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spouses

Forums General Melanoma Community spouses

  • Post
    tonyrussell
    Participant

      Hi,

      My wife just got diagnosed with Melanoma today.  Although the doc said he got it all out…i'm terrified.  We do have to go to a specialist to make sure it isn't in the lymph nodes but the prognosis is good.  However, I could use some positive input and stories.

      Tony

      [email protected]

      Hi,

      My wife just got diagnosed with Melanoma today.  Although the doc said he got it all out…i'm terrified.  We do have to go to a specialist to make sure it isn't in the lymph nodes but the prognosis is good.  However, I could use some positive input and stories.

      Tony

      [email protected]

    Viewing 14 reply threads
    • Replies
        chappy
        Participant

          Hello Tony,

          While I was surfing the net trying to get info, I came across this site.

          My wife just got a call on Thursday(9/30) that the mole that was removed was melanoma.

          We have to see the Doc again on Monday.

          I'm going into this blind, not knowing what to expect, or how to offer support. I too could use any info I can get.

          Thanks

            tonyrussell
            Participant
              Chappy

              Sounds like we are both in the same phase of this storm. Sometimes I feel like everything will be fine and the next moment I feel like I can’t breath. Drop me an email at [email protected] and give me more details or at least keep in touch with each other. You are in my prayers

              Tony

              tonyrussell
              Participant
                Chappy

                Sounds like we are both in the same phase of this storm. Sometimes I feel like everything will be fine and the next moment I feel like I can’t breath. Drop me an email at [email protected] and give me more details or at least keep in touch with each other. You are in my prayers

                Tony

              chappy
              Participant

                Hello Tony,

                While I was surfing the net trying to get info, I came across this site.

                My wife just got a call on Thursday(9/30) that the mole that was removed was melanoma.

                We have to see the Doc again on Monday.

                I'm going into this blind, not knowing what to expect, or how to offer support. I too could use any info I can get.

                Thanks

                Janner
                Participant

                  Sorry to hear your wife is dealing with this.

                  You need to get a copy of your pathology report.  (This goes for the other person who replied as well).  It's hard to help or give too much positive feedback when we know nothing of your wife's situation.  Melanoma is highly curable when caught early.  Having said that, the pathology report is what tells you what you're dealing with.  Key things are the Breslow depth, mitosis, and ulceration.  That gives us a better picture of what is going on.

                  I'm an early stage person – diagnosed 18.5 years ago at age 29.  I'm still here and still early stage.

                  Best wishes,

                  Janner

                  Janner
                  Participant

                    Sorry to hear your wife is dealing with this.

                    You need to get a copy of your pathology report.  (This goes for the other person who replied as well).  It's hard to help or give too much positive feedback when we know nothing of your wife's situation.  Melanoma is highly curable when caught early.  Having said that, the pathology report is what tells you what you're dealing with.  Key things are the Breslow depth, mitosis, and ulceration.  That gives us a better picture of what is going on.

                    I'm an early stage person – diagnosed 18.5 years ago at age 29.  I'm still here and still early stage.

                    Best wishes,

                    Janner

                    jackiewin
                    Participant

                      Welcome to this site, but sorry for the reason you have to be here.  This is a wonderful place full of info and support.

                      You don't say if the doctor gave you the Breslow number or Clark level.  It is good that he is sending you to a mm specialist.  What they will do is a Wide Lesion Excsion (WLE) to get clear margins and a Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) to see if there is any lymph node involvement.  Hopefully it was caught early.

                       

                      Good luck

                       

                      Jackie W

                        tonyrussell
                        Participant
                          Hi Jackie,
                          We saw the specialist who will do just what you said he will. He said we caught it early and there is a 90 percent chance it is gone, but will still double check with surgery and remove node.

                          Thanks,

                          Tony

                          tonyrussell
                          Participant
                            Hi Jackie,
                            We saw the specialist who will do just what you said he will. He said we caught it early and there is a 90 percent chance it is gone, but will still double check with surgery and remove node.

                            Thanks,

                            Tony

                          jackiewin
                          Participant

                            Welcome to this site, but sorry for the reason you have to be here.  This is a wonderful place full of info and support.

