New Here …

Hi,

   Of course the waiting is really hard…your head is spinning with this news of melanoma and you are pregnant and doing your best to have a healthy pregnancy! Is your oncologist a MELANOMA oncologist??? Where are you going for cancer services? This would be important to know for us on the board. I am glad that you came here to MPIP as you will get so much helpful information, and great support!!! Please get back to us with more information and I am sure more people will post soon as well.

Hugs,

Vermont_Donna, stage 3a NED

Hi,

   Of course the waiting is really hard…your head is spinning with this news of melanoma and you are pregnant and doing your best to have a healthy pregnancy! Is your oncologist a MELANOMA oncologist??? Where are you going for cancer services? This would be important to know for us on the board. I am glad that you came here to MPIP as you will get so much helpful information, and great support!!! Please get back to us with more information and I am sure more people will post soon as well.

Hugs,

Vermont_Donna, stage 3a NED

Hi,

   Of course the waiting is really hard…your head is spinning with this news of melanoma and you are pregnant and doing your best to have a healthy pregnancy! Is your oncologist a MELANOMA oncologist??? Where are you going for cancer services? This would be important to know for us on the board. I am glad that you came here to MPIP as you will get so much helpful information, and great support!!! Please get back to us with more information and I am sure more people will post soon as well.

Hugs,

Vermont_Donna, stage 3a NED

Oh, gosh! You sure have been through the emotional wringer lately, haven't you?! I am so happy to hear that this pregnancy is going well, but sorry about the melanoma. And being pregnant, of course, just makes anyone's emotions go wild, anyway. Poor Calynda! But hang in there, honey, the overwhelming probability is that you will be well and healthy and dancing at your child's wedding some day.

If I were you, the FIRST thing I would do would be to go to a Melanoma Center of Excellence. I think UCLA is one, but other people on this board would probably know more locations than that. I would consult with them before the WLE and sentinel node biopsy (SNB).

The reason I say that is that knowing if the melanoma has gotten to the lymph nodes will be crucial for determining the appropriate course of treatment for you. You say your surgeon is not planning to use the "blue dye" because you are pregnant. Well, that would make me very nervous, indeed. I would really want the surgeon to find the SENTINEL nodes and that is almost impossible without the blue dye. I realize that now-a-days they mix the blue dye with a radioactive tracer and then use a CT machine to find the "hot spots". No, you probably don't want them to use a radioactive tracer when you are pregnant. However, when the SNB technique was first invented, they did not use any radioactivity, they just used a blue dye. At least that way the surgeon could see the sentinal nodes and surgically remove them. I don't know  if the blue dye itself is a danger to the baby, but I sure would check that out before getting the WLE and SNB. So I would consult with a surgeon experienced the the "old fashioned" SNB technique before making any decisions. 

Oh, gosh! You sure have been through the emotional wringer lately, haven't you?! I am so happy to hear that this pregnancy is going well, but sorry about the melanoma. And being pregnant, of course, just makes anyone's emotions go wild, anyway. Poor Calynda! But hang in there, honey, the overwhelming probability is that you will be well and healthy and dancing at your child's wedding some day.

If I were you, the FIRST thing I would do would be to go to a Melanoma Center of Excellence. I think UCLA is one, but other people on this board would probably know more locations than that. I would consult with them before the WLE and sentinel node biopsy (SNB).

The reason I say that is that knowing if the melanoma has gotten to the lymph nodes will be crucial for determining the appropriate course of treatment for you. You say your surgeon is not planning to use the "blue dye" because you are pregnant. Well, that would make me very nervous, indeed. I would really want the surgeon to find the SENTINEL nodes and that is almost impossible without the blue dye. I realize that now-a-days they mix the blue dye with a radioactive tracer and then use a CT machine to find the "hot spots". No, you probably don't want them to use a radioactive tracer when you are pregnant. However, when the SNB technique was first invented, they did not use any radioactivity, they just used a blue dye. At least that way the surgeon could see the sentinal nodes and surgically remove them. I don't know  if the blue dye itself is a danger to the baby, but I sure would check that out before getting the WLE and SNB. So I would consult with a surgeon experienced the the "old fashioned" SNB technique before making any decisions. 

Oh, gosh! You sure have been through the emotional wringer lately, haven't you?! I am so happy to hear that this pregnancy is going well, but sorry about the melanoma. And being pregnant, of course, just makes anyone's emotions go wild, anyway. Poor Calynda! But hang in there, honey, the overwhelming probability is that you will be well and healthy and dancing at your child's wedding some day.

If I were you, the FIRST thing I would do would be to go to a Melanoma Center of Excellence. I think UCLA is one, but other people on this board would probably know more locations than that. I would consult with them before the WLE and sentinel node biopsy (SNB).

The reason I say that is that knowing if the melanoma has gotten to the lymph nodes will be crucial for determining the appropriate course of treatment for you. You say your surgeon is not planning to use the "blue dye" because you are pregnant. Well, that would make me very nervous, indeed. I would really want the surgeon to find the SENTINEL nodes and that is almost impossible without the blue dye. I realize that now-a-days they mix the blue dye with a radioactive tracer and then use a CT machine to find the "hot spots". No, you probably don't want them to use a radioactive tracer when you are pregnant. However, when the SNB technique was first invented, they did not use any radioactivity, they just used a blue dye. At least that way the surgeon could see the sentinal nodes and surgically remove them. I don't know  if the blue dye itself is a danger to the baby, but I sure would check that out before getting the WLE and SNB. So I would consult with a surgeon experienced the the "old fashioned" SNB technique before making any decisions. 

