MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Stage 1B – 20 years NED.
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Stage 1B – 20 years NED.

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Stage 1B – 20 years NED.

  • Post
    • April 13, 2012 at 1:42 pm
    Janner
    Participant

      I post this mostly for those newly diagnosed early stagers – to give them perspective.  20 years ago I was diagnosed with my first melanoma.  No internet back then.  Even the medical library at the University had scarce material on melanoma – and what it did have was doom and gloom.  I really didn't know what life had in store for me – melanoma-wise, that is.  There was no one I could ask questions of, no resources to scour.  I did one or two followups with my derm, but then my insurance changed and I didn't see another derm for 8 years.  That'

      I post this mostly for those newly diagnosed early stagers – to give them perspective.  20 years ago I was diagnosed with my first melanoma.  No internet back then.  Even the medical library at the University had scarce material on melanoma – and what it did have was doom and gloom.  I really didn't know what life had in store for me – melanoma-wise, that is.  There was no one I could ask questions of, no resources to scour.  I did one or two followups with my derm, but then my insurance changed and I didn't see another derm for 8 years.  That's when I noticed what I was sure was melanoma primary #2.  Primary #3 followed the next year.  I've had 2 stage IB primaries and one in situ.  I am NED from all of them.  I became an internet melanoma researcher after #3.  Learned too much for my own good.  Who'd have thought the knowledge would come into play again in my own family a few years later.  Both of my adoptive parents have been diagnosed with melanoma in their 80's.  What are the odds? 

      Anyway, the real point of this posting is to show that MOST early stagers go on to live normal lives and have no need to come back to this board for help.  I can't tell you the number of early stagers who have come and moved on over the 10 years I've been on this board.  Life does go on.  I know there are warriors on this board who started out as stage I and have advanced, but most do not.  I want to show that there is the other side of the coin and that this BB is not a representative sample for the early stagers.

      Janner

    Viewing 47 reply threads
    • Replies
        • April 13, 2012 at 2:00 pm
        Moodypoodle
        Participant

          Janner, thank you for this encouraging post.  I've only posted once but am a dedicated "lurker" who reads all your responses faithfully. Your knowlege of this disease is amazing, as is your ability to impart that information in a straight forward understandable manner. 

          • April 13, 2012 at 2:00 pm
          Moodypoodle
          Participant

            Janner, thank you for this encouraging post.  I've only posted once but am a dedicated "lurker" who reads all your responses faithfully. Your knowlege of this disease is amazing, as is your ability to impart that information in a straight forward understandable manner. 

            • April 13, 2012 at 2:00 pm
            Moodypoodle
            Participant

              Janner, thank you for this encouraging post.  I've only posted once but am a dedicated "lurker" who reads all your responses faithfully. Your knowlege of this disease is amazing, as is your ability to impart that information in a straight forward understandable manner. 

              • April 13, 2012 at 2:30 pm
              King
              Participant

                Great post, Janner.  Thank you for ALL of your contributions to this Board and to the melanoma community.

                Congratulations!!!

                Stay Strong
                Kathie

                • April 13, 2012 at 2:30 pm
                King
                Participant

                  Great post, Janner.  Thank you for ALL of your contributions to this Board and to the melanoma community.

                  Congratulations!!!

                  Stay Strong
                  Kathie

                  • April 13, 2012 at 2:30 pm
                  King
                  Participant

                    Great post, Janner.  Thank you for ALL of your contributions to this Board and to the melanoma community.

                    Congratulations!!!

                    Stay Strong
                    Kathie

                    • April 13, 2012 at 3:26 pm
                    lhaley
                    Participant

                      Congratulations!  I hope melanoma is never part of your life except for your continuing educating others.

                      Linda

                      • April 13, 2012 at 3:26 pm
                      lhaley
                      Participant

                        Congratulations!  I hope melanoma is never part of your life except for your continuing educating others.

                        Linda

                        • April 13, 2012 at 3:26 pm
                        lhaley
                        Participant

                          Congratulations!  I hope melanoma is never part of your life except for your continuing educating others.

                          Linda

                          • April 13, 2012 at 5:53 pm
                          Minnesota
                          Participant

                            Such great and positive news – thank you for helping all the new people here, and congratulations!

