› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Proactive Vs Hypochondriac…I really have no idea how to check my own nodes.
- This topic has 81 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 9 months ago by
MattF.
- Post
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:09 pm
So I posed a question on another post about Melanoma shopwing up in a different set of nodes other than the SLN
It is about 9 months since diagnosis and surgery.
I could absolutely swear the "contours" of my right arm pit are different than the left.
I don't see my oncologist for about 5 weeks.
I see my neurologist in 2 weeks for a botox treatment for headaches and facial spasms. (Melanoma was on right cheek at base of ear.)
Neg SLN Biopsy
over 1mm
mitotic 5/mm2
vertical growth
So I posed a question on another post about Melanoma shopwing up in a different set of nodes other than the SLN
It is about 9 months since diagnosis and surgery.
I could absolutely swear the "contours" of my right arm pit are different than the left.
I don't see my oncologist for about 5 weeks.
I see my neurologist in 2 weeks for a botox treatment for headaches and facial spasms. (Melanoma was on right cheek at base of ear.)
Neg SLN Biopsy
over 1mm
mitotic 5/mm2
vertical growth
clarks IV+
so anyway can you actually feel if the shape of your armpit is different is that nodes…i see people getting up in there and I just dont' know what to feel for lol
- Replies
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Ask you doctor how to feel your lymph nodes…. but basically you are looking for something hard, not movable, enlarged or CHANGED. No one is completely symmetrical so you just need to find what is normal for you and then if things change, go from there. My Dad's enlarged node was clearly different from any other nodes in either arm. Not all cancerous nodes are hard and not movable, but those can be warning signs.
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Ask you doctor how to feel your lymph nodes…. but basically you are looking for something hard, not movable, enlarged or CHANGED. No one is completely symmetrical so you just need to find what is normal for you and then if things change, go from there. My Dad's enlarged node was clearly different from any other nodes in either arm. Not all cancerous nodes are hard and not movable, but those can be warning signs.
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Ask you doctor how to feel your lymph nodes…. but basically you are looking for something hard, not movable, enlarged or CHANGED. No one is completely symmetrical so you just need to find what is normal for you and then if things change, go from there. My Dad's enlarged node was clearly different from any other nodes in either arm. Not all cancerous nodes are hard and not movable, but those can be warning signs.
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Matt, my opinion would be to get it checked out. Since you've had stage I melanoma, you need to be especially vigilant. Maybe it's nothing, who knows, but if it was on me I would get it checked out.
When I go in to see my oncologist he's always feeling around certain areas, including my neck and under my arms. You probably don't have an oncologist, knock on wood. Not sure who you might start with, maybe your primary care physician, or your dermatologist. You might have to take what they say knowing they are not melanoma specialists. But in some cases at least, if there's something that in their minds feels suspicious, they will probably refer you for some imaging tests to start. Caveat that many folks have had bad experiences with being brushed off by their doctors for months or longer, that later did turn out to be a problem.
FWIW a negative SNB is not 100% definitive, which I know from my own experience. Never had a positive SNB but I did progress.
I hope as you do that it's nothing, but again I would say get it checkd.
Good luck, Kyle -
- May 18, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Matt, my opinion would be to get it checked out. Since you've had stage I melanoma, you need to be especially vigilant. Maybe it's nothing, who knows, but if it was on me I would get it checked out.
When I go in to see my oncologist he's always feeling around certain areas, including my neck and under my arms. You probably don't have an oncologist, knock on wood. Not sure who you might start with, maybe your primary care physician, or your dermatologist. You might have to take what they say knowing they are not melanoma specialists. But in some cases at least, if there's something that in their minds feels suspicious, they will probably refer you for some imaging tests to start. Caveat that many folks have had bad experiences with being brushed off by their doctors for months or longer, that later did turn out to be a problem.
FWIW a negative SNB is not 100% definitive, which I know from my own experience. Never had a positive SNB but I did progress.
I hope as you do that it's nothing, but again I would say get it checkd.
Good luck, Kyle-
- May 18, 2013 at 6:37 pm
I do see you have an oncologist. And I read your profile and see it's stage 2 not 1.
Also Janner has more depth of knowledge about lymph nodes than I do.
I worry about being a hypochonriac but so far I haven't been chastised for it. Sometimes right, sometimes wrong.
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:37 pm
I do see you have an oncologist. And I read your profile and see it's stage 2 not 1.
Also Janner has more depth of knowledge about lymph nodes than I do.
I worry about being a hypochonriac but so far I haven't been chastised for it. Sometimes right, sometimes wrong.
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Yes I have primary care i could probably see this week.
I have a Neurologist i will see next week.
I could probably get in my Derm next week.
I don't go back to Gen Onc until late june or Onc Surgeon at MD Anderson until late jun.
i will probably stick my head in my Pri Care Doctor…just to make me feel better this week.
I mean i won't be pulling him away from too much for a 20 min check.
I have a few doctors and a few conditions…so I figure I won't be labeled hypo yet. lol
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Yes I have primary care i could probably see this week.
I have a Neurologist i will see next week.
I could probably get in my Derm next week.
I don't go back to Gen Onc until late june or Onc Surgeon at MD Anderson until late jun.
i will probably stick my head in my Pri Care Doctor…just to make me feel better this week.
I mean i won't be pulling him away from too much for a 20 min check.
I have a few doctors and a few conditions…so I figure I won't be labeled hypo yet. lol
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Yes I have primary care i could probably see this week.
I have a Neurologist i will see next week.
I could probably get in my Derm next week.
I don't go back to Gen Onc until late june or Onc Surgeon at MD Anderson until late jun.
i will probably stick my head in my Pri Care Doctor…just to make me feel better this week.
I mean i won't be pulling him away from too much for a 20 min check.
I have a few doctors and a few conditions…so I figure I won't be labeled hypo yet. lol
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:37 pm
I do see you have an oncologist. And I read your profile and see it's stage 2 not 1.
Also Janner has more depth of knowledge about lymph nodes than I do.
I worry about being a hypochonriac but so far I haven't been chastised for it. Sometimes right, sometimes wrong.
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- May 18, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Matt, my opinion would be to get it checked out. Since you've had stage I melanoma, you need to be especially vigilant. Maybe it's nothing, who knows, but if it was on me I would get it checked out.
When I go in to see my oncologist he's always feeling around certain areas, including my neck and under my arms. You probably don't have an oncologist, knock on wood. Not sure who you might start with, maybe your primary care physician, or your dermatologist. You might have to take what they say knowing they are not melanoma specialists. But in some cases at least, if there's something that in their minds feels suspicious, they will probably refer you for some imaging tests to start. Caveat that many folks have had bad experiences with being brushed off by their doctors for months or longer, that later did turn out to be a problem.
FWIW a negative SNB is not 100% definitive, which I know from my own experience. Never had a positive SNB but I did progress.
I hope as you do that it's nothing, but again I would say get it checkd.
Good luck, Kyle -
- May 18, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Upon further thought and review…
I have decided i will call Onc mon and see if I can get in this week.
I was pretty much just going over the contour of my arm pits and the right felt "fuller" and had a different shape
then i actually felt for stuff up in the arm pit…there is something rather hard on the inside of the back tendon thingy.
when i felt the left i realized the tendon itself can be a litte fim but it kind of moves around a but…feels tendony lol
what i felt on the right was like feling a "cashew" but maybe a little softer and didn't move feels like it is attached to the inside of that tendon.
if i go in and it is nothing so be it..i will consider mysel proactive.
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- May 18, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Upon further thought and review…
I have decided i will call Onc mon and see if I can get in this week.
I was pretty much just going over the contour of my arm pits and the right felt "fuller" and had a different shape
then i actually felt for stuff up in the arm pit…there is something rather hard on the inside of the back tendon thingy.
when i felt the left i realized the tendon itself can be a litte fim but it kind of moves around a but…feels tendony lol
what i felt on the right was like feling a "cashew" but maybe a little softer and didn't move feels like it is attached to the inside of that tendon.
if i go in and it is nothing so be it..i will consider mysel proactive.
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- May 19, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Please remember that because you had a SNB in that armpit, there will be differences between the two. YOu can have scar tissue that changes a lot in addition to a seroma or lymphedema. Never hurts to get things checked but there are benign reasons to have differences.
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- May 19, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Please remember that because you had a SNB in that armpit, there will be differences between the two. YOu can have scar tissue that changes a lot in addition to a seroma or lymphedema. Never hurts to get things checked but there are benign reasons to have differences.
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- May 19, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Please remember that because you had a SNB in that armpit, there will be differences between the two. YOu can have scar tissue that changes a lot in addition to a seroma or lymphedema. Never hurts to get things checked but there are benign reasons to have differences.
