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need some input please
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need some input please

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › need some input please

  • Post
    • May 15, 2016 at 2:21 pm
    momof4boys
    Participant

      So here's a quick overview. I was diagnosed 3b in 2013, positive lymph nodes in groin, had a clnd and did ipi 3mg for the whole 1 1/2 years. Last Aug on one of my scans I had 2 spots on lung and large medistinal(?) lymph nodes with the largest measuring 2.4cm x 2.3cm. I had a lung biopsy for the node which came back as a normal node, no cancer or inflammation. At this time I thought it was histoplasmosis because prior to the scan I was around some feed mills and bird droppings. So I had another ct in Nov. which showed the node was 2.1 cm x 2.1cm so it went down but not much. This has been stable the whole time with no change to the nodes or spots. So I went in for my pet the other day and the spots didn't show up at all but the node showed hot. I guess I'm a little nervous since my lymphatic system has already been infected. I also don't know what to think because the spots didn't show up so they are just scar tissue I guess but if it was histoplasmosis would it still be in my node and also it didn't show up in my node after the biopsy. My onc is going to be talking to the surgeon to see what she thinks but she is leaning toward a biopsy. What do you guys think. I would sure like to get some input. Thanks, Rachel

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    • Replies
        • May 15, 2016 at 4:01 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          Getting a biopsy of the lymph node seems the logical next step, just to know for sure if it is enlarged due to melanoma or not. It is good the lung spots did not show up on the PET scan, lungs spots can mean a number of things, but usually a good sign when they don't light up. 

          All the best,

            • May 16, 2016 at 2:50 am
            Toby0987
            Participant

              I'm also 3b as of 2013. I had a spot on my lung and we just watched it because the radiologist thought it looked like a mucus plug. It has since disappeared. I had a pet last month and my appendix lite up and another node in my abdomen. I'm going back in June to see if it went away. I'd say a biopsy will b due for me if the node is hot for me. Probably the same for you. I go up to mayo/ Rochester. I've heard different radiologists can read melanoma better. Don't know if that's true. But it may be worth Checking out another pet team if you are not 100% they are the best-just somethings to think about. Good luck

              • May 16, 2016 at 2:50 am
              Toby0987
              Participant

                I'm also 3b as of 2013. I had a spot on my lung and we just watched it because the radiologist thought it looked like a mucus plug. It has since disappeared. I had a pet last month and my appendix lite up and another node in my abdomen. I'm going back in June to see if it went away. I'd say a biopsy will b due for me if the node is hot for me. Probably the same for you. I go up to mayo/ Rochester. I've heard different radiologists can read melanoma better. Don't know if that's true. But it may be worth Checking out another pet team if you are not 100% they are the best-just somethings to think about. Good luck

                • May 16, 2016 at 2:50 am
                Toby0987
                Participant

                  I'm also 3b as of 2013. I had a spot on my lung and we just watched it because the radiologist thought it looked like a mucus plug. It has since disappeared. I had a pet last month and my appendix lite up and another node in my abdomen. I'm going back in June to see if it went away. I'd say a biopsy will b due for me if the node is hot for me. Probably the same for you. I go up to mayo/ Rochester. I've heard different radiologists can read melanoma better. Don't know if that's true. But it may be worth Checking out another pet team if you are not 100% they are the best-just somethings to think about. Good luck

                • May 15, 2016 at 4:01 pm
                jennunicorn
                Participant

                  Getting a biopsy of the lymph node seems the logical next step, just to know for sure if it is enlarged due to melanoma or not. It is good the lung spots did not show up on the PET scan, lungs spots can mean a number of things, but usually a good sign when they don't light up. 

                  All the best,

                  • May 15, 2016 at 4:01 pm
                  jennunicorn
                  Participant

                    Getting a biopsy of the lymph node seems the logical next step, just to know for sure if it is enlarged due to melanoma or not. It is good the lung spots did not show up on the PET scan, lungs spots can mean a number of things, but usually a good sign when they don't light up. 

                    All the best,

                    • May 16, 2016 at 3:00 am
                    Cynthia C
                    Participant

                      I would get the biopsy. I know you had a previous biopsy of the node but I think the mediastinal nodes are not easy to biopsy and could have missed a tumor area in the node. Please keep us informed. I'll be praying for you!

                      Cynthia

                      • May 16, 2016 at 3:00 am
                      Cynthia C
                      Participant

                        I would get the biopsy. I know you had a previous biopsy of the node but I think the mediastinal nodes are not easy to biopsy and could have missed a tumor area in the node. Please keep us informed. I'll be praying for you!

                        Cynthia

                        • May 16, 2016 at 3:00 am
                        Cynthia C
                        Participant

                          I would get the biopsy. I know you had a previous biopsy of the node but I think the mediastinal nodes are not easy to biopsy and could have missed a tumor area in the node. Please keep us informed. I'll be praying for you!

                          Cynthia

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