                            • April 13, 2012 at 5:53 pm
                            Minnesota
                            Participant

                              Such great and positive news – thank you for helping all the new people here, and congratulations!

                              • April 13, 2012 at 5:53 pm
                              Minnesota
                              Participant

                                Such great and positive news – thank you for helping all the new people here, and congratulations!

                                • April 13, 2012 at 6:08 pm
                                ksmith27
                                Participant

                                  Thanks for this. Was just diagnosed with my first, a 1A Clarke II (Breslow .54mm) with 0 mitoses, so the prognosis is very encouraging. (Probably wil not even need an SNB). However, it's always a shock when the news is received, no matter how cheerful the outlook. I really appreciate folks like you who share their stories.

                                  • April 13, 2012 at 6:08 pm
                                  ksmith27
                                  Participant

                                    Thanks for this. Was just diagnosed with my first, a 1A Clarke II (Breslow .54mm) with 0 mitoses, so the prognosis is very encouraging. (Probably wil not even need an SNB). However, it's always a shock when the news is received, no matter how cheerful the outlook. I really appreciate folks like you who share their stories.

                                    • April 13, 2012 at 6:08 pm
                                    ksmith27
                                    Participant

                                      Thanks for this. Was just diagnosed with my first, a 1A Clarke II (Breslow .54mm) with 0 mitoses, so the prognosis is very encouraging. (Probably wil not even need an SNB). However, it's always a shock when the news is received, no matter how cheerful the outlook. I really appreciate folks like you who share their stories.

                                      • April 13, 2012 at 8:43 pm
                                      justlittleoleme
                                      Participant

                                        Janner,

                                        I personally want to thank you for the time you dedicate to this site and melanoma survivors everywhere.  Your posts are always informative and encouraging.

                                        You are inspiring with your knowledge.

                                        Thank you for your dedication to educate.

                                        Barb

                                        • April 13, 2012 at 8:43 pm
                                        justlittleoleme
                                        Participant

                                          Janner,

                                          I personally want to thank you for the time you dedicate to this site and melanoma survivors everywhere.  Your posts are always informative and encouraging.

                                          You are inspiring with your knowledge.

                                          Thank you for your dedication to educate.

                                          Barb

                                          • April 13, 2012 at 8:43 pm
                                          justlittleoleme
                                          Participant

                                            Janner,

                                            I personally want to thank you for the time you dedicate to this site and melanoma survivors everywhere.  Your posts are always informative and encouraging.

                                            You are inspiring with your knowledge.

                                            Thank you for your dedication to educate.

                                            Barb

                                            • April 13, 2012 at 9:51 pm
                                            Tim–MRF
                                            Guest

                                              Janner,

                                              You are truly a rock star on this board!  Your commitment, understanding, and support have helped countless people.  I am glad you have had these 20 years, and hope for many, many more.

                                              Thank you for all you do.

                                               

                                              Tim–MRF

                                              • April 13, 2012 at 9:51 pm
                                              Tim–MRF
                                              Guest

                                                Janner,

                                                You are truly a rock star on this board!  Your commitment, understanding, and support have helped countless people.  I am glad you have had these 20 years, and hope for many, many more.

                                                Thank you for all you do.

                                                 

                                                Tim–MRF

                                                • April 13, 2012 at 9:51 pm
                                                Tim–MRF
                                                Guest

                                                  Janner,

                                                  You are truly a rock star on this board!  Your commitment, understanding, and support have helped countless people.  I am glad you have had these 20 years, and hope for many, many more.

                                                  Thank you for all you do.

                                                   

                                                  Tim–MRF

                                                  • April 13, 2012 at 11:02 pm
                                                  akls
                                                  Participant

                                                    Janner,

                                                    Thanks for all your input over the years.  You have been so helpful to so many and I'm so glad to help celebrate this wonderful 20 year anniversary with you!

                                                    Amy S. in Michigan

                                                    • April 13, 2012 at 11:02 pm
                                                    akls
                                                    Participant

                                                      Janner,

                                                      Thanks for all your input over the years.  You have been so helpful to so many and I'm so glad to help celebrate this wonderful 20 year anniversary with you!