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- May 19, 2013 at 4:06 pm
But thats just it…My SNB was in the supraclavacle (sp) of
the neck…same side about 6 inches from
this armpit.I get what you are saying in the neck. I have
so much different skin pulled over as the
neck, cheek and base of right ear is where
I had WLE also. -
- May 19, 2013 at 4:06 pm
But thats just it…My SNB was in the supraclavacle (sp) of
the neck…same side about 6 inches from
this armpit.I get what you are saying in the neck. I have
so much different skin pulled over as the
neck, cheek and base of right ear is where
I had WLE also. -
- May 19, 2013 at 4:06 pm
But thats just it…My SNB was in the supraclavacle (sp) of
the neck…same side about 6 inches from
this armpit.I get what you are saying in the neck. I have
so much different skin pulled over as the
neck, cheek and base of right ear is where
I had WLE also. -
- May 19, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Sorry, I forgot to reread your post and that the SNB was in the clavical area. Again, it never hurts to check but I again say this would be unlikely to have spread to the armpit when the clavical area (confirmed drainage site) is free of disease. You are probably just made asymmetrical like all of us are! 🙂
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- May 19, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Sorry, I forgot to reread your post and that the SNB was in the clavical area. Again, it never hurts to check but I again say this would be unlikely to have spread to the armpit when the clavical area (confirmed drainage site) is free of disease. You are probably just made asymmetrical like all of us are! 🙂
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- May 19, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Sorry, I forgot to reread your post and that the SNB was in the clavical area. Again, it never hurts to check but I again say this would be unlikely to have spread to the armpit when the clavical area (confirmed drainage site) is free of disease. You are probably just made asymmetrical like all of us are! 🙂
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- May 19, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Thats okHope it is nothing.
But i think i have determines it is not
asymetricalness (sp). I’m 43 and have
been running my hands over these
armpits a long time. LolI think if I shaved my armpit (which I won’t
be doing) i could probably see the raise
on the skin.So mo harm in hitting the local Onc
he is like 10 min away. -
- May 19, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Thats okHope it is nothing.
But i think i have determines it is not
asymetricalness (sp). I’m 43 and have
been running my hands over these
armpits a long time. LolI think if I shaved my armpit (which I won’t
be doing) i could probably see the raise
on the skin.So mo harm in hitting the local Onc
he is like 10 min away. -
- May 19, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Thats okHope it is nothing.
But i think i have determines it is not
asymetricalness (sp). I’m 43 and have
been running my hands over these
armpits a long time. LolI think if I shaved my armpit (which I won’t
be doing) i could probably see the raise
on the skin.So mo harm in hitting the local Onc
he is like 10 min away.
-
- May 18, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Upon further thought and review…
I have decided i will call Onc mon and see if I can get in this week.
I was pretty much just going over the contour of my arm pits and the right felt "fuller" and had a different shape
then i actually felt for stuff up in the arm pit…there is something rather hard on the inside of the back tendon thingy.
when i felt the left i realized the tendon itself can be a litte fim but it kind of moves around a but…feels tendony lol
what i felt on the right was like feling a "cashew" but maybe a little softer and didn't move feels like it is attached to the inside of that tendon.
if i go in and it is nothing so be it..i will consider mysel proactive.
-
- May 19, 2013 at 6:27 pm
My $0.02, and this opinion is shared by a lot of members of this board, is if it gives you peace of mind, go for it. I mean you have melanoma, not an upset stomach! If anyone thinks you are being a hyprochondriac that is their problem. The disease itself is bad enough that to go through additional unnecessary mental anguish doesn't make sense to me. I know that I will bend my oncologist's ear when I go in to see her whenever I have concerns. She doesn't see to mind at all.
– Paul.
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- May 19, 2013 at 6:27 pm
My $0.02, and this opinion is shared by a lot of members of this board, is if it gives you peace of mind, go for it. I mean you have melanoma, not an upset stomach! If anyone thinks you are being a hyprochondriac that is their problem. The disease itself is bad enough that to go through additional unnecessary mental anguish doesn't make sense to me. I know that I will bend my oncologist's ear when I go in to see her whenever I have concerns. She doesn't see to mind at all.
– Paul.
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- May 19, 2013 at 6:27 pm
My $0.02, and this opinion is shared by a lot of members of this board, is if it gives you peace of mind, go for it. I mean you have melanoma, not an upset stomach! If anyone thinks you are being a hyprochondriac that is their problem. The disease itself is bad enough that to go through additional unnecessary mental anguish doesn't make sense to me. I know that I will bend my oncologist's ear when I go in to see her whenever I have concerns. She doesn't see to mind at all.