                            You don't say if the doctor gave you the Breslow number or Clark level.  It is good that he is sending you to a mm specialist.  What they will do is a Wide Lesion Excsion (WLE) to get clear margins and a Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) to see if there is any lymph node involvement.  Hopefully it was caught early.

                             

                            Good luck

                             

                            Jackie W

                            MichaelFL
                            Participant

                              Hi Tony,

                              Sorry you and your wife had to join the forum that no one wants to be a member of by choice.

                              It would be best to get a copy of the pathology report and post it here so someone can help you "de-code" it. The most important factor is called the Breslow depth which is the actual depth of the melanoma itself within the three layers of skin. It will be listed in MM (millimeters). As mentioned, other important factors are ulceration and mitosis, and there are usuallysome other things listed on the report as well which may be of secondary concern.

                              In time you and your wife will gain a better understanding of what you are dealing with, but until then be cautious what you read here in terms of other postings as well. There are many here on this forum in all stages, (0-4) and some are dealing with advanced disease.

                              Michael-stage 1b, .30 mm Breslow, 1 mitosis, not ulcerated and 2 years out with no evidence of disease (NED)!

                                MichaelFL
                                Participant

                                  P.S. Same applies to Chappy!

                                  MichaelFL
                                  Participant

                                    P.S. Same applies to Chappy!

                                    tonyrussell
                                    Participant
                                      The dr said it was basically still on the surface but had started to move down. He said 5 yr prognosis for 5 yr was in 90s for the stage. There was no ulceration but it was also getting ready to take the next step. Is it common to still go see cancer specialist even if they feel they got it all?

                                      [email protected]

                                      Janner
                                      Participant

                                        In general, they don't usually check the lymph nodes for lesions under 1mm.  So it's not the earliest stage (stage 0) or may not be the next stage (Stage IA) because they don't typically check the nodes at that depth.  This is not a hard and fast rule, but a generality based on what is "typical".  So yes, if they are going to do a Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB), you want to see a specialist.  You want someone who does that procedure all the time because success may depend on the skill of the doctor.  Of course, my staging guess may be totally incorrect which is why you need the pathology report. 

                                        Best wishes,

                                        Janner

                                        Janner
                                        Participant

                                          In general, they don't usually check the lymph nodes for lesions under 1mm.  So it's not the earliest stage (stage 0) or may not be the next stage (Stage IA) because they don't typically check the nodes at that depth.  This is not a hard and fast rule, but a generality based on what is "typical".  So yes, if they are going to do a Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB), you want to see a specialist.  You want someone who does that procedure all the time because success may depend on the skill of the doctor.  Of course, my staging guess may be totally incorrect which is why you need the pathology report. 

                                          Best wishes,

                                          Janner

                                          MichaelFL
                                          Participant

                                            Yes, even if they say they "got it all" a specialist may need to be seen.

                                            Based on the Breslow depth which is .75 mm for a ulcerated lesion or 1.0 mm if not ulcerated, a specialist will need to be seen, and a SNB or what is called a sentinel node biopsy will be discussed with your wife. A SNB is usually considered if the melanoma lesion is .75 mm if ulcerated or 1.0 mm if not ulcerated.

                                            Your wife's pathology report will give us a better understanding of what needs to be done and how to better assist you. You can request this from the doctor and post it here. Good luck with everything, and keep us posted.

                                            Michael

                                            tonyrussell
                                            Participant
                                              I will get the report but I’m fairly sure he said .33 depth and I know he said it wasn’t ulcerated. Since I wasn’t clear on what he was saying I finally just asked for prognosis. He said it was over 90% 5 year survival rate with melanoma at this stage. And he said think of it this way…the Melanoma is out of there and sitting on a shelf. He said to see the specialist who MIGHT want to examine or cut further. He said they may also just choose to watch her closely. We are lucky to live in Seattle area where there are amazing docs. Thank you all for communicating with me. How do you handle the anxiety and avoid allowing the fear to overtake you?

                                              Tony

                                              Fen
                                              Participant

                                                Dealing with the anxiety comes with time, Tony. Right now you are still in a daze and just beginning to assimilate what happened. As time goes on you will process the info and begin to live well despite (or maybe because of) the diagnosis.  

                                                You are doing everything right by learning about your wife's specific case. Give it some time. Hug your wife. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

                                                Kevin from Atlanta
                                                Participant

                                                  This is based on the info you have provided.

