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Stage IB, 21 years NED today!

Forums General Melanoma Community Stage IB, 21 years NED today!

  • Post
    Janner
    Participant

    Since this site is a little skewed towards those actively fighting disease and the newly diagnosed, I think it's a good idea to post anniversaries like this to help give a bit of perspective.  21 years ago, I had a stage IA lesion removed.  .58mm/Clark II/ 1 mitosis.  In today's staging, that is now stage IB.  Since then, it's been determined that I have a genetic defect that gave me a 76% lifetime risk of melanoma.  I've also had two other primaries (in situ, .88mm/Clark III/ 1 mitosis) removed 12 and 11 years ago respectively.  But I'm sti

    Since this site is a little skewed towards those actively fighting disease and the newly diagnosed, I think it's a good idea to post anniversaries like this to help give a bit of perspective.  21 years ago, I had a stage IA lesion removed.  .58mm/Clark II/ 1 mitosis.  In today's staging, that is now stage IB.  Since then, it's been determined that I have a genetic defect that gave me a 76% lifetime risk of melanoma.  I've also had two other primaries (in situ, .88mm/Clark III/ 1 mitosis) removed 12 and 11 years ago respectively.  But I'm still here, still NED 21 years later.  I was 29 when originally diagnosed and you can do the math but I'm a little older now.  It's hard to remember life prior to melanoma – melanoma is a part of who I am and what I do now.  But I refuse to let melanoma define me and conquer me!

    Best wishes to all with this disease!

    Janner

Viewing 38 reply threads
  • Replies
      washoegal
      Participant

      Thanks for all you do! 

      Mary

      Stage 3

      washoegal
      Participant

      Thanks for all you do! 

      Mary

      Stage 3

      washoegal
      Participant

      Thanks for all you do! 

      Mary

      Stage 3

      Mazeltov Janner, this is a big one. I read any post where you have commented. You have a clear eye, and a warm heart, but that big brain of yours is like a steel jawed trap when it comes to melanoma facts and hunches. Your hearts shines through in every post.

      After about 5 years NED you could have left us and gone on with the rest of your life, but you stayed and stayed, and made yourself an example for us. I want to thank you and say how easy it is to think of you and your bright smile. I am getting ready for my 36th trip to Boston. I am like a Prius that has but one charging spot, but it is the one I need at MGH. I hope you know how many of us send our love on this grand day in your life.

      Mazeltov Janner, this is a big one. I read any post where you have commented. You have a clear eye, and a warm heart, but that big brain of yours is like a steel jawed trap when it comes to melanoma facts and hunches. Your hearts shines through in every post.

      After about 5 years NED you could have left us and gone on with the rest of your life, but you stayed and stayed, and made yourself an example for us. I want to thank you and say how easy it is to think of you and your bright smile. I am getting ready for my 36th trip to Boston. I am like a Prius that has but one charging spot, but it is the one I need at MGH. I hope you know how many of us send our love on this grand day in your life.

      Mazeltov Janner, this is a big one. I read any post where you have commented. You have a clear eye, and a warm heart, but that big brain of yours is like a steel jawed trap when it comes to melanoma facts and hunches. Your hearts shines through in every post.

      After about 5 years NED you could have left us and gone on with the rest of your life, but you stayed and stayed, and made yourself an example for us. I want to thank you and say how easy it is to think of you and your bright smile. I am getting ready for my 36th trip to Boston. I am like a Prius that has but one charging spot, but it is the one I need at MGH. I hope you know how many of us send our love on this grand day in your life.

        randallgford
        Participant

        I agree with this description of Janner, she is a gift to the world and the board.

        Congrats, lady!! Keep up the good work. God bless, Vicki

        randallgford
        Participant

        I agree with this description of Janner, she is a gift to the world and the board.

        Congrats, lady!! Keep up the good work. God bless, Vicki

        randallgford
        Participant

        I agree with this description of Janner, she is a gift to the world and the board.

