› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Husband just diagnosed
- This topic has 66 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 7 months ago by
Bonnets.
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- April 10, 2012 at 11:29 pm
My husband went to the dermatologist in Oct. 2112 to have his "spots" checked. I had been concerned about one on his cheek for at least a year. Nothing was recommended at that time, (Oct). I had him return last month, at which time a biopsy was done. The results are: Malignant melanoma, spreading type, Breslow thickness at least !.MM, Clark Level IV, 3 mitoses, ulceration present, lymphoid infiltrate, present, non-brisk. Lesion extends to deep margin and a lateral margin of specimen.Ulceration is present.
My husband went to the dermatologist in Oct. 2112 to have his "spots" checked. I had been concerned about one on his cheek for at least a year. Nothing was recommended at that time, (Oct). I had him return last month, at which time a biopsy was done. The results are: Malignant melanoma, spreading type, Breslow thickness at least !.MM, Clark Level IV, 3 mitoses, ulceration present, lymphoid infiltrate, present, non-brisk. Lesion extends to deep margin and a lateral margin of specimen.Ulceration is present.
He is schedualed to have the lesion removed on the 20th, preceeded by a sentinal node biopsy, and with a possible neck node dissection.
Needless to say I am alternating between crying and being angry at the DR. who did nothing in Oct, and am wondering, if the nodes are envolved, what chance for treatment is presented. Also wondering if the partial excision for the biopsy will spread the cancer.
Hubby had a triple bi-pass 6 weeks ago,, and now this too. Went thru 6 years of chemo etc with my daughter who passed away of Breast Ca at the age of 33!
Any input is appreciated.
- Replies
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- April 11, 2012 at 12:01 am
I’m so sorry my heart goes out to you. I’ve cried a lot to sometimes the tears don’t stop. Pray God is near and he hears our cries. My daughter is 19 she said whatever God leads us to he will lead us through. Praying for u cause its is not a easy journey but know your not alone. -
- April 11, 2012 at 12:01 am
I’m so sorry my heart goes out to you. I’ve cried a lot to sometimes the tears don’t stop. Pray God is near and he hears our cries. My daughter is 19 she said whatever God leads us to he will lead us through. Praying for u cause its is not a easy journey but know your not alone. -
- April 11, 2012 at 12:01 am
I’m so sorry my heart goes out to you. I’ve cried a lot to sometimes the tears don’t stop. Pray God is near and he hears our cries. My daughter is 19 she said whatever God leads us to he will lead us through. Praying for u cause its is not a easy journey but know your not alone. -
- April 11, 2012 at 2:35 am
I am sorry to hear your news and understand your anxiety and fear. I know others will tell you this as well, but make sure your husband is seeing a melanoma specialist, they will know the best treatment options. This site is wonderful for support. Best wishes to you! Melissa
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- April 11, 2012 at 2:35 am
I am sorry to hear your news and understand your anxiety and fear. I know others will tell you this as well, but make sure your husband is seeing a melanoma specialist, they will know the best treatment options. This site is wonderful for support. Best wishes to you! Melissa
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- April 11, 2012 at 2:35 am
I am sorry to hear your news and understand your anxiety and fear. I know others will tell you this as well, but make sure your husband is seeing a melanoma specialist, they will know the best treatment options. This site is wonderful for support. Best wishes to you! Melissa
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- April 11, 2012 at 2:57 am
Hello, I'm was in very similar situation. My dermatologist sent me home happy in Jan 2010. Later that year I saw another dermatologist and he didn't like the mole in my head which turned out 9mm melanoma. Sentinal node biopsy found one 0.5mm spot so doctor at MSKCC recommended neck dissection (81 lymph nodes gone and all clear). I was fine for about a year and on first aniversary I found lump in left axilla. It was also removed and I was off the hook for few months. Scan in Jan '12 showed 4 spots on the liver and that's when all the fun started. I moved to Austin, TX so it was more convenient to do next treatment at MD Anderson. First 2 cycles of HD IL2 didn't work and tumors doubled up in 5-6 weeks like they were just fertilized. Now I'm starting Bio-Chemo treatment and will see how it goes.