– Paul.
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- May 20, 2013 at 3:05 am
Why don't you look on the net to see how women check for lumps under the arm and around the breast. There are lymphnodes, loads of the everywhere in the body. If something seems not right, get it checked out. Really eveyone here is giving you good advice, but for your minds well being you should see a doctor.
Good luck to you,
Cindy VT
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- May 20, 2013 at 3:05 am
Why don't you look on the net to see how women check for lumps under the arm and around the breast. There are lymphnodes, loads of the everywhere in the body. If something seems not right, get it checked out. Really eveyone here is giving you good advice, but for your minds well being you should see a doctor.
Good luck to you,
Cindy VT
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- May 20, 2013 at 3:05 am
Why don't you look on the net to see how women check for lumps under the arm and around the breast. There are lymphnodes, loads of the everywhere in the body. If something seems not right, get it checked out. Really eveyone here is giving you good advice, but for your minds well being you should see a doctor.
Good luck to you,
Cindy VT
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- May 20, 2013 at 3:44 am
Yeah I was being kind of dumb. I shouldn’t
even post something like this. The answe is
always be proactive.I was trying to explain it away etc lol
My right armpit has a small raise of the skin
which is a little bit red. Once i looked into
feeling im pretty sure there is a semi hard,
imobile node about the size of a large
almond against the inside wall of the back
of the armpit.Just an anxiety filled Sat.
I will make an onc appt tomorrow morning at
9:01 am. -
- May 20, 2013 at 11:35 am
Matt, rather than thinking about this as being "hypochondriac" or "proactive", think about it was becoming educated. It is critical for you to check your own nodes for the forseeable future. But what are you checking FOR? What does a suspicous node feel like? So when your onc checks you out and says, "No, this is not a canceous node." ask him "How do you know it is not cancerous? What is it you are feeling? What would feel different if it was cancerous?" Those are self-education questions that will serve you well in the years to come. My hat is off to you for being vigilant, for taking quick action, and for becoming educated about melanoma!
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- May 20, 2013 at 3:45 pm
The difference in my lymph nodes wasn't very noticeable, and I might have not noticed it myself if the doctor hadn't pointed it out, but basically the right (normal) side felt smooth from the transition to/from the lymph nodes and whatever is to the side of it (start of the pec muscle?). On the left (bad) side, it sort of felt like there was a "ledge" instead of a smooth transition.
Like everyone else has said, if you feel like something is wrong, get it checked! A lot of people have found their own melanomas when the doctor has said it was nothing to worry about. I guess there is a fine line between being proactive and being a hypochondriac, but you should go with your gut. If you continue to be worried all the time and think something is wrong with every ache and pain after months and years of being NED, then maybe you might have to consider that you're in the hypochondriac category, but I am proof that a negative SLB isn't definitive – I hope that doesn't scare you because that's not what I am intending to do, but we have to advocate for ourselves! If I had felt that difference in lymph nodes instead of my doctor, I would definitely expect them to listen to me. And I apologize if my reply on your post the other day seemed insensitive, I didn't mean to come across as if you should act like you feel great if you don't! Sounds like you're working to get this looked at ASAP and I'm really glad to hear that 🙂
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- May 20, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Oh no not insensative at all. Never would
have thought anything like that.So went to Onc this morning at 915.
He was fast…skin is red. I feel the change
shape when I’m in the shower.He can’t see it because of the hairy armpit
feels but kind of concentrates on the wall of
my chest (where im sure he feels for alot
Of breast cancer stuff). Didnt feel anything.
I told him it was more in my armpit.He said hell with our fingers.
I have an ultrasound at 130.
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- May 20, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Oh don’t worry i will keep everyone posted.Yeah he really had his hands physically on
me for less than 30 sec and said that may
be the shape of your armpit.But he said maybe it isnt. They wont needle
at next appt but if ultrasound shows any size
to axillary nodes then he said would try to
biopsy tomorrow. -
- May 20, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Oh don’t worry i will keep everyone posted.Yeah he really had his hands physically on
me for less than 30 sec and said that may
be the shape of your armpit.But he said maybe it isnt. They wont needle
at next appt but if ultrasound shows any size
to axillary nodes then he said would try to
biopsy tomorrow. -
- May 20, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Oh don’t worry i will keep everyone posted.Yeah he really had his hands physically on
me for less than 30 sec and said that may
be the shape of your armpit.But he said maybe it isnt. They wont needle
at next appt but if ultrasound shows any size
to axillary nodes then he said would try to
biopsy tomorrow. -
- May 20, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Oh no not insensative at all. Never would
have thought anything like that.So went to Onc this morning at 915.
