› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Just notified that it spread to my lymph nodes, very scared
- This topic has 6 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 4 months ago by
skousal.
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- December 20, 2016 at 10:39 pm
In June 2016 I noticed a large black mole on the back side of my left thigh and my initial instinct was to have it removed. I called the only dermatology clinic accepted by my insurance and they informed me that they were booked and that I would have to call back in Sept when the new schedule opened. I waited and in Sept I was scheduled for January, which was took long, so I searched for another clinic that would see me and allow me to pay out of pocket. Finally, I was scheduled for October 20th. The dermatology was not worried about the mole but removed it anyway and said the results would be in in a week. Two weeks went by when I got a phone called stating that the sample would need to be sent to another lab. I was scared at first, but he told me that they often have to sent samples away. Two more weeks went by and on November 18th I got the call that it was spitzoid melanoma, over 1mm thick and that I would need surgery and a lymph node biopsy. I was shocked and terrified. I visited the local cancer center in Albuquerque where I live, the very next day to schedule my own appointment as I was so tired of the long waits I had suffered. I had surgery last week, December 13, 2016 and I got the results today. I am sad to say that the melanoma spread to one of the two lymph nodes removed. I am very worried as I have been having fevers and rib pain, and I fear it may have spread else where. I could use any bits of advise and support now. Thank you.
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- December 21, 2016 at 12:25 am
I am sorry to hear that the melanoma spread to one lymph node. I had lymph node biopsy surgery about 10 days ago and got the same news that it spread to one lymph node. Yes, it's really scary. I would ask for the biopsy report so you can see exactly what it says. My surgeon reviewed mine with me and explained the size of the melanoma in my lymph node (that was removed) was .4mm and that it was contained within the capsule of the lymph node. Which is better than if the melanoma is found outside the lymph node capsule where it can break off and spread.
Were you seen by a Melanoma Specialist or just Dermatology? I would suggest following up with a Melanoma Specialist.
Because of the findings from my biopsy, I am scheduled for a PET scan to get a baseline picture of my whole body, and for a baseline ultrasound of my groin lymph nodes. I try not to worry but it's very difficult. Let us know how things go.
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- December 22, 2016 at 3:49 am
Thank you for your response. I received the pathology report but it was vague, didn't even give a depth to the primary tumor. I have the same plan as you, for the beginning of January including a PET scan. I have decided to contact MD Anderson for a second opinion but I am concerned about insurance acceptance. Let me know how your PET scan goes and I will keep you update on my results.
Thanks, Shawna
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- December 22, 2016 at 3:49 am
Thank you for your response. I received the pathology report but it was vague, didn't even give a depth to the primary tumor. I have the same plan as you, for the beginning of January including a PET scan. I have decided to contact MD Anderson for a second opinion but I am concerned about insurance acceptance. Let me know how your PET scan goes and I will keep you update on my results.
Thanks, Shawna
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- December 22, 2016 at 3:49 am
Thank you for your response. I received the pathology report but it was vague, didn't even give a depth to the primary tumor. I have the same plan as you, for the beginning of January including a PET scan. I have decided to contact MD Anderson for a second opinion but I am concerned about insurance acceptance. Let me know how your PET scan goes and I will keep you update on my results.
Thanks, Shawna
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- December 21, 2016 at 12:25 am
I am sorry to hear that the melanoma spread to one lymph node. I had lymph node biopsy surgery about 10 days ago and got the same news that it spread to one lymph node. Yes, it's really scary. I would ask for the biopsy report so you can see exactly what it says. My surgeon reviewed mine with me and explained the size of the melanoma in my lymph node (that was removed) was .4mm and that it was contained within the capsule of the lymph node. Which is better than if the melanoma is found outside the lymph node capsule where it can break off and spread.
Were you seen by a Melanoma Specialist or just Dermatology? I would suggest following up with a Melanoma Specialist.
Because of the findings from my biopsy, I am scheduled for a PET scan to get a baseline picture of my whole body, and for a baseline ultrasound of my groin lymph nodes. I try not to worry but it's very difficult. Let us know how things go.
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- December 21, 2016 at 12:25 am
I am sorry to hear that the melanoma spread to one lymph node. I had lymph node biopsy surgery about 10 days ago and got the same news that it spread to one lymph node. Yes, it's really scary. I would ask for the biopsy report so you can see exactly what it says. My surgeon reviewed mine with me and explained the size of the melanoma in my lymph node (that was removed) was .4mm and that it was contained within the capsule of the lymph node. Which is better than if the melanoma is found outside the lymph node capsule where it can break off and spread.
Were you seen by a Melanoma Specialist or just Dermatology? I would suggest following up with a Melanoma Specialist.
Because of the findings from my biopsy, I am scheduled for a PET scan to get a baseline picture of my whole body, and for a baseline ultrasound of my groin lymph nodes. I try not to worry but it's very difficult. Let us know how things go.
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Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
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