MRF Patient Forum

The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

Popular Topics