He was fast…skin is red. I feel the change
shape when I’m in the shower.He can’t see it because of the hairy armpit
feels but kind of concentrates on the wall of
my chest (where im sure he feels for alot
Of breast cancer stuff). Didnt feel anything.
I told him it was more in my armpit.He said hell with our fingers.
I have an ultrasound at 130.
-
- May 20, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Oh no not insensative at all. Never would
have thought anything like that.So went to Onc this morning at 915.
He was fast…skin is red. I feel the change
shape when I’m in the shower.He can’t see it because of the hairy armpit
feels but kind of concentrates on the wall of
my chest (where im sure he feels for alot
Of breast cancer stuff). Didnt feel anything.
I told him it was more in my armpit.He said hell with our fingers.
I have an ultrasound at 130.
-
- May 20, 2013 at 3:45 pm
The difference in my lymph nodes wasn't very noticeable, and I might have not noticed it myself if the doctor hadn't pointed it out, but basically the right (normal) side felt smooth from the transition to/from the lymph nodes and whatever is to the side of it (start of the pec muscle?). On the left (bad) side, it sort of felt like there was a "ledge" instead of a smooth transition.
Like everyone else has said, if you feel like something is wrong, get it checked! A lot of people have found their own melanomas when the doctor has said it was nothing to worry about. I guess there is a fine line between being proactive and being a hypochondriac, but you should go with your gut. If you continue to be worried all the time and think something is wrong with every ache and pain after months and years of being NED, then maybe you might have to consider that you're in the hypochondriac category, but I am proof that a negative SLB isn't definitive – I hope that doesn't scare you because that's not what I am intending to do, but we have to advocate for ourselves! If I had felt that difference in lymph nodes instead of my doctor, I would definitely expect them to listen to me. And I apologize if my reply on your post the other day seemed insensitive, I didn't mean to come across as if you should act like you feel great if you don't! Sounds like you're working to get this looked at ASAP and I'm really glad to hear that 🙂
-
- May 20, 2013 at 3:45 pm
The difference in my lymph nodes wasn't very noticeable, and I might have not noticed it myself if the doctor hadn't pointed it out, but basically the right (normal) side felt smooth from the transition to/from the lymph nodes and whatever is to the side of it (start of the pec muscle?). On the left (bad) side, it sort of felt like there was a "ledge" instead of a smooth transition.
Like everyone else has said, if you feel like something is wrong, get it checked! A lot of people have found their own melanomas when the doctor has said it was nothing to worry about. I guess there is a fine line between being proactive and being a hypochondriac, but you should go with your gut. If you continue to be worried all the time and think something is wrong with every ache and pain after months and years of being NED, then maybe you might have to consider that you're in the hypochondriac category, but I am proof that a negative SLB isn't definitive – I hope that doesn't scare you because that's not what I am intending to do, but we have to advocate for ourselves! If I had felt that difference in lymph nodes instead of my doctor, I would definitely expect them to listen to me. And I apologize if my reply on your post the other day seemed insensitive, I didn't mean to come across as if you should act like you feel great if you don't! Sounds like you're working to get this looked at ASAP and I'm really glad to hear that 🙂
-
- May 20, 2013 at 11:35 am
Matt, rather than thinking about this as being "hypochondriac" or "proactive", think about it was becoming educated. It is critical for you to check your own nodes for the forseeable future. But what are you checking FOR? What does a suspicous node feel like? So when your onc checks you out and says, "No, this is not a canceous node." ask him "How do you know it is not cancerous? What is it you are feeling? What would feel different if it was cancerous?" Those are self-education questions that will serve you well in the years to come. My hat is off to you for being vigilant, for taking quick action, and for becoming educated about melanoma!
-
- May 20, 2013 at 11:35 am
Matt, rather than thinking about this as being "hypochondriac" or "proactive", think about it was becoming educated. It is critical for you to check your own nodes for the forseeable future. But what are you checking FOR? What does a suspicous node feel like? So when your onc checks you out and says, "No, this is not a canceous node." ask him "How do you know it is not cancerous? What is it you are feeling? What would feel different if it was cancerous?" Those are self-education questions that will serve you well in the years to come. My hat is off to you for being vigilant, for taking quick action, and for becoming educated about melanoma!
