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Nodular Melanoma
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Nodular Melanoma

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Nodular Melanoma

  • Post
    • October 5, 2017 at 1:59 am
    Jdp17
    Participant
      I was just currently diagnosed with Nodular Melanoma, at least a Clarks level IV. Breathless at 2.3mm To say the least I am nervous wreck.I am 34 years old and a healthy individual! I had this what looked like an ingrown hair spot on my leg that I watched for a while. Never grew different in size or color. I waited about 4 months then went in and resulted to this. The “unknown” is seriously driving me crazy with anxiety and panic. I have my first appointment in a week for my PET Scan and to meet with the Surgical Oncologist and Medical Oncologist. Looking for some positive vibes, what to expect ect.
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    • Replies
        • October 5, 2017 at 3:55 am
        GrossieGal313
        Participant

          I agree – the unkown is the hardest.  I'm meeting with a surgeon tomorrow (haven't been staged yet.)  I've gotten better over the last couple days by keeping busy but my mind is going to make me crazy!  

          The most common advice I've received so far is get a second opinion, do your research, stay positive and ask questions if you don't understand what they're telling you.

          I'm not well versed in staging yet but I will look into your diagnosis and hope the very best for you!  Good luck!!

            • October 5, 2017 at 3:04 pm
            Jdp17
            Participant
              It’s the worse, isn’t it….? I feel like I am going crazy. I am just going off my pathology report on the staging part.

              I wish you the best of luck ….

            • October 5, 2017 at 4:19 am
            casagrayson
            Participant

              The most important thing for you to do is to find a Melanoma Specialist.  A regular oncologist is not going to be up on the most current trials and treatment options.  

                • October 5, 2017 at 2:56 pm
                Jdp17
                Participant
                  Thank you so much for your thoughts and concern. I will be at a Melanoma Clinic. Sorry if I didn’t mention that.
                • October 5, 2017 at 8:59 am
                stars
                Participant

                  It's fairly serious – even though 2.3mm seems like nothing, anything over 1mm has a risk of metastases to other parts of the body. Nodular melanoma is also thought to be more aggressive than some other types, so this is definitely concerning and a normal amount of anxiety is warranted. Nodular melanomas tend to be a bit carrot shaped – rounded at the top and not growing much, but burrowing deeper. And with melanoma, depth is everything. Breslow depth, not Clark level. That said, if you are anything like me, you are perhaps worrying more than is useful or appropriate – it's early days, you don't yet have the full picture, but the most important thing is that this thing is found and that you are on the way to a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. Focus on what is good: it's found and you are in the process of diagnosis. You did everything right, you kept an eye on it and visited a doctor when it didn't go away. As for next steps, I am sure you will need a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy to see if any melanoma cells have reached the nearest lymph nodes. This is recommended for any melanoma 1mm or thicker, which yours is. If there is no melanoma in the nodes, you will probably go on to a watch and wait system of check ups and hopefully that's the end of it. If there is melanoma in the lymph nodes, or if the PET scan is unusual, you might have to do some kind of further treatment. There is hope, lots of hope, but it is a scary situation and certainly quite serious. Talk to a counsellor or someone about anxiety because in my experience the anxiety is just as bad as the disease. All the best.

                    • October 5, 2017 at 3:01 pm
                    Jdp17
                    Participant
                      It is all very scary no matter what. Someone just threw the “C” word at you and instantly you panic. The worse part besides the unknown is, I feel fine, no signs of nothing else! I start to question myself, do I change my lifestyle, not that it’s bad lol! Do I eat differently?!? It’s like I don’t know what to do with myself! Thank you for your kind words and just listening to what someone else has to say makes it better. Your right, I have found it and we are on our way to fight and figure it out!
                      • October 22, 2017 at 9:48 pm
                      jjk17
                      Participant
                        Just giving an update on my current situation and diagnosis. Getting it out there helps. I just had my surgery last Wednesday to remove the nodule along with 2 lymph nodes that could be affected. We wait 8 days or so (that’s what they said) to get results from the biopsy of the lymph nodes. Praying that it didn’t spread to any other ones. Positive note, PET Scan came back clear. Praise Jesus. The waiting game continues. Trying to stay positive.
                        • November 23, 2019 at 1:56 am
                        rebelnurse14
                        Participant
                          Hello! So many of these posts just trail off and I can’t tell how anyone is doing. Would you be willing to tell me how things are going with any of you?
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