        Congrats, lady!! Keep up the good work. God bless, Vicki

      triciad
      Participant

      Janner,

      Congratulations!  We are all so grateful that you have stuck around all these years to help educate us on this disease.  I know that I feel a lot better when you answer my questions!  Thank you!  Now, get out and celebrate…21 NED…cheers to many more decades of NED!

      Tricia 

      triciad
      Participant

      Janner,

      Congratulations!  We are all so grateful that you have stuck around all these years to help educate us on this disease.  I know that I feel a lot better when you answer my questions!  Thank you!  Now, get out and celebrate…21 NED…cheers to many more decades of NED!

      Tricia 

      triciad
      Participant

      Janner,

      Congratulations!  We are all so grateful that you have stuck around all these years to help educate us on this disease.  I know that I feel a lot better when you answer my questions!  Thank you!  Now, get out and celebrate…21 NED…cheers to many more decades of NED!

      Tricia 

      hbecker
      Participant

      Happy NEDday! 

      hbecker
      Participant

      Happy NEDday! 

      hbecker
      Participant

      Happy NEDday! 

      DebbieH
      Participant

      Congratulations Jan – this is a huge milestone! 

      This board has been the richer all these years with you here giving great advice – you have a great way of informing without scaring people which is not easy to do! 

      Now take care of that knee – talk to you later

      Deb

      DebbieH
      Participant

      Congratulations Jan – this is a huge milestone! 

      This board has been the richer all these years with you here giving great advice – you have a great way of informing without scaring people which is not easy to do! 

      Now take care of that knee – talk to you later

      Deb

      DebbieH
      Participant

      Congratulations Jan – this is a huge milestone! 

      This board has been the richer all these years with you here giving great advice – you have a great way of informing without scaring people which is not easy to do! 

      Now take care of that knee – talk to you later

      Deb

      King
      Participant

      Janner,

      Happy Nediversary!  A great, big, huge thank you for all that you do for all of us.  You are amazing.  Hmmm…the big 5-0 this year…has it happened?  ๐Ÿ™‚

      Keep on living life!

      Stay Strong

      Kathie

      Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

      King
      Participant

      Janner,

      Happy Nediversary!  A great, big, huge thank you for all that you do for all of us.  You are amazing.  Hmmm…the big 5-0 this year…has it happened?  ๐Ÿ™‚

      Keep on living life!

      Stay Strong

      Kathie

      Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

      King
      Participant

      Janner,

      Happy Nediversary!  A great, big, huge thank you for all that you do for all of us.  You are amazing.  Hmmm…the big 5-0 this year…has it happened?  ๐Ÿ™‚

      Keep on living life!

      Stay Strong

      Kathie

      Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

      natasha
      Participant

      Congradulations ,Janner and thanks for all your help !!!

      natasha
      Participant

      Congradulations ,Janner and thanks for all your help !!!

      natasha
      Participant

      Congradulations ,Janner and thanks for all your help !!!

      Harry in Fair Oaks
      Participant

      Congrats Janner!  You always do a great job educating worried newbies diagnosed with in situ or Stage I.

      I hope you continue to do this for at least 21 more years!

      Best wishes,

      Harry

        deardad
        Participant
        Happy anniversary….and thanks for all you give on this board.
        To a llifetime without melanoma.
        Nahmi from Melbourne
        deardad
        Participant
        Happy anniversary….and thanks for all you give on this board.
        To a llifetime without melanoma.
        Nahmi from Melbourne
        deardad
        Participant
        Happy anniversary….and thanks for all you give on this board.
        To a llifetime without melanoma.
        Nahmi from Melbourne
      Harry in Fair Oaks
      Participant

      Congrats Janner!  You always do a great job educating worried newbies diagnosed with in situ or Stage I.

      I hope you continue to do this for at least 21 more years!

      Best wishes,

      Harry

      Harry in Fair Oaks
      Participant

      Congrats Janner!  You always do a great job educating worried newbies diagnosed with in situ or Stage I.

      I hope you continue to do this for at least 21 more years!

      Best wishes,

      Harry

      Janner
      Participant

      Thanks, everyone, and JPMM – you waxed poetic!  I've tried to leave here many times to "move on" but I've never successfully pulled it off.  King, yes, unfortunately, I've passed that mark in December.  surprise

      Thanks again, everyone!