-
- May 20, 2013 at 3:44 am
Yeah I was being kind of dumb. I shouldn’t
even post something like this. The answe is
always be proactive.I was trying to explain it away etc lol
My right armpit has a small raise of the skin
which is a little bit red. Once i looked into
feeling im pretty sure there is a semi hard,
imobile node about the size of a large
almond against the inside wall of the back
of the armpit.Just an anxiety filled Sat.
I will make an onc appt tomorrow morning at
9:01 am. -
- May 20, 2013 at 3:44 am
Yeah I was being kind of dumb. I shouldn’t
even post something like this. The answe is
always be proactive.I was trying to explain it away etc lol
My right armpit has a small raise of the skin
which is a little bit red. Once i looked into
feeling im pretty sure there is a semi hard,
imobile node about the size of a large
almond against the inside wall of the back
of the armpit.Just an anxiety filled Sat.
I will make an onc appt tomorrow morning at
9:01 am.
-
- May 20, 2013 at 8:16 pm
Ultrasound Complete Report sent back to local Oncologist
Targeted Limited Ultrasound – Right Azillary palpable Node
A "normal-sized" node was found measuring 1.8 x 0.6 x 1.5 cm. Nothing else of significance.
So Onc said you are fine…if it gets bigger come back. I guess that is an answer lol
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- May 20, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Chalk one up on the hypochondriac side, lol. Just kidding. But now you know…. and have a better idea what to look for in the future. Remember not to "play" with the nodes too much or you could cause them to react just from your manipulations!
Best wishes for a LONG date with NED.
Janner
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- May 20, 2013 at 9:31 pm
yeah yeah…I'm not crazy, there is a lump there lol. now I know to just watch it.
I hear what you are saying…but i will always go with caution. if I had let it go and 2 months from now it was something I would feel even more aweful. I left that damn mole on my cheek for over 3 years lol
Not to be a pessamist but i have migraines (actually right side cluster migraines),
horner's syndrome,
and my pupils have been two different sizes for the last year
somewhere deep inside I really feel like my NED means
"we haven't found it yet"…I know that is a bad way to feel. but I am still in a pretty constant state of doctors and appts.
between army docs, local oncologist, MD Anderson and tests I pretty much am going to the doctor every 14 days or so
BLEH
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- May 20, 2013 at 9:50 pm
I get it. I'm a great one for not jumping to conclusions, but we all have to live with ourselves and if you know you will feel better after talking to a doctor, it is worth it. I still say that area isn't high on the list of prime locations for melanoma to travel to but you can never rule it out. When you see docs as much as you are doing, it is hard to ever let anything kind of settle. I think you will have a tough time with this until you can get some of your other stuff under control and a break from the constant docs and reminders.
Just a side comment, you know it isn't uncommon to have different pupil sizes, right? I never noticed that mine were different until I had LASIK in 1999. Then it was pointed out to me when they measured pupil size. After spending many hours on eye forums, I learned that is not an uncommon trait.
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- May 20, 2013 at 9:50 pm
I get it. I'm a great one for not jumping to conclusions, but we all have to live with ourselves and if you know you will feel better after talking to a doctor, it is worth it. I still say that area isn't high on the list of prime locations for melanoma to travel to but you can never rule it out. When you see docs as much as you are doing, it is hard to ever let anything kind of settle. I think you will have a tough time with this until you can get some of your other stuff under control and a break from the constant docs and reminders.
Just a side comment, you know it isn't uncommon to have different pupil sizes, right? I never noticed that mine were different until I had LASIK in 1999. Then it was pointed out to me when they measured pupil size. After spending many hours on eye forums, I learned that is not an uncommon trait.
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- May 20, 2013 at 10:16 pm
no I know of the condition….
but mine was one day (alot of people see me all the time and would have said something) at the age of 42 after over a year of being seen by a Neurologists for migraines and right eye vision problems my right eye went kind of fish eye. I was actually just talking to a nurse friend of my who grabbed me and said "sit down is something happening right now?"
from then on it has never been the same again..usually close to doule one way or another smaller or larger
they did stroke work up…mri etc.
a month later i got the melanoma diagnosis…surgery etc.
so while it is a "normal" condition for some…most are of the mindset that sudden onset at age 42 is not a positive thing.
mostly "they" believe it is neurological along with migraines, horners syndrome, some concentration and memory issues, light and sound sensativity, and a cranial dystonia or hemifacial spasms (those are fun)
So yeah I would like to get some closure on things…it is hard for me to believe everything is compartmentalized and not linked in some way.
melanoma right cheek/ear lobe seperate from
right side vision issues
right side headaches
right sided facial spasm
I know it is the layman patient way of thinking but hey thats me.