                                                   

                                                  Stage IIA (T2bN0M0 or T3aN0M0)

                                                  • T2b: the tumor is 1.01-2.0 mm thick, with ulceration
                                                  • T3a: the tumor is 2.01-4.0 mm thick, with no ulceration
                                                  • N0: the tumor has not spread to nearby lymph nodes
                                                  • M0: the tumor has not spread to sites distant from the primary tumor

                                                   

                                                  It is important to do the follow up and see an oncologist.

                                                   

                                                  Here are the treatment options for stage IIa

                                                   

                                                  http://www.melanomacenter.org/treatment/stage2.html

                                                  Kevin from Atlanta
                                                  Participant

                                                    Ooops my bad. I read the number wrong. I wish I could delete my previous answer.

                                                    Kevin from Atlanta
                                                    Participant

                                                      Ooops my bad. I read the number wrong. I wish I could delete my previous answer.

                                                      Kevin from Atlanta
                                                      Participant

                                                        This is based on the info you have provided.

                                                         

                                                        Stage IIA (T2bN0M0 or T3aN0M0)

                                                        • T2b: the tumor is 1.01-2.0 mm thick, with ulceration
                                                        • T3a: the tumor is 2.01-4.0 mm thick, with no ulceration
                                                        • N0: the tumor has not spread to nearby lymph nodes
                                                        • M0: the tumor has not spread to sites distant from the primary tumor

                                                         

                                                        It is important to do the follow up and see an oncologist.

                                                         

                                                        Here are the treatment options for stage IIa

                                                         

                                                        http://www.melanomacenter.org/treatment/stage2.html

                                                        Fen
                                                        Participant

                                                          Dealing with the anxiety comes with time, Tony. Right now you are still in a daze and just beginning to assimilate what happened. As time goes on you will process the info and begin to live well despite (or maybe because of) the diagnosis.  

                                                          You are doing everything right by learning about your wife's specific case. Give it some time. Hug your wife. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

                                                          tonyrussell
                                                          Participant
                                                            I will get the report but I’m fairly sure he said .33 depth and I know he said it wasn’t ulcerated. Since I wasn’t clear on what he was saying I finally just asked for prognosis. He said it was over 90% 5 year survival rate with melanoma at this stage. And he said think of it this way…the Melanoma is out of there and sitting on a shelf. He said to see the specialist who MIGHT want to examine or cut further. He said they may also just choose to watch her closely. We are lucky to live in Seattle area where there are amazing docs. Thank you all for communicating with me. How do you handle the anxiety and avoid allowing the fear to overtake you?

                                                            Tony

                                                            washoegal
                                                            Participant

                                                              Tony,

                                                              I had to chime in here because you are getting a lot of information in an effort to try to help.  I am afraid some of it my be confusing or even misleading.  If, in fact, your wife's Tumor is only .33mm (which is what I read from your post)  and there is NO lymph node involvement (which by the way is not expected at that depth) than she would be Stage 1.  Excellent prognosis!  But in all honesty, until you see the melanoma specialist, and get a little more information on lymph nodes and surrounding tissue staging is not accurate. 

                                                               

                                                              All of us here cannot stress how important it is to see a melanoma specialist, not just an oncologist!  I had a 3MM mole which my GP did manage to get all of, however the melanoma had already spread to my lymph nodes.  I consider myself "lucky", I just had microscopic amounts in two sentinal nodes.  Had I not seen a specialist I would now be growing some very nice tumors.

                                                               

                                                              Reread Janners post.

                                                              tonyrussell
                                                              Participant
                                                                Thank you Janners! We are definitely going to the Mel specialist. And I am talking to dermatologist again tomorrow for clarification. I was still on shock when I spoke to him so I’m dreaming up all kinds of junk. Now I’m wondering if he meant 3.3 or .33… I do know he said it was still primarily on the surface just begining to break through. Regardless, like you said…until we see the specialist we won’t really know what size battle is on the way. I appreciate everyone allowing me to panic right before their cyber eyes! :). I am aware that regardless of the results this is going to be the toughest challenge of our lives.