      Janner

      Janner
      Participant

      Thanks, everyone, and JPMM – you waxed poetic!  I've tried to leave here many times to "move on" but I've never successfully pulled it off.  King, yes, unfortunately, I've passed that mark in December.  surprise

      Thanks again, everyone!

      Janner

        NYKaren
        Participant
        Sorry I’m late to the party… Congratulations, Janner, and thank you for all you do here. I just peeked at your profile–I had forgotten that we share a special “bond”–we’re both allergic to Benzoin and Mastisol and sensitive to adhesives. BTW, Steri-strips work very well without that stuff.
        All the best,
        Karen
        NYKaren
        Participant
        Sorry I’m late to the party… Congratulations, Janner, and thank you for all you do here. I just peeked at your profile–I had forgotten that we share a special “bond”–we’re both allergic to Benzoin and Mastisol and sensitive to adhesives. BTW, Steri-strips work very well without that stuff.
        All the best,
        Karen
        Janner
        Participant

        Karen, I've since discovered "Skin-Prep".  It's a barrier wipe.  Swipe the skin and then put on the bandaid or tape and….. it works!  For the most part, I still avoid any adhesives – just easier.  But these wipes make a huge difference in conquering adhesives!  There are other brands, that's just the one I found at my medical supply store.  Also a little pricey, but it sure beats dealing with welts!  (I take my own supply with me to any possible medical procedure – just in case). 

        Cheers,

        Janner

        Janner
        Participant

        Karen, I've since discovered "Skin-Prep".  It's a barrier wipe.  Swipe the skin and then put on the bandaid or tape and….. it works!  For the most part, I still avoid any adhesives – just easier.  But these wipes make a huge difference in conquering adhesives!  There are other brands, that's just the one I found at my medical supply store.  Also a little pricey, but it sure beats dealing with welts!  (I take my own supply with me to any possible medical procedure – just in case). 

        Cheers,

        Janner

        NYKaren
        Participant
        That’s very good to know; thanks. Now that you mention it, I think they used Skin-Prep on me during IL-2 to keep the IV site from getting too irritated. Yep, there’s nothing like those welts! (I can’t believe I remember anything from an IL-2 week!
        I know exactly what you mean about age; I’m nearing 53 and so grateful to get there!

        Janner, for all your great, calming advice to newcomers, I just thought of a new acronym: WWJS; What would Janner say?
        Even though I’m IIIC unresectable, I continue to learn from you all the time. Your depth of knowledge is incredible.
        Again, mazel Tov and thank you!
        Karen

        NYKaren
        Participant
        That’s very good to know; thanks. Now that you mention it, I think they used Skin-Prep on me during IL-2 to keep the IV site from getting too irritated. Yep, there’s nothing like those welts! (I can’t believe I remember anything from an IL-2 week!
        I know exactly what you mean about age; I’m nearing 53 and so grateful to get there!

        Janner, for all your great, calming advice to newcomers, I just thought of a new acronym: WWJS; What would Janner say?
        Even though I’m IIIC unresectable, I continue to learn from you all the time. Your depth of knowledge is incredible.
        Again, mazel Tov and thank you!
        Karen

        Janner
        Participant

        I LOVE "WWJS"!!!  coolyes  since I usually have an opinion on most everything! 

        Janner
        Participant

        I LOVE "WWJS"!!!  coolyes  since I usually have an opinion on most everything! 

        Janner
        Participant

        I LOVE "WWJS"!!!  coolyes  since I usually have an opinion on most everything! 

        NYKaren
        Participant
        That’s very good to know; thanks. Now that you mention it, I think they used Skin-Prep on me during IL-2 to keep the IV site from getting too irritated. Yep, there’s nothing like those welts! (I can’t believe I remember anything from an IL-2 week!
        I know exactly what you mean about age; I’m nearing 53 and so grateful to get there!