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- May 20, 2013 at 10:16 pm
no I know of the condition….
but mine was one day (alot of people see me all the time and would have said something) at the age of 42 after over a year of being seen by a Neurologists for migraines and right eye vision problems my right eye went kind of fish eye. I was actually just talking to a nurse friend of my who grabbed me and said "sit down is something happening right now?"
from then on it has never been the same again..usually close to doule one way or another smaller or larger
they did stroke work up…mri etc.
a month later i got the melanoma diagnosis…surgery etc.
so while it is a "normal" condition for some…most are of the mindset that sudden onset at age 42 is not a positive thing.
mostly "they" believe it is neurological along with migraines, horners syndrome, some concentration and memory issues, light and sound sensativity, and a cranial dystonia or hemifacial spasms (those are fun)
So yeah I would like to get some closure on things…it is hard for me to believe everything is compartmentalized and not linked in some way.
melanoma right cheek/ear lobe seperate from
right side vision issues
right side headaches
right sided facial spasm
I know it is the layman patient way of thinking but hey thats me.
-
- May 20, 2013 at 10:16 pm
no I know of the condition….
but mine was one day (alot of people see me all the time and would have said something) at the age of 42 after over a year of being seen by a Neurologists for migraines and right eye vision problems my right eye went kind of fish eye. I was actually just talking to a nurse friend of my who grabbed me and said "sit down is something happening right now?"
from then on it has never been the same again..usually close to doule one way or another smaller or larger
they did stroke work up…mri etc.
a month later i got the melanoma diagnosis…surgery etc.
so while it is a "normal" condition for some…most are of the mindset that sudden onset at age 42 is not a positive thing.
mostly "they" believe it is neurological along with migraines, horners syndrome, some concentration and memory issues, light and sound sensativity, and a cranial dystonia or hemifacial spasms (those are fun)
So yeah I would like to get some closure on things…it is hard for me to believe everything is compartmentalized and not linked in some way.
melanoma right cheek/ear lobe seperate from
right side vision issues
right side headaches
right sided facial spasm
I know it is the layman patient way of thinking but hey thats me.
-
- May 20, 2013 at 9:50 pm
I get it. I'm a great one for not jumping to conclusions, but we all have to live with ourselves and if you know you will feel better after talking to a doctor, it is worth it. I still say that area isn't high on the list of prime locations for melanoma to travel to but you can never rule it out. When you see docs as much as you are doing, it is hard to ever let anything kind of settle. I think you will have a tough time with this until you can get some of your other stuff under control and a break from the constant docs and reminders.
Just a side comment, you know it isn't uncommon to have different pupil sizes, right? I never noticed that mine were different until I had LASIK in 1999. Then it was pointed out to me when they measured pupil size. After spending many hours on eye forums, I learned that is not an uncommon trait.
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- May 20, 2013 at 9:31 pm
yeah yeah…I'm not crazy, there is a lump there lol. now I know to just watch it.
I hear what you are saying…but i will always go with caution. if I had let it go and 2 months from now it was something I would feel even more aweful. I left that damn mole on my cheek for over 3 years lol
Not to be a pessamist but i have migraines (actually right side cluster migraines),
horner's syndrome,
and my pupils have been two different sizes for the last year
somewhere deep inside I really feel like my NED means
"we haven't found it yet"…I know that is a bad way to feel. but I am still in a pretty constant state of doctors and appts.
between army docs, local oncologist, MD Anderson and tests I pretty much am going to the doctor every 14 days or so
BLEH
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- May 20, 2013 at 9:31 pm
yeah yeah…I'm not crazy, there is a lump there lol. now I know to just watch it.
I hear what you are saying…but i will always go with caution. if I had let it go and 2 months from now it was something I would feel even more aweful. I left that damn mole on my cheek for over 3 years lol
Not to be a pessamist but i have migraines (actually right side cluster migraines),
horner's syndrome,
and my pupils have been two different sizes for the last year
somewhere deep inside I really feel like my NED means
"we haven't found it yet"…I know that is a bad way to feel. but I am still in a pretty constant state of doctors and appts.
between army docs, local oncologist, MD Anderson and tests I pretty much am going to the doctor every 14 days or so
BLEH
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- May 20, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Chalk one up on the hypochondriac side, lol. Just kidding. But now you know…. and have a better idea what to look for in the future. Remember not to "play" with the nodes too much or you could cause them to react just from your manipulations!