                                                                T

                                                                tonyrussell
                                                                Participant
                                                                  Thank you Janners! We are definitely going to the Mel specialist. And I am talking to dermatologist again tomorrow for clarification. I was still on shock when I spoke to him so I’m dreaming up all kinds of junk. Now I’m wondering if he meant 3.3 or .33… I do know he said it was still primarily on the surface just begining to break through. Regardless, like you said…until we see the specialist we won’t really know what size battle is on the way. I appreciate everyone allowing me to panic right before their cyber eyes! :). I am aware that regardless of the results this is going to be the toughest challenge of our lives.

                                                                  T

                                                                  tonyrussell
                                                                  Participant
                                                                    I also know the pathologist didn’t see any cancer in surrounding tissue. However we were told the Mel specialist MIGHT want to take more. So that was confusing but I guess they have to double check each other.
                                                                    lhaley
                                                                    Participant

                                                                      Tony,

                                                                      I'm sorry you had to join us but you will find a wealth of info on this board.  This site can be scary!! Remember that many here have advanced stage disease. If your wifes is .33 then she is still in a  very good place.

                                                                      I think you are saying that she has not had a wide exision yet. That's when even if there is clean tissue they go back and take an extra margin.  Make sure and get a copy of the pathology.  Any tests that she has done get a paper copy for your records. If she ends up with a scan (I doubt it if she is .33) then get a copy on a CD.  My mel journey started in 1979 and I have all of my records! I have sat in a few Dr. appointments while the melanoma specialist actually sat and read everything.  Too much info on our history is so much better than not enough!  Plus, sometimes needed records are not sent and the Dr appointment is wasted or put off.

                                                                      Also, if you are ever in doubt, most insurance companies will pay for a second opinion to read a slide.  I'm sure that your new Dr. has already requested your wifes slides and they are being re-read.  Reading slides for melanoma can too often be misdiagnosed. Requesting a dermapathologist is a specialist in pathology for melanoma.

                                                                      Wishing you both the best,

                                                                      Linda

                                                                      lhaley
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        Tony,

                                                                        I'm sorry you had to join us but you will find a wealth of info on this board.  This site can be scary!! Remember that many here have advanced stage disease. If your wifes is .33 then she is still in a  very good place.

                                                                        I think you are saying that she has not had a wide exision yet. That's when even if there is clean tissue they go back and take an extra margin.  Make sure and get a copy of the pathology.  Any tests that she has done get a paper copy for your records. If she ends up with a scan (I doubt it if she is .33) then get a copy on a CD.  My mel journey started in 1979 and I have all of my records! I have sat in a few Dr. appointments while the melanoma specialist actually sat and read everything.  Too much info on our history is so much better than not enough!  Plus, sometimes needed records are not sent and the Dr appointment is wasted or put off.

                                                                        Also, if you are ever in doubt, most insurance companies will pay for a second opinion to read a slide.  I'm sure that your new Dr. has already requested your wifes slides and they are being re-read.  Reading slides for melanoma can too often be misdiagnosed. Requesting a dermapathologist is a specialist in pathology for melanoma.

                                                                        Wishing you both the best,

                                                                        Linda

                                                                        tonyrussell
                                                                        Participant
                                                                          I also know the pathologist didn’t see any cancer in surrounding tissue. However we were told the Mel specialist MIGHT want to take more. So that was confusing but I guess they have to double check each other.
                                                                          washoegal
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            Tony,

                                                                            I had to chime in here because you are getting a lot of information in an effort to try to help.  I am afraid some of it my be confusing or even misleading.  If, in fact, your wife's Tumor is only .33mm (which is what I read from your post)  and there is NO lymph node involvement (which by the way is not expected at that depth) than she would be Stage 1.  Excellent prognosis!  But in all honesty, until you see the melanoma specialist, and get a little more information on lymph nodes and surrounding tissue staging is not accurate. 

                                                                             

                                                                            All of us here cannot stress how important it is to see a melanoma specialist, not just an oncologist!  I had a 3MM mole which my GP did manage to get all of, however the melanoma had already spread to my lymph nodes.  I consider myself "lucky", I just had microscopic amounts in two sentinal nodes.  Had I not seen a specialist I would now be growing some very nice tumors.

                                                                             

                                                                            Reread Janners post.

                                                                            MichaelFL
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              Yes, even if they say they "got it all" a specialist may need to be seen.