                                                      Amy S. in Michigan

                                                      • April 13, 2012 at 11:02 pm
                                                      akls
                                                      Participant

                                                        Janner,

                                                        Thanks for all your input over the years.  You have been so helpful to so many and I'm so glad to help celebrate this wonderful 20 year anniversary with you!

                                                        Amy S. in Michigan

                                                        • April 14, 2012 at 4:45 am
                                                        JerryfromFauq
                                                        Participant

                                                          Such a SPECIAL LADY. You know what I think of you. And I remember what you said to me once, well, back at you!

                                                          What can I really say after what Tim said?

                                                          P.S.  This is the first time I've seen your picture.  Wow, not only smart, dedicated and compassionate but so enjopyaable to look at to!  Thanks for being you.

                                                           

                                                          Jerry

                                                          • April 14, 2012 at 4:45 am
                                                          JerryfromFauq
                                                          Participant

                                                            Such a SPECIAL LADY. You know what I think of you. And I remember what you said to me once, well, back at you!

                                                            What can I really say after what Tim said?

                                                            P.S.  This is the first time I've seen your picture.  Wow, not only smart, dedicated and compassionate but so enjopyaable to look at to!  Thanks for being you.

                                                             

                                                            Jerry

                                                            • April 14, 2012 at 4:45 am
                                                            JerryfromFauq
                                                            Participant

                                                              Such a SPECIAL LADY. You know what I think of you. And I remember what you said to me once, well, back at you!

                                                              What can I really say after what Tim said?

                                                              P.S.  This is the first time I've seen your picture.  Wow, not only smart, dedicated and compassionate but so enjopyaable to look at to!  Thanks for being you.

                                                               

                                                              Jerry

                                                              • April 14, 2012 at 4:50 am
                                                              DebbieH
                                                              Participant

                                                                Congratulations Jan, you exceptional woman you!

                                                                I don't know what this board would do without you – you are SO good at explaining melanoma melanoma without frightening people who are already scared to death. 

                                                                Here's to a lifetime without it ever rearing it's ugly head again!

                                                                Deb

                                                                • April 14, 2012 at 4:50 am
                                                                DebbieH
                                                                Participant

                                                                  Congratulations Jan, you exceptional woman you!

                                                                  I don't know what this board would do without you – you are SO good at explaining melanoma melanoma without frightening people who are already scared to death. 

                                                                  Here's to a lifetime without it ever rearing it's ugly head again!

                                                                  Deb

                                                                  • April 14, 2012 at 4:50 am
                                                                  DebbieH
                                                                  Participant

                                                                    Congratulations Jan, you exceptional woman you!

                                                                    I don't know what this board would do without you – you are SO good at explaining melanoma melanoma without frightening people who are already scared to death. 

                                                                    Here's to a lifetime without it ever rearing it's ugly head again!

                                                                    Deb

                                                                    • April 14, 2012 at 4:51 am
                                                                    DebbieH
                                                                    Participant

                                                                      Congratulations Jan, you exceptional woman you!

                                                                      I don't know what this board would do without you – you are SO good at explaining melanoma melanoma without frightening people who are already scared to death. 

                                                                      Here's to a lifetime without it ever rearing it's ugly head again!

                                                                      Deb

                                                                      • April 14, 2012 at 4:51 am
                                                                      DebbieH
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        Congratulations Jan, you exceptional woman you!

                                                                        I don't know what this board would do without you – you are SO good at explaining melanoma melanoma without frightening people who are already scared to death. 

                                                                        Here's to a lifetime without it ever rearing it's ugly head again!

                                                                        Deb

                                                                        • April 14, 2012 at 4:51 am
                                                                        DebbieH
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          Congratulations Jan, you exceptional woman you!

                                                                          I don't know what this board would do without you – you are SO good at explaining melanoma melanoma without frightening people who are already scared to death. 

                                                                          Here's to a lifetime without it ever rearing it's ugly head again!

                                                                          Deb

                                                                          • April 14, 2012 at 5:39 am
                                                                          triciad
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            Janner,

                                                                            Congratulations!  Thank you for sharing your wonderful news with us.  You are truly an inspiration to all.  I especially want to thank you for all of your support and guidance through my journey.  Whenever I have a question, I can always count on you to take the time to share your wisdom.  I don't know how you do it….but I'm glad you do!  Best wishes for a lifetime of NED and happiness!

