MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Stage IB, 21 years NED today!
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 IB, 21 years NED today!

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

  • Post
    • April 14, 2013 at 3:10 am
    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
        • April 14, 2013 at 3:50 am
        washoegal
        Participant

          Thanks for all you do! 

          Mary

          Stage 3

          • April 14, 2013 at 3:50 am
          washoegal
          Participant

            Thanks for all you do! 

            Mary

            Stage 3

            • April 14, 2013 at 3:50 am
            washoegal
            Participant

              Thanks for all you do! 

              Mary

              Stage 3

              • April 14, 2013 at 8:44 am
              john partrick michael murphy
              Participant
                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.

                  • April 14, 2013 at 9:51 am
                  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

                    • April 14, 2013 at 9:51 am
                    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

                      • April 14, 2013 at 9:51 am
                      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

                      • April 14, 2013 at 8:44 am
                      john partrick michael murphy
                      Participant
                        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.

                        • April 14, 2013 at 8:44 am
                        john partrick michael murphy
                        Participant
                          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.

                          • April 14, 2013 at 12:23 pm
                          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 

                            • April 14, 2013 at 12:23 pm
                            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 

                              • April 14, 2013 at 12:23 pm
                              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 

                                • April 14, 2013 at 1:46 pm
                                hbecker
                                Participant

                                  Happy NEDday! 

                                  • April 14, 2013 at 1:46 pm
                                  hbecker
                                  Participant

                                    Happy NEDday! 

                                    • April 14, 2013 at 1:46 pm
                                    hbecker
                                    Participant

                                      Happy NEDday! 

                                      • April 14, 2013 at 2:50 pm
                                      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

                                        • April 14, 2013 at 2:50 pm
                                        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

                                          • April 14, 2013 at 2:50 pm
                                          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

                                            • April 14, 2013 at 3:05 pm
                                            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?  🙂

                                              Keep on living life!

                                              Stay Strong

                                              Kathie

                                              Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

                                              • April 14, 2013 at 3:05 pm
                                              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?  🙂

                                                Keep on living life!

                                                Stay Strong

                                                Kathie

                                                Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

                                                • April 14, 2013 at 3:05 pm
                                                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?  🙂

                                                  Keep on living life!

                                                  Stay Strong

                                                  Kathie

                                                  Stage IV  7/05  Liver mets

                                                  • April 14, 2013 at 4:01 pm
                                                  natasha
                                                  Participant

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

                                                    • April 14, 2013 at 4:01 pm
                                                    natasha
                                                    Participant

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

                                                      • April 14, 2013 at 4:01 pm
                                                      natasha
                                                      Participant

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

                                                        • April 14, 2013 at 8:37 pm
                                                        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

                                                          • April 14, 2013 at 8:37 pm
                                                          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

                                                              • April 14, 2013 at 10:35 pm
                                                              deardad
                                                              Participant
                                                                Happy anniversary….and thanks for all you give on this board.
                                                                To a llifetime without melanoma.
                                                                Nahmi from Melbourne
                                                                • April 14, 2013 at 10:35 pm
                                                                deardad
                                                                Participant
                                                                  Happy anniversary….and thanks for all you give on this board.
                                                                  To a llifetime without melanoma.
                                                                  Nahmi from Melbourne
                                                                  • April 14, 2013 at 10:35 pm
                                                                  deardad
                                                                  Participant
                                                                    Happy anniversary….and thanks for all you give on this board.
                                                                    To a llifetime without melanoma.
                                                                    Nahmi from Melbourne
                                                                  • April 14, 2013 at 8:37 pm
                                                                  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

                                                                    • April 14, 2013 at 11:22 pm
                                                                    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

                                                                      • April 14, 2013 at 11:22 pm
                                                                      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

                                                                          • April 15, 2013 at 12:57 am
                                                                          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
                                                                            • April 15, 2013 at 12:57 am
                                                                            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
                                                                              • April 15, 2013 at 12:57 am
                                                                              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
                                                                                • April 15, 2013 at 4:00 am
                                                                                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

                                                                                  • April 15, 2013 at 4:00 am
                                                                                  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

                                                                                    • April 15, 2013 at 4:00 am
                                                                                    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

                                                                                      • April 16, 2013 at 2:28 am
                                                                                      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

                                                                                        • April 16, 2013 at 3:52 am
                                                                                        Janner
                                                                                        Participant

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

                                                                                          • April 16, 2013 at 3:52 am
                                                                                          Janner
                                                                                          Participant

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

                                                                                            • April 16, 2013 at 3:52 am
                                                                                            Janner
                                                                                            Participant

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

                                                                                              • April 16, 2013 at 2:28 am
                                                                                              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

                                                                                                • April 16, 2013 at 2:28 am
                                                                                                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

                                                                                                • April 14, 2013 at 11:22 pm
                                                                                                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

                                                                                                  • April 15, 2013 at 11:36 am
                                                                                                  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 🙂  . 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

                                                                                                    • April 15, 2013 at 11:36 am
                                                                                                    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 🙂  . 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

                                                                                                      • April 15, 2013 at 11:36 am
                                                                                                      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 🙂  . 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

                                                                                                        • April 15, 2013 at 1:41 pm
                                                                                                        jim Breitfeller
                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                          Congratulations on this milestone!  Thaks

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

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                          Jimmy b

                                                                                                          • April 15, 2013 at 1:41 pm
                                                                                                          jim Breitfeller
                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                            Congratulations on this milestone!  Thaks

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

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                            Jimmy b

                                                                                                            • April 15, 2013 at 1:41 pm
                                                                                                            jim Breitfeller
                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                              Congratulations on this milestone!  Thaks

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

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                              Jimmy b

                                                                                                              • April 15, 2013 at 8:18 pm
                                                                                                              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

                                                                                                                • April 15, 2013 at 8:18 pm
                                                                                                                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

                                                                                                                  • April 15, 2013 at 8:18 pm
                                                                                                                  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

                                                                                                                    • April 16, 2013 at 4:25 pm
                                                                                                                    _Paul_
                                                                                                                    Participant
                                                                                                                      Congrats on another year, and thank you so much for sharing your considerable knowledge with us!
                                                                                                                      • April 16, 2013 at 4:25 pm
                                                                                                                      _Paul_
                                                                                                                      Participant
                                                                                                                        Congrats on another year, and thank you so much for sharing your considerable knowledge with us!
                                                                                                                        • April 16, 2013 at 4:25 pm
                                                                                                                        _Paul_
                                                                                                                        Participant
                                                                                                                          Congrats on another year, and thank you so much for sharing your considerable knowledge with us!
                                                                                                                      Viewing 38 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.