Which doctors are you dealing with at Sloan?
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- April 11, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Treatment for Melanoma needs to be done at a comprehensive Melanoma Center like MSK…I go to Moffitt down here in Florida. Don't get discouraged. I am stage 4 and have NED for over 2 years and mine was in the lymph node pressing against my superior vena cava. Hoping for the best!- Lynn
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- April 11, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Treatment for Melanoma needs to be done at a comprehensive Melanoma Center like MSK…I go to Moffitt down here in Florida. Don't get discouraged. I am stage 4 and have NED for over 2 years and mine was in the lymph node pressing against my superior vena cava. Hoping for the best!- Lynn
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- April 11, 2012 at 1:35 pm
You are encouraging. When I asked what treatment there was if it were in the nodes , I was told none! WHere is MSK? I know Sloan Kettering has specialists. Will go there , even if they then refer us back here to do the treatments, rather than travel to the city. Local onc was from Sloan. You give me hope.
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- April 11, 2012 at 1:35 pm
You are encouraging. When I asked what treatment there was if it were in the nodes , I was told none! WHere is MSK? I know Sloan Kettering has specialists. Will go there , even if they then refer us back here to do the treatments, rather than travel to the city. Local onc was from Sloan. You give me hope.
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- April 11, 2012 at 1:35 pm
You are encouraging. When I asked what treatment there was if it were in the nodes , I was told none! WHere is MSK? I know Sloan Kettering has specialists. Will go there , even if they then refer us back here to do the treatments, rather than travel to the city. Local onc was from Sloan. You give me hope.
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- April 11, 2012 at 5:48 pm
I can't believe they told you there was no treatment. That is just not true. There are lots of options, some better than others, but all based on each individual patient. My husband is also getting ready to start anti-pd1 at Moffitt in Tampa. He has also been treated with IL2 and IPI and has been a partial responder to both. MSK is Memorial Sloan Kettering I believe. It takes a awhile to catch on to all the "lingo" here but you will! Keep asking questons! It helps so much! Melissa
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- April 11, 2012 at 5:48 pm
I can't believe they told you there was no treatment. That is just not true. There are lots of options, some better than others, but all based on each individual patient. My husband is also getting ready to start anti-pd1 at Moffitt in Tampa. He has also been treated with IL2 and IPI and has been a partial responder to both. MSK is Memorial Sloan Kettering I believe. It takes a awhile to catch on to all the "lingo" here but you will! Keep asking questons! It helps so much! Melissa
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- April 11, 2012 at 5:48 pm
I can't believe they told you there was no treatment. That is just not true. There are lots of options, some better than others, but all based on each individual patient. My husband is also getting ready to start anti-pd1 at Moffitt in Tampa. He has also been treated with IL2 and IPI and has been a partial responder to both. MSK is Memorial Sloan Kettering I believe. It takes a awhile to catch on to all the "lingo" here but you will! Keep asking questons! It helps so much! Melissa
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- April 11, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Additional treatment options beyond surgery are very limited if one is stage III and operatable (not spread beyond the local nodes). The one approved treatment is Interferon and it's use has much controversity. Other than this there are a few clinical trials for Melanoma stage III patients. There are many more possibilities to try for treatment if one is stage IV, but none thaat has a high success rate on across the board melanoma cases.
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- April 11, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Additional treatment options beyond surgery are very limited if one is stage III and operatable (not spread beyond the local nodes). The one approved treatment is Interferon and it's use has much controversity. Other than this there are a few clinical trials for Melanoma stage III patients. There are many more possibilities to try for treatment if one is stage IV, but none thaat has a high success rate on across the board melanoma cases.
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- April 11, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Additional treatment options beyond surgery are very limited if one is stage III and operatable (not spread beyond the local nodes). The one approved treatment is Interferon and it's use has much controversity. Other than this there are a few clinical trials for Melanoma stage III patients. There are many more possibilities to try for treatment if one is stage IV, but none thaat has a high success rate on across the board melanoma cases.
-
- April 11, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Treatment for Melanoma needs to be done at a comprehensive Melanoma Center like MSK…I go to Moffitt down here in Florida. Don't get discouraged. I am stage 4 and have NED for over 2 years and mine was in the lymph node pressing against my superior vena cava. Hoping for the best!- Lynn
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- April 11, 2012 at 2:57 am
Hello, I'm was in very similar situation. My dermatologist sent me home happy in Jan 2010. Later that year I saw another dermatologist and he didn't like the mole in my head which turned out 9mm melanoma. Sentinal node biopsy found one 0.5mm spot so doctor at MSKCC recommended neck dissection (81 lymph nodes gone and all clear). I was fine for about a year and on first aniversary I found lump in left axilla. It was also removed and I was off the hook for few months. Scan in Jan '12 showed 4 spots on the liver and that's when all the fun started. I moved to Austin, TX so it was more convenient to do next treatment at MD Anderson. First 2 cycles of HD IL2 didn't work and tumors doubled up in 5-6 weeks like they were just fertilized. Now I'm starting Bio-Chemo treatment and will see how it goes.
Which doctors are you dealing with at Sloan?
-
- April 11, 2012 at 2:57 am
Hello, I'm was in very similar situation. My dermatologist sent me home happy in Jan 2010. Later that year I saw another dermatologist and he didn't like the mole in my head which turned out 9mm melanoma. Sentinal node biopsy found one 0.5mm spot so doctor at MSKCC recommended neck dissection (81 lymph nodes gone and all clear). I was fine for about a year and on first aniversary I found lump in left axilla. It was also removed and I was off the hook for few months. Scan in Jan '12 showed 4 spots on the liver and that's when all the fun started. I moved to Austin, TX so it was more convenient to do next treatment at MD Anderson. First 2 cycles of HD IL2 didn't work and tumors doubled up in 5-6 weeks like they were just fertilized. Now I'm starting Bio-Chemo treatment and will see how it goes.
Which doctors are you dealing with at Sloan?
-
- April 11, 2012 at 2:57 am
Like the others here, I am so sorry you have this to carry now, after enduring so much, especially the loss of your dear child. Your husband lost his identity as a "well" person when he had the bypass. Now, the melanoma, the beast, has stuck its head in your door. Dear one, you are not alone. We walk in the same shoes. My husband was diagnosed last July, right after our dtr took a 30' fall rock climbing. All is not well, and as you well know, never will be. We can chat sometime if you would like. I wish you God's blessing and God;s peace.
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- April 11, 2012 at 2:57 am
Like the others here, I am so sorry you have this to carry now, after enduring so much, especially the loss of your dear child. Your husband lost his identity as a "well" person when he had the bypass. Now, the melanoma, the beast, has stuck its head in your door. Dear one, you are not alone. We walk in the same shoes. My husband was diagnosed last July, right after our dtr took a 30' fall rock climbing. All is not well, and as you well know, never will be. We can chat sometime if you would like. I wish you God's blessing and God;s peace.
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- April 11, 2012 at 2:57 am
Like the others here, I am so sorry you have this to carry now, after enduring so much, especially the loss of your dear child. Your husband lost his identity as a "well" person when he had the bypass. Now, the melanoma, the beast, has stuck its head in your door. Dear one, you are not alone. We walk in the same shoes. My husband was diagnosed last July, right after our dtr took a 30' fall rock climbing. All is not well, and as you well know, never will be. We can chat sometime if you would like. I wish you God's blessing and God;s peace.
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- April 16, 2012 at 1:18 pm
If my husbands nodes are involved ,when the biopsey/surgery is done Friday, is there more than 1 melanoma specialist a
t MSK? Is that the best place for is, we are in the Hudson Valley. Jean
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- April 19, 2012 at 11:33 pm
Excision /sentinal node surgery tomorrow. I'm more freightened than I was when he had open heart. I think I'm breathing.