                                                                            Tricia

                                                                            • April 14, 2012 at 5:39 am
                                                                            triciad
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              Janner,

                                                                              Congratulations!  Thank you for sharing your wonderful news with us.  You are truly an inspiration to all.  I especially want to thank you for all of your support and guidance through my journey.  Whenever I have a question, I can always count on you to take the time to share your wisdom.  I don't know how you do it….but I'm glad you do!  Best wishes for a lifetime of NED and happiness!

                                                                              Tricia

                                                                              • April 14, 2012 at 5:39 am
                                                                              triciad
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                Janner,

                                                                                Congratulations!  Thank you for sharing your wonderful news with us.  You are truly an inspiration to all.  I especially want to thank you for all of your support and guidance through my journey.  Whenever I have a question, I can always count on you to take the time to share your wisdom.  I don't know how you do it….but I'm glad you do!  Best wishes for a lifetime of NED and happiness!

                                                                                Tricia

                                                                                • April 14, 2012 at 8:21 am
                                                                                LaneyMcg
                                                                                Participant
                                                                                  Hi janner,
                                                                                  Having read your post and all the replies I think everything has been said because you are truly amazing, not just in the vast knowledge you have on mel but for me the fact you have stuck around all these years to help people whilst NED yourself makes you a fantastic unselfish lady who is a beacon of light at a scary time. You helped me in 2006 when I was diagnosed 2a breslow 2.7mm. You translated my pathology/histology report ( I never know what it’s called). And helped e make sense out of what I was convinced was my death sentence.
                                                                                  please continue being the wonderful guiding force for so many, and I hope one day soon all on here will be NED because melanoma would be no more.
                                                                                  My thoughts and prayers are with all the warriors still fighting.
                                                                                  Love across the pond
                                                                                  Laney xx
                                                                                  • April 14, 2012 at 8:21 am
                                                                                  LaneyMcg
                                                                                  Participant
                                                                                    Hi janner,
                                                                                    Having read your post and all the replies I think everything has been said because you are truly amazing, not just in the vast knowledge you have on mel but for me the fact you have stuck around all these years to help people whilst NED yourself makes you a fantastic unselfish lady who is a beacon of light at a scary time. You helped me in 2006 when I was diagnosed 2a breslow 2.7mm. You translated my pathology/histology report ( I never know what it’s called). And helped e make sense out of what I was convinced was my death sentence.
                                                                                    please continue being the wonderful guiding force for so many, and I hope one day soon all on here will be NED because melanoma would be no more.
                                                                                    My thoughts and prayers are with all the warriors still fighting.
                                                                                    Love across the pond
                                                                                    Laney xx
                                                                                    • April 14, 2012 at 8:21 am
                                                                                    LaneyMcg
                                                                                    Participant
                                                                                      Hi janner,
                                                                                      Having read your post and all the replies I think everything has been said because you are truly amazing, not just in the vast knowledge you have on mel but for me the fact you have stuck around all these years to help people whilst NED yourself makes you a fantastic unselfish lady who is a beacon of light at a scary time. You helped me in 2006 when I was diagnosed 2a breslow 2.7mm. You translated my pathology/histology report ( I never know what it’s called). And helped e make sense out of what I was convinced was my death sentence.
                                                                                      please continue being the wonderful guiding force for so many, and I hope one day soon all on here will be NED because melanoma would be no more.
                                                                                      My thoughts and prayers are with all the warriors still fighting.
                                                                                      Love across the pond
                                                                                      Laney xx
                                                                                        • April 15, 2012 at 3:12 am
                                                                                        deardad
                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                          Janner,

                                                                                          That's great news. I have to echo the thoughts of most of the people here, that your presence on this board has been a real inspiration. The fact that you continued to help others on this board when you could have put melanoma far away from your thoughts, tells us how much you care for others.

                                                                                          The advice you give is always straight forward and well informed and no doubt has helped many newly diagnosed.

                                                                                          I believe you are here because of your vigilance Janner. I only wish my father had pushed harder to have his primary removed when he knew something was not right. 

                                                                                          All the best Janner,

                                                                                          Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                                                          • April 15, 2012 at 4:22 am
                                                                                          NYKaren
                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                            Hi Janner,

                                                                                            I too echo everyone's thoughts, and I thank you for all your help and advice.

