Paranoia

I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc melanoma in 2003 and have been NED for nearly 8 years.  But I still experience bouts of paranoid hypochondria, and I think everyone does.  It has, however, slowly gotten better over time.  Whenever I start to get a bit paranoid about some little thing being the first sign of a recurrence, I remember myself of something my doc told me several years ago– "If you feel fine, you probably are".  Best wishes to you.

Rich

http://www.hotelmelanoma.blogspot.com

I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc melanoma in 2003 and have been NED for nearly 8 years.  But I still experience bouts of paranoid hypochondria, and I think everyone does.  It has, however, slowly gotten better over time.  Whenever I start to get a bit paranoid about some little thing being the first sign of a recurrence, I remember myself of something my doc told me several years ago– "If you feel fine, you probably are".  Best wishes to you.

Rich

http://www.hotelmelanoma.blogspot.com

Welcome to our forum. Many people here can understand how you might be feeling. Melanoma is something that is always in the background, even when one shows NED. In addition, scan anxiety or "scanxiety" is something that almost everyone here is very familiar with, either as a patient, caregiver or friend.

I think that it is important not to become too overwhelmed with the fear of the unknown.

Therefore, it is wise to try taking your mind off things related to melanoma without going to extremes. I don't know if you have tried meditation, but I think that this can really help. Of course, many people find gentle exercise to be beneficial as well.

Hope this helps.

Frank from Australia

Welcome to our forum. Many people here can understand how you might be feeling. Melanoma is something that is always in the background, even when one shows NED. In addition, scan anxiety or "scanxiety" is something that almost everyone here is very familiar with, either as a patient, caregiver or friend.

I think that it is important not to become too overwhelmed with the fear of the unknown.

Therefore, it is wise to try taking your mind off things related to melanoma without going to extremes. I don't know if you have tried meditation, but I think that this can really help. Of course, many people find gentle exercise to be beneficial as well.

Hope this helps.

Frank from Australia

I was dx  the same time you were and am also stage 3.  What you are going through is absolutely normal and unfortunately most people around you will not understand because at Stage 3 you seem to to be "just fine now".  Well those pesky scans are a constant reminder.  But on the bright side, look how far we have come!  I feel great, except for a few pains from my CLND but that's a small price. 

OH yea, I still see a new mole or one I think is new run to the derm and say take it off now!  Something changes in my body and I start to wonder but then I am 59, lots of things are changing and not for the better.  It's called life.  And I for one am planning on being here for a while and enjoying it even with a few bumps.

Good Luck,

Mary

Stage 3

I was dx  the same time you were and am also stage 3.  What you are going through is absolutely normal and unfortunately most people around you will not understand because at Stage 3 you seem to to be "just fine now".  Well those pesky scans are a constant reminder.  But on the bright side, look how far we have come!  I feel great, except for a few pains from my CLND but that's a small price. 

OH yea, I still see a new mole or one I think is new run to the derm and say take it off now!  Something changes in my body and I start to wonder but then I am 59, lots of things are changing and not for the better.  It's called life.  And I for one am planning on being here for a while and enjoying it even with a few bumps.

Good Luck,

Mary

Stage 3

I was diagnosd stage 3C in 11/07. Instead of paranoia I  I call it a HEALTHY RESPECT for melanoma. I believe it's paranoia if it allows one to be immobile and not be able to function effectively. I know melanoma has changed me, mostly for the better. It caused me to research and make positive lifestyle changes. I respect the fact that melanoma is potentially fatal and so I do everything I can to advocate for myself. If that means seeing something different on my skin I'm concerned about you bet I'll see my derm. quick.

 As others have said it's easier  as time goes on but it is good to have a healthy respect for melanoma the rest of our lives. We cannot become complacent but we need to remain vigilant about our health. Others don't understand because they haven't had a disease like this.

I also rely on my faith, talk to God, pray and know that He has healed me.

Define it this way: A healthy respect for melanoma will cause you to advocate for your health by any means with the goal being your wellness.

God Bless,

 Jim M.

I was diagnosd stage 3C in 11/07. Instead of paranoia I  I call it a HEALTHY RESPECT for melanoma. I believe it's paranoia if it allows one to be immobile and not be able to function effectively. I know melanoma has changed me, mostly for the better. It caused me to research and make positive lifestyle changes. I respect the fact that melanoma is potentially fatal and so I do everything I can to advocate for myself. If that means seeing something different on my skin I'm concerned about you bet I'll see my derm. quick.

 As others have said it's easier  as time goes on but it is good to have a healthy respect for melanoma the rest of our lives. We cannot become complacent but we need to remain vigilant about our health. Others don't understand because they haven't had a disease like this.

I also rely on my faith, talk to God, pray and know that He has healed me.

Define it this way: A healthy respect for melanoma will cause you to advocate for your health by any means with the goal being your wellness.

God Bless,

 Jim M.