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- April 20, 2012 at 12:24 am
My "hospital" mantra:
Be Still and Know that I Am God,Be Still and Know that I Am
Be Still and Know that I
Be Still and Know
Be Still
Be
We are here for you with prayers, love blessings, hugs, and shoulders….You are surrounded by your Angels.
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- April 20, 2012 at 12:24 am
My "hospital" mantra:
Be Still and Know that I Am God,Be Still and Know that I Am
Be Still and Know that I
Be Still and Know
Be Still
Be
We are here for you with prayers, love blessings, hugs, and shoulders….You are surrounded by your Angels.
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- April 20, 2012 at 12:24 am
My "hospital" mantra:
Be Still and Know that I Am God,Be Still and Know that I Am
Be Still and Know that I
Be Still and Know
Be Still
Be
We are here for you with prayers, love blessings, hugs, and shoulders….You are surrounded by your Angels.
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- April 23, 2012 at 12:57 pm
My husband had the excision and Sentinal node Friday. They only took 2 or 3 tiny nodes, did not strip all the neck. One Dr said because they looked and felt good. Surgeon wud not say anything without path report. Will have to wait til Thurs or Fri for that. Long wait, hard to take . We canceled a trip we were going on Wed, as with the open heart, gout and now this, he didn't feel up to the travel yet!
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- April 25, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Primary called with path report, NO evidence of disease in Sentinal node, NO residual disease in specimen. Haven't seen the report yet, and know this does not mean it will not show its ugly head again else where, but am feeling a lot better about the situation. WIll they do any scans to make sure it is i solated?
I really appreciate this site and all the info available here. I am blessed to have found it, as I was a similar site while my daughter fought Breast Cancer. Support and information is sooo important.
Jean
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- April 25, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Primary called with path report, NO evidence of disease in Sentinal node, NO residual disease in specimen. Haven't seen the report yet, and know this does not mean it will not show its ugly head again else where, but am feeling a lot better about the situation. WIll they do any scans to make sure it is i solated?
I really appreciate this site and all the info available here. I am blessed to have found it, as I was a similar site while my daughter fought Breast Cancer. Support and information is sooo important.
Jean
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- April 25, 2012 at 11:16 pm
This report should have raised both of your sprits. Of course it's not a guarantee of aything, but I do like your statistical status. Be vigilant, not paranoid.
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- April 25, 2012 at 11:16 pm
This report should have raised both of your sprits. Of course it's not a guarantee of aything, but I do like your statistical status. Be vigilant, not paranoid.
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- April 25, 2012 at 11:16 pm
This report should have raised both of your sprits. Of course it's not a guarantee of aything, but I do like your statistical status. Be vigilant, not paranoid.
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- April 28, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Jean – Happy to hear the results of the pathology. I hope you and your husband will continue to seek out the best follow up care. As proven by the first dermatologist you found that ignored it, you are the only advocate for your health. I keep pushing for the best doctors. If I don't, noone else will.
Take Care
Kelli
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- April 28, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Yep, making an appt. this week to have a couple of other spots checked. Go to the surgeon Monday, and then will talk with our primary/onc about the follow up.
I am a breast health educator and when I apeak to groups, especially young women who are often ignored by their Md's, I tell them to follow their instincts, Drs are not God, though a few think they are! Jean
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- April 28, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Yep, making an appt. this week to have a couple of other spots checked. Go to the surgeon Monday, and then will talk with our primary/onc about the follow up.
I am a breast health educator and when I apeak to groups, especially young women who are often ignored by their Md's, I tell them to follow their instincts, Drs are not God, though a few think they are! Jean
-
- April 28, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Yep, making an appt. this week to have a couple of other spots checked. Go to the surgeon Monday, and then will talk with our primary/onc about the follow up.