Wait.  I had SLNB a year and a half ago, and they used lymphangioscintography with radionuclide doses and then imaging to show show lymphatic channels.  I don't know if they used a blue dye or not, but I don't think they always do necessarily.  Is that bad, does that mean they potentially didn't do the right nodes?

Wait.  I had SLNB a year and a half ago, and they used lymphangioscintography with radionuclide doses and then imaging to show show lymphatic channels.  I don't know if they used a blue dye or not, but I don't think they always do necessarily.  Is that bad, does that mean they potentially didn't do the right nodes?

Wait.  I had SLNB a year and a half ago, and they used lymphangioscintography with radionuclide doses and then imaging to show show lymphatic channels.  I don't know if they used a blue dye or not, but I don't think they always do necessarily.  Is that bad, does that mean they potentially didn't do the right nodes?

Wow, I am so sorry.I had a 3.77mm Tumor.  I don't know how close in depth this is to yours.  But try not to stress too much.  The next surgery isn't too bad and even if it had spread it is not necessarily the end of the world.  I had 2 positive and I followed that up with a complete node dissection.  After that I chose to "wait and watch".  If you get to the point of having to make a decision we'll all be happy to discuss our reasons for our choices. 

Good Luck

Mary

Stage 3

Wow, I am so sorry.I had a 3.77mm Tumor.  I don't know how close in depth this is to yours.  But try not to stress too much.  The next surgery isn't too bad and even if it had spread it is not necessarily the end of the world.  I had 2 positive and I followed that up with a complete node dissection.  After that I chose to "wait and watch".  If you get to the point of having to make a decision we'll all be happy to discuss our reasons for our choices. 

Good Luck

Mary

Stage 3

Wow, I am so sorry.I had a 3.77mm Tumor.  I don't know how close in depth this is to yours.  But try not to stress too much.  The next surgery isn't too bad and even if it had spread it is not necessarily the end of the world.  I had 2 positive and I followed that up with a complete node dissection.  After that I chose to "wait and watch".  If you get to the point of having to make a decision we'll all be happy to discuss our reasons for our choices. 

Good Luck

Mary

Stage 3

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I was diagnosed a little bit over 18 months ago when my little boy was 6 months old. My melanoma was on my finger and changed drastically while I was pregnant, of course a quick google search assured me that moles change when you are pregnant and melanoma on a finger is rare. I got around to going to the dermatologist when he was 6 months old just to check it off the list. By then my melanoma was 2.6mm thick with a very high mitotic rate. It took me most of the first year after diagnosis to get over the guilt and anger of not going to the dermatologist sooner and wondering where that would have left me. I’m sure it’s common to have those feelings but I can tell you it gets you nowhere.

Anyway, I had 1 positive node with micromets only. I was offered a trial where one arm gets full lymph node dissection and the other gets close monitoring via ultra sound. I bet this is the other trial that your oncologist was referring to. I was randomized to the ultrasound arm and was very grateful to not have the full lymph node dissection with a 6 month old at home. I did recently recur in my lymph nodes, it was determined through ultra sound. I was absolutely devastated but no looking back and as it turns out the full lymph node dissection wasn’t as bad as advertised. I probably won’t be able to lift my son again ( he weighs 32 lbs)but he is now 2 and he’s just fine with that.

I was also offered interferon and did one month high dose and two months low dose. You will discover much debate about interferon. It really wasn’t a tough call for me but I also knew within a couple weeks that I wouldn’t make it the whole year and my oncologist and I agreed that the three months was a good amount.

Well I am rambling, but want you to know that although I can’t imagine what you are dealing with you aren’t alone. If you have any questions or as you get more info/ need advice this is a good place.

Oh and completely unrelated I delivered my son at 34 weeks and he was completely healthy and is now off the charts huge and very busy. I’m sure you are in good hands and wish you a healthy rest of your pregnancy.

I wanted to comment about the Lymphnode removal.  I had 28 lymphnodes removed from my right armpit and this was August 2011 and I have had absolutly no problems at all.  I do have my compression sleeve and glove but have never had to use them.  The only lasting effect I experience is my entire shoulder and armpit and shoulder blade have been numb every since which I have gotten used to.  I am sorry you have to go through this especially while pregnant.  It helped me in the beginning to read of others experiences and to know I was not alone.  Best of luck to you and knowledge is the key.

I wanted to comment about the Lymphnode removal.  I had 28 lymphnodes removed from my right armpit and this was August 2011 and I have had absolutly no problems at all.  I do have my compression sleeve and glove but have never had to use them.  The only lasting effect I experience is my entire shoulder and armpit and shoulder blade have been numb every since which I have gotten used to.  I am sorry you have to go through this especially while pregnant.  It helped me in the beginning to read of others experiences and to know I was not alone.  Best of luck to you and knowledge is the key.

I wanted to comment about the Lymphnode removal.  I had 28 lymphnodes removed from my right armpit and this was August 2011 and I have had absolutly no problems at all.  I do have my compression sleeve and glove but have never had to use them.  The only lasting effect I experience is my entire shoulder and armpit and shoulder blade have been numb every since which I have gotten used to.  I am sorry you have to go through this especially while pregnant.  It helped me in the beginning to read of others experiences and to know I was not alone.  Best of luck to you and knowledge is the key.