Best wishes for a LONG date with NED.
Janner
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- May 20, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Chalk one up on the hypochondriac side, lol. Just kidding. But now you know…. and have a better idea what to look for in the future. Remember not to "play" with the nodes too much or you could cause them to react just from your manipulations!
Best wishes for a LONG date with NED.
Janner
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- May 20, 2013 at 8:16 pm
Ultrasound Complete Report sent back to local Oncologist
Targeted Limited Ultrasound – Right Azillary palpable Node
A "normal-sized" node was found measuring 1.8 x 0.6 x 1.5 cm. Nothing else of significance.
So Onc said you are fine…if it gets bigger come back. I guess that is an answer lol
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- May 20, 2013 at 8:16 pm
Ultrasound Complete Report sent back to local Oncologist
Targeted Limited Ultrasound – Right Azillary palpable Node
A "normal-sized" node was found measuring 1.8 x 0.6 x 1.5 cm. Nothing else of significance.
So Onc said you are fine…if it gets bigger come back. I guess that is an answer lol
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- May 24, 2013 at 12:24 am
So I go to my Primary care guy today (army standard immunization thing)
he is a Phycisian's Assistant that i see when I'm sick or get hurt in the army etc.
he is there with an army medic.
I take off my shirt and they both say
"hey man your right underarm is swollen and there is a rash on your skin under your arm"
he wants me to go to the dermatologist that diagnosed the melanoma next week.
he couldn't feel the node that i can but says it doesn't matter because if i can feel a difference inside right from left and they can physically see the swelling (like a little buldge sac of skin and fluid that pushes down onto the wall of my chest when i stand with my arms down) then something is off whether it is melanoma related or not it should be addressed further.
he gave me a quick look over…not sick no infection etc.
one thing i will say about my military experience..i get a lot more time with the doctors than in civilian world. I think in civilian world I get about 5 to 15 min with provider on a good day. in the military i have had 30 to 45 min appt before.
these people (health care providers) are trying to make me crazy though. I knew darn well i could see swelling last weekend.
now i'm just going to wait until it is undeniable. lol
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- May 24, 2013 at 12:24 am
So I go to my Primary care guy today (army standard immunization thing)
he is a Phycisian's Assistant that i see when I'm sick or get hurt in the army etc.
he is there with an army medic.
I take off my shirt and they both say
"hey man your right underarm is swollen and there is a rash on your skin under your arm"
he wants me to go to the dermatologist that diagnosed the melanoma next week.
he couldn't feel the node that i can but says it doesn't matter because if i can feel a difference inside right from left and they can physically see the swelling (like a little buldge sac of skin and fluid that pushes down onto the wall of my chest when i stand with my arms down) then something is off whether it is melanoma related or not it should be addressed further.
he gave me a quick look over…not sick no infection etc.
one thing i will say about my military experience..i get a lot more time with the doctors than in civilian world. I think in civilian world I get about 5 to 15 min with provider on a good day. in the military i have had 30 to 45 min appt before.
these people (health care providers) are trying to make me crazy though. I knew darn well i could see swelling last weekend.
now i'm just going to wait until it is undeniable. lol
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- May 24, 2013 at 12:24 am
So I go to my Primary care guy today (army standard immunization thing)
he is a Phycisian's Assistant that i see when I'm sick or get hurt in the army etc.
he is there with an army medic.
I take off my shirt and they both say
"hey man your right underarm is swollen and there is a rash on your skin under your arm"
he wants me to go to the dermatologist that diagnosed the melanoma next week.
he couldn't feel the node that i can but says it doesn't matter because if i can feel a difference inside right from left and they can physically see the swelling (like a little buldge sac of skin and fluid that pushes down onto the wall of my chest when i stand with my arms down) then something is off whether it is melanoma related or not it should be addressed further.
he gave me a quick look over…not sick no infection etc.
one thing i will say about my military experience..i get a lot more time with the doctors than in civilian world. I think in civilian world I get about 5 to 15 min with provider on a good day. in the military i have had 30 to 45 min appt before.
these people (health care providers) are trying to make me crazy though. I knew darn well i could see swelling last weekend.
now i'm just going to wait until it is undeniable. lol
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