I am a breast health educator and when I apeak to groups, especially young women who are often ignored by their Md's, I tell them to follow their instincts, Drs are not God, though a few think they are! Jean
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- April 28, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Jean – Happy to hear the results of the pathology. I hope you and your husband will continue to seek out the best follow up care. As proven by the first dermatologist you found that ignored it, you are the only advocate for your health. I keep pushing for the best doctors. If I don't, noone else will.
Take Care
Kelli
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- April 28, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Jean – Happy to hear the results of the pathology. I hope you and your husband will continue to seek out the best follow up care. As proven by the first dermatologist you found that ignored it, you are the only advocate for your health. I keep pushing for the best doctors. If I don't, noone else will.
Take Care
Kelli
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- April 25, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Primary called with path report, NO evidence of disease in Sentinal node, NO residual disease in specimen. Haven't seen the report yet, and know this does not mean it will not show its ugly head again else where, but am feeling a lot better about the situation. WIll they do any scans to make sure it is i solated?
I really appreciate this site and all the info available here. I am blessed to have found it, as I was a similar site while my daughter fought Breast Cancer. Support and information is sooo important.
Jean
-
- April 23, 2012 at 12:57 pm
My husband had the excision and Sentinal node Friday. They only took 2 or 3 tiny nodes, did not strip all the neck. One Dr said because they looked and felt good. Surgeon wud not say anything without path report. Will have to wait til Thurs or Fri for that. Long wait, hard to take . We canceled a trip we were going on Wed, as with the open heart, gout and now this, he didn't feel up to the travel yet!
-
- April 23, 2012 at 12:57 pm
My husband had the excision and Sentinal node Friday. They only took 2 or 3 tiny nodes, did not strip all the neck. One Dr said because they looked and felt good. Surgeon wud not say anything without path report. Will have to wait til Thurs or Fri for that. Long wait, hard to take . We canceled a trip we were going on Wed, as with the open heart, gout and now this, he didn't feel up to the travel yet!
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- April 28, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Just reading & glad things are looking up. Another thing I wanted to mention is to build up the immune system. Like you & another that posted, my husband had a major surgery before his diagnosis. He had an accident at work & crushed his elbow & ripped his ear pretty bad. After reading a lot on our bodies healing, I just wondered if maybe he could have fought the melanoma off if he had not had such a shock to his system. This is just a thought. Anyway we have been trying the more natural route, because at his stage that was all that felt like an option for us. In doing so , He has been NED for 18 months & feels better than he has in years. Juicing, Nutrition , supplements, & alkaline water. We got some of this from,"The Bible Cure for Cancer" by Dr. Don Colbert. He suggests these things along with conventional medicine. Best wishes & praying for your family, Pepper.
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- April 28, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Just reading & glad things are looking up. Another thing I wanted to mention is to build up the immune system. Like you & another that posted, my husband had a major surgery before his diagnosis. He had an accident at work & crushed his elbow & ripped his ear pretty bad. After reading a lot on our bodies healing, I just wondered if maybe he could have fought the melanoma off if he had not had such a shock to his system. This is just a thought. Anyway we have been trying the more natural route, because at his stage that was all that felt like an option for us. In doing so , He has been NED for 18 months & feels better than he has in years. Juicing, Nutrition , supplements, & alkaline water. We got some of this from,"The Bible Cure for Cancer" by Dr. Don Colbert. He suggests these things along with conventional medicine. Best wishes & praying for your family, Pepper.
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- April 28, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Just reading & glad things are looking up. Another thing I wanted to mention is to build up the immune system. Like you & another that posted, my husband had a major surgery before his diagnosis. He had an accident at work & crushed his elbow & ripped his ear pretty bad. After reading a lot on our bodies healing, I just wondered if maybe he could have fought the melanoma off if he had not had such a shock to his system. This is just a thought. Anyway we have been trying the more natural route, because at his stage that was all that felt like an option for us. In doing so , He has been NED for 18 months & feels better than he has in years. Juicing, Nutrition , supplements, & alkaline water. We got some of this from,"The Bible Cure for Cancer" by Dr. Don Colbert. He suggests these things along with conventional medicine. Best wishes & praying for your family, Pepper.
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