                                                                              Based on the Breslow depth which is .75 mm for a ulcerated lesion or 1.0 mm if not ulcerated, a specialist will need to be seen, and a SNB or what is called a sentinel node biopsy will be discussed with your wife. A SNB is usually considered if the melanoma lesion is .75 mm if ulcerated or 1.0 mm if not ulcerated.

                                                                              Your wife's pathology report will give us a better understanding of what needs to be done and how to better assist you. You can request this from the doctor and post it here. Good luck with everything, and keep us posted.

                                                                              Michael

                                                                              tonyrussell
                                                                              Participant
                                                                                The dr said it was basically still on the surface but had started to move down. He said 5 yr prognosis for 5 yr was in 90s for the stage. There was no ulceration but it was also getting ready to take the next step. Is it common to still go see cancer specialist even if they feel they got it all?

                                                                                [email protected]

                                                                              MichaelFL
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                Hi Tony,

                                                                                Sorry you and your wife had to join the forum that no one wants to be a member of by choice.

                                                                                It would be best to get a copy of the pathology report and post it here so someone can help you "de-code" it. The most important factor is called the Breslow depth which is the actual depth of the melanoma itself within the three layers of skin. It will be listed in MM (millimeters). As mentioned, other important factors are ulceration and mitosis, and there are usuallysome other things listed on the report as well which may be of secondary concern.

                                                                                In time you and your wife will gain a better understanding of what you are dealing with, but until then be cautious what you read here in terms of other postings as well. There are many here on this forum in all stages, (0-4) and some are dealing with advanced disease.

                                                                                Michael-stage 1b, .30 mm Breslow, 1 mitosis, not ulcerated and 2 years out with no evidence of disease (NED)!

                                                                                bluepeople
                                                                                Participant

                                                                                  Hi Tony,

                                                                                  I'm in kind of the same predicament.  My hubby was diagnosed in August, had surgery in sept. (with good results), and he is  doing a PET scan next week.  As long as the PET scan is clear he is scheduled to start interferon treatment in November.  One spot is Stage 2B, the other is 2C.  The doctor wants to do the interferon because the one was so deep (5mm).  I've heard good and bad things about it, but he is going to try it out.  I just found this website and I think it is really great.  It's nice to be able to talk to others about the situation.  Not to talk lightly about the people who have cancer, but it is also very hard to be the significant other or caregiver.  My mom lived with us for a year while she was going through cancer treatments and it got very difficult at times.  I think this is a good board to vent on or ask for advice.  Good luck to your wife, I hope all turns out well. 

                                                                                  Akilyn

                                                                                  bluepeople
                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                    Hi Tony,

                                                                                    I'm in kind of the same predicament.  My hubby was diagnosed in August, had surgery in sept. (with good results), and he is  doing a PET scan next week.  As long as the PET scan is clear he is scheduled to start interferon treatment in November.  One spot is Stage 2B, the other is 2C.  The doctor wants to do the interferon because the one was so deep (5mm).  I've heard good and bad things about it, but he is going to try it out.  I just found this website and I think it is really great.  It's nice to be able to talk to others about the situation.  Not to talk lightly about the people who have cancer, but it is also very hard to be the significant other or caregiver.  My mom lived with us for a year while she was going through cancer treatments and it got very difficult at times.  I think this is a good board to vent on or ask for advice.  Good luck to your wife, I hope all turns out well. 

                                                                                    Akilyn

                                                                                      JoanR
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        Hi Tony be thankful you are in seattle and are you going to Fred Hutch, hopefully you will see Dr.Thompson who is a fantastic mel specialist…Good Luck, the outlook sounds good…but take all the precautions that are offered to you..I live in Canada (BC)and we often don't even get to see an onc with Stage one.  Stay in touch and follow all the information that Janner sends  you

                                                                                        tonyrussell
                                                                                        Participant
                                                                                          We are going to see Dr Thompson and we will take everything they offer. We were told they would call us within 14 days which was another indicator of the early stage. Some of our friends with Mel were at the surgeons office within 48 hrs. This is all a nightmare to us right now. I wake up full of anxiety and sleep is horrible. I’m trying to be strong for her though.
                                                                                          Tony
                                                                                          tonyrussell
                                                                                          Participant
                                                                                            We are going to see Dr Thompson and we will take everything they offer. We were told they would call us within 14 days which was another indicator of the early stage. Some of our friends with Mel were at the surgeons office within 48 hrs. This is all a nightmare to us right now. I wake up full of anxiety and sleep is horrible. I’m trying to be strong for her though.
                                                                                            Tony
                                                                                            tonyrussell
                                                                                            Participant
                                                                                              My wife said we are seeing Dr Byrd in Dr Thompsons practice.
                                                                                              dian in spokane
                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                Dr Byrd is a great doctor! DonW sees him. That's a great place to be going even if your wife is early stage.

                                                                                                We have a few WA state members here. I live in Spokane, but I've been to SCCA for second opinions on more than one occasion.

                                                                                                Good Luck!

                                                                                                keep us posted.

                                                                                                Dian

                                                                                                tonyrussell
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  Thanks for the info…I finally had a long talk with the dermatologist today who gave me more info.  I will spare all the numbers because I want to let the specialist inform us of prognosis and not get wrapped up in guessing.  And from what I am learning, until you see the specialist you really don't know the true stage anyway. 

                                                                                                  The good news within the bad is that the margins were clear, the tumor is barely Breslow 1 mil, non ulcerated, very low mitosis rate, and in the first stage.  However, until we hear that the nodes are clear and the surrounding tissue still has no cells in it then we will still feel a little panicked.  The dermatologist said that often times they don't go after the nodes at this stage, but the specialist will like take more tissue.  This is somewhat confusing to us, but we are going to ask that they exam the nodes and do all they can to give us some peace of mind.  About the time we feel there is lots of hopes someone tells us about an Aunt or Uncle that had stage one and died in 15 minutes!  Geez people really need to think before they speak.

                                                                                                  Tony

                                                                                                  tonyrussell
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    Thanks for the info…I finally had a long talk with the dermatologist today who gave me more info.  I will spare all the numbers because I want to let the specialist inform us of prognosis and not get wrapped up in guessing.  And from what I am learning, until you see the specialist you really don't know the true stage anyway. 

                                                                                                    The good news within the bad is that the margins were clear, the tumor is barely Breslow 1 mil, non ulcerated, very low mitosis rate, and in the first stage.  However, until we hear that the nodes are clear and the surrounding tissue still has no cells in it then we will still feel a little panicked.  The dermatologist said that often times they don't go after the nodes at this stage, but the specialist will like take more tissue.  This is somewhat confusing to us, but we are going to ask that they exam the nodes and do all they can to give us some peace of mind.  About the time we feel there is lots of hopes someone tells us about an Aunt or Uncle that had stage one and died in 15 minutes!  Geez people really need to think before they speak.

                                                                                                    Tony

                                                                                                    tonyrussell
                                                                                                    Participant
                                                                                                      Specialist said 90 percent chance it is gone but will still double check with surgery and remove nodes next week. Now if we can just stop fearing being in the 10 percent!
                                                                                                      tonyrussell
                                                                                                      Participant
                                                                                                        Specialist said 90 percent chance it is gone but will still double check with surgery and remove nodes next week. Now if we can just stop fearing being in the 10 percent!
                                                                                                        tonyrussell
                                                                                                        Participant
                                                                                                          The lymph nodes were clean! They ended up removing 3. They said that they did find a very shallow and small cluster of cells near the original tumor so they would clean up around those but we should go celebrate. I’m too exhausted and she is too sore at this point.

                                                                                                          Tony

                                                                                                          lhaley
                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                            You may be too tired to go out and celebrate but I'm sure your doing a mental celebration!!  Thrilled for your great news.

                                                                                                            Linda

                                                                                                            lhaley
                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                              You may be too tired to go out and celebrate but I'm sure your doing a mental celebration!!  Thrilled for your great news.

                                                                                                              Linda

                                                                                                              tonyrussell
                                                                                                              Participant
                                                                                                                The lymph nodes were clean! They ended up removing 3. They said that they did find a very shallow and small cluster of cells near the original tumor so they would clean up around those but we should go celebrate. I’m too exhausted and she is too sore at this point.

                                                                                                                Tony

                                                                                                                dian in spokane
                                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                                  Dr Byrd is a great doctor! DonW sees him. That's a great place to be going even if your wife is early stage.

                                                                                                                  We have a few WA state members here. I live in Spokane, but I've been to SCCA for second opinions on more than one occasion.