                                                                                            And now it's nice see your beautiful face!

                                                                                            take care,

                                                                                            karen

                                                                                            • April 15, 2012 at 4:22 am
                                                                                            NYKaren
                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                              Hi Janner,

                                                                                              I too echo everyone's thoughts, and I thank you for all your help and advice.

                                                                                              And now it's nice see your beautiful face!

                                                                                              take care,

                                                                                              karen

                                                                                              • April 15, 2012 at 4:22 am
                                                                                              NYKaren
                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                Hi Janner,

                                                                                                I too echo everyone's thoughts, and I thank you for all your help and advice.

                                                                                                And now it's nice see your beautiful face!

                                                                                                take care,

                                                                                                karen

                                                                                                • April 15, 2012 at 3:12 am
                                                                                                deardad
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  Janner,

                                                                                                  That's great news. I have to echo the thoughts of most of the people here, that your presence on this board has been a real inspiration. The fact that you continued to help others on this board when you could have put melanoma far away from your thoughts, tells us how much you care for others.

                                                                                                  The advice you give is always straight forward and well informed and no doubt has helped many newly diagnosed.

                                                                                                  I believe you are here because of your vigilance Janner. I only wish my father had pushed harder to have his primary removed when he knew something was not right. 

                                                                                                  All the best Janner,

                                                                                                  Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                                                                  • April 15, 2012 at 3:12 am
                                                                                                  deardad
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    Janner,

                                                                                                    That's great news. I have to echo the thoughts of most of the people here, that your presence on this board has been a real inspiration. The fact that you continued to help others on this board when you could have put melanoma far away from your thoughts, tells us how much you care for others.

                                                                                                    The advice you give is always straight forward and well informed and no doubt has helped many newly diagnosed.

                                                                                                    I believe you are here because of your vigilance Janner. I only wish my father had pushed harder to have his primary removed when he knew something was not right. 

                                                                                                    All the best Janner,

                                                                                                    Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                                                                  • April 15, 2012 at 8:43 pm
                                                                                                  Janner
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

                                                                                                    Janner

                                                                                                    • April 15, 2012 at 8:43 pm
                                                                                                    Janner
                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                      Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

                                                                                                      Janner

                                                                                                      • April 15, 2012 at 8:43 pm
                                                                                                      Janner
                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                        Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

                                                                                                        Janner

                                                                                                        • April 16, 2012 at 11:22 am
                                                                                                        FormerCaregiver
                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                          Janner, congratulations on 20 years NED! Your efforts in educating early stagers are truly appreciated.

                                                                                                          Frank from Australia

                                                                                                          • April 16, 2012 at 11:22 am
                                                                                                          FormerCaregiver
                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                            Janner, congratulations on 20 years NED! Your efforts in educating early stagers are truly appreciated.

                                                                                                            Frank from Australia

                                                                                                            • April 16, 2012 at 11:22 am
                                                                                                            FormerCaregiver
                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                              Janner, congratulations on 20 years NED! Your efforts in educating early stagers are truly appreciated.

                                                                                                              Frank from Australia

                                                                                                              • April 18, 2012 at 3:22 pm
                                                                                                              KevinM
                                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                                Congratulations Janner!!

                                                                                                                I echo what others have said…you are truly special!!! Thank you for such an inspiring post! I hope for a lifetime with NED for you!
                                                                                                                ~Kevin

                                                                                                                • April 18, 2012 at 3:22 pm
                                                                                                                KevinM
                                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                                  Congratulations Janner!!

                                                                                                                  I echo what others have said…you are truly special!!! Thank you for such an inspiring post! I hope for a lifetime with NED for you!
                                                                                                                  ~Kevin

                                                                                                                  • April 18, 2012 at 3:22 pm
                                                                                                                  KevinM
                                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                                    Congratulations Janner!!

                                                                                                                    I echo what others have said…you are truly special!!! Thank you for such an inspiring post! I hope for a lifetime with NED for you!
                                                                                                                    ~Kevin

                                                                                                                Viewing 47 reply threads
                                                                                                                • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                                                                                                                About the MRF Patient Forum

                                                                                                                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.

                                                                                                                The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                                                                                                                Popular Topics