        Janner, for all your great, calming advice to newcomers, I just thought of a new acronym: WWJS; What would Janner say?
        Even though I’m IIIC unresectable, I continue to learn from you all the time. Your depth of knowledge is incredible.
        Again, mazel Tov and thank you!
        Karen

        Janner
        Participant

        Karen, I've since discovered "Skin-Prep".  It's a barrier wipe.  Swipe the skin and then put on the bandaid or tape and….. it works!  For the most part, I still avoid any adhesives – just easier.  But these wipes make a huge difference in conquering adhesives!  There are other brands, that's just the one I found at my medical supply store.  Also a little pricey, but it sure beats dealing with welts!  (I take my own supply with me to any possible medical procedure – just in case). 

        Cheers,

        Janner

        NYKaren
        Participant
        Sorry I’m late to the party… Congratulations, Janner, and thank you for all you do here. I just peeked at your profile–I had forgotten that we share a special “bond”–we’re both allergic to Benzoin and Mastisol and sensitive to adhesives. BTW, Steri-strips work very well without that stuff.
        All the best,
        Karen
      Janner
      Participant

      Thanks, everyone, and JPMM – you waxed poetic!  I've tried to leave here many times to "move on" but I've never successfully pulled it off.  King, yes, unfortunately, I've passed that mark in December.  surprise

      Thanks again, everyone!

      Janner

      Tina D
      Participant

      Congratulations on this great milestone! Our perspective on getting older changes when we realize how much of a gift this life really is. I know I am welcoming 49 this year with wide open arms ๐Ÿ™‚  . You contribute so much to this forum, and I know when I see certain questions come up, I always hope to see you respond — you have a boatlaod of knowledge and have been so generous to share always. Thank you for all you contribute and have a great day celebrating!!

      Tina

      Tina D
      Participant

      Congratulations on this great milestone! Our perspective on getting older changes when we realize how much of a gift this life really is. I know I am welcoming 49 this year with wide open arms ๐Ÿ™‚  . You contribute so much to this forum, and I know when I see certain questions come up, I always hope to see you respond — you have a boatlaod of knowledge and have been so generous to share always. Thank you for all you contribute and have a great day celebrating!!

      Tina

      Tina D
      Participant

      Congratulations on this great milestone! Our perspective on getting older changes when we realize how much of a gift this life really is. I know I am welcoming 49 this year with wide open arms ๐Ÿ™‚  . You contribute so much to this forum, and I know when I see certain questions come up, I always hope to see you respond — you have a boatlaod of knowledge and have been so generous to share always. Thank you for all you contribute and have a great day celebrating!!

      Tina

      jim Breitfeller
      Participant

      Congratulations on this milestone!  Thaks

      Thank for your continious caring!! You are truly in a league of your own.

       

      Jimmy b

      jim Breitfeller
      Participant

      Congratulations on this milestone!  Thaks

      Thank for your continious caring!! You are truly in a league of your own.

       

      Jimmy b

      jim Breitfeller
      Participant

      Congratulations on this milestone!  Thaks

      Thank for your continious caring!! You are truly in a league of your own.

       

      Jimmy b

      Kim K
      Participant

      Happy Happy Happy.

      So does this mean your non-existant mel can drink?  If not, then knock one back for kicking its rear….  Thanks again for all that you do for the posters here and on your stage I site.

      Aloha,

      Kim

      Kim K
      Participant

      Happy Happy Happy.

      So does this mean your non-existant mel can drink?  If not, then knock one back for kicking its rear….  Thanks again for all that you do for the posters here and on your stage I site.

      Aloha,

      Kim

      Kim K
      Participant

      Happy Happy Happy.

      So does this mean your non-existant mel can drink?  If not, then knock one back for kicking its rear….  Thanks again for all that you do for the posters here and on your stage I site.

      Aloha,

      Kim

      _Paul_
      Participant
      Congrats on another year, and thank you so much for sharing your considerable knowledge with us!
      _Paul_
      Participant
      Congrats on another year, and thank you so much for sharing your considerable knowledge with us!
      _Paul_
      Participant
      Congrats on another year, and thank you so much for sharing your considerable knowledge with us!
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