                                                                                                                  Good Luck!

                                                                                                                  keep us posted.

                                                                                                                  Dian

                                                                                                                  tonyrussell
                                                                                                                  Participant
                                                                                                                    My wife said we are seeing Dr Byrd in Dr Thompsons practice.
                                                                                                                    JoanR
                                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                                      Hi Tony be thankful you are in seattle and are you going to Fred Hutch, hopefully you will see Dr.Thompson who is a fantastic mel specialist…Good Luck, the outlook sounds good…but take all the precautions that are offered to you..I live in Canada (BC)and we often don't even get to see an onc with Stage one.  Stay in touch and follow all the information that Janner sends  you

                                                                                                                    chappy
                                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                                      Thanks for all the info so far. We see the Doc this afternoon, and will post afterwards.

                                                                                                                      Chappy

                                                                                                                        chappy
                                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                                          The Doc made an incision today, and took some skin around the original site. We're suppose tp learn more in a couple days.

                                                                                                                          Yjanks for all thr prayers.

                                                                                                                          Chappy

                                                                                                                          tonyrussell
                                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                                            Yeah, that seems to be the end result of every meeting….hurry up and wait!

                                                                                                                            Tony

                                                                                                                            tonyrussell
                                                                                                                            Participant
                                                                                                                              We meet our surgeon tomorrow and then the surgery is scheduled within a week. Say a prayer for us
                                                                                                                              tonyrussell
                                                                                                                              Participant
                                                                                                                                We meet our surgeon tomorrow and then the surgery is scheduled within a week. Say a prayer for us
                                                                                                                                tonyrussell
                                                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                                                  Yeah, that seems to be the end result of every meeting….hurry up and wait!

                                                                                                                                  Tony

                                                                                                                                  tonyrussell
                                                                                                                                  Participant
                                                                                                                                    What did you find out Chappy?

                                                                                                                                    [email protected]

                                                                                                                                    tonyrussell
                                                                                                                                    Participant
                                                                                                                                      What did you find out Chappy?

                                                                                                                                      [email protected]

                                                                                                                                      chappy
                                                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                                                        The Doc made an incision today, and took some skin around the original site. We're suppose tp learn more in a couple days.

                                                                                                                                        Yjanks for all thr prayers.

                                                                                                                                        Chappy

                                                                                                                                      chappy
                                                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                                                        Thanks for all the info so far. We see the Doc this afternoon, and will post afterwards.

                                                                                                                                        Chappy

                                                                                                                                        runnergirl
                                                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                                                          I'm so very sorry that you have had to join this club.  BUT it is a very informative place to be.  My husband is stage IV, mets to lung and bone.  I took my last relaxed breath before the doc said melanoma.

                                                                                                                                          I would definitely get an opinion from a melanoma specialist at a major medical center, probably a university based.  We use Univ AZ CA Center in Tucson and have been very satisfied and supported.  That was our 3rd opinion.  I think our next stop would be MD Anderson in Houston, despite their offshoot in PHX.  Of course, Sloan Kettering in NYC. 

                                                                                                                                          runnergirl
                                                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                                                            I'm so very sorry that you have had to join this club.  BUT it is a very informative place to be.  My husband is stage IV, mets to lung and bone.  I took my last relaxed breath before the doc said melanoma.

                                                                                                                                            I would definitely get an opinion from a melanoma specialist at a major medical center, probably a university based.  We use Univ AZ CA Center in Tucson and have been very satisfied and supported.  That was our 3rd opinion.  I think our next stop would be MD Anderson in Houston, despite their offshoot in PHX.  Of course, Sloan Kettering in NYC. 

                                                                                                                                            runnergirl
                                                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                                                              I'm so very sorry that you have had to join this club.  BUT it is a very informative place to be.  My husband is stage IV, mets to lung and bone.  I took my last relaxed breath before the doc said melanoma.

                                                                                                                                              I would definitely get an opinion from a melanoma specialist at a major medical center, probably a university based.  We use Univ AZ CA Center in Tucson and have been very satisfied and supported.  That was our 3rd opinion.  I think our next stop would be MD Anderson in Houston, despite their offshoot in PHX.  Of course, Sloan Kettering in NYC. 

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                                                                                                                                          The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

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