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Stage IIb

Forums General Melanoma Community Stage IIb

  • Post
    Hikeratheart
    Participant

      Hi everyone,

      This forum has given me so much information and comfort since my melanoma diagnosis in May, 2015.

      Brief history:
      Surgery on July 1, 2015 to remove malignant melanoma from my right arm. 4.5 mm, no lymph involvement, non-invasive
      .4 mm melanoma removed from my back. Two primaries.
      Stage IIb
      Since my diagnosis, I've had skin checks and scans every 6 months, showing NED. The August, 2016 scan showed a tiny pulmonary embolism in my left lung. I have been treated with Delphine( blood thinner) since then.  My next scan is Feb, 2017.  Praying it is gone, and I can stop the blood thinner.

      About two weeks ago I felt a small lump/bump on my left groin area, and another  lump a bit larger, on my outer left thigh. My dermatologist examined and given my history, suggested that both be biopsied. She has referred me to a plastic surgeon for consult on the biopsy, which is set for Tuesday, Jan 31st.

      I am hoping it's all nothing, but preparing just in case. Since I love and trust this board, input about my situation is appreciated.

      Thank you !   Kathy

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          It is good your derm is getting biopsies given your history. But, something that might make you feel a little better is that your mels were located on your upper body and would not drain down to your groin if spread were to occur. You'd feel swollen lymph nodes in your upper body like armpit area on the same side of the body as the primary. So, it's likely these lumps are nothing, but as always it's best to get them checked out. Hoping you continue to stay NED forever!

          All the best,

            Hikeratheart
            Participant

              Hi all, 

              I had two biopsies at the end a January, and happy to report were NOT melanoma!

              I continue to monitor myself, and am cautious, but hopefully not too paranoid. 

              thank you for your support and input. This board has certainly carried me through many scared moments since my Dx of 2 primaries in July 2015. Stage II b.

              i have 2 more new spots on my arms. One near my right arm near where my incision has healed, and one on my left forearm. It's concerning, itchy, bumpy, and has a waxed appearance, about a dime size with irregular boarders. When I saw my surgeon he said he would take them off, no question. My question: should I have them biopsied first?  

               

              Thanks, Kathy

               

            jennunicorn
            Participant

              It is good your derm is getting biopsies given your history. But, something that might make you feel a little better is that your mels were located on your upper body and would not drain down to your groin if spread were to occur. You'd feel swollen lymph nodes in your upper body like armpit area on the same side of the body as the primary. So, it's likely these lumps are nothing, but as always it's best to get them checked out. Hoping you continue to stay NED forever!

              All the best,

              jennunicorn
              Participant

                It is good your derm is getting biopsies given your history. But, something that might make you feel a little better is that your mels were located on your upper body and would not drain down to your groin if spread were to occur. You'd feel swollen lymph nodes in your upper body like armpit area on the same side of the body as the primary. So, it's likely these lumps are nothing, but as always it's best to get them checked out. Hoping you continue to stay NED forever!

                All the best,

                debwray
                Participant

                  Hi Kathy,

                  Your situation is a bit confusing. If there had been a primary on the left leg then the lump on the thigh could be connected and the lymph nodes in the left groin, would be the expected site for lymph drainage and a possible positive node. Nodes can be scanned by ultra sound and a skilled operator can tell if  the node structure is normal,has a blood supply or has been displaced by tissue suspicious for melanoma. They can do a fine needle aspiration..then check the fluid for melanoma cells. This might be a better option for you as if clear no great damage done…and if positive and you opted for a lymph node clearance, the procedure is then simpler but that still leaves the !ump on the outer thigh.

                  Am assuming your scans are done by melanoma specialists…are they aware of these new findings and would they want to co ordinate your care.maybe bringing forward the Feb scan ? Sorry no answers only more questions.

                  Good luck with your treatment.

                  Deb

                  debwray
                  Participant

                    Hi Kathy,

                    Your situation is a bit confusing. If there had been a primary on the left leg then the lump on the thigh could be connected and the lymph nodes in the left groin, would be the expected site for lymph drainage and a possible positive node. Nodes can be scanned by ultra sound and a skilled operator can tell if  the node structure is normal,has a blood supply or has been displaced by tissue suspicious for melanoma. They can do a fine needle aspiration..then check the fluid for melanoma cells. This might be a better option for you as if clear no great damage done…and if positive and you opted for a lymph node clearance, the procedure is then simpler but that still leaves the !ump on the outer thigh.

                    Am assuming your scans are done by melanoma specialists…are they aware of these new findings and would they want to co ordinate your care.maybe bringing forward the Feb scan ? Sorry no answers only more questions.

                    Good luck with your treatment.

                    Deb

                    debwray
                    Participant

                      Hi Kathy,

                      Your situation is a bit confusing. If there had been a primary on the left leg then the lump on the thigh could be connected and the lymph nodes in the left groin, would be the expected site for lymph drainage and a possible positive node. Nodes can be scanned by ultra sound and a skilled operator can tell if  the node structure is normal,has a blood supply or has been displaced by tissue suspicious for melanoma. They can do a fine needle aspiration..then check the fluid for melanoma cells. This might be a better option for you as if clear no great damage done…and if positive and you opted for a lymph node clearance, the procedure is then simpler but that still leaves the !ump on the outer thigh.

                      Am assuming your scans are done by melanoma specialists…are they aware of these new findings and would they want to co ordinate your care.maybe bringing forward the Feb scan ? Sorry no answers only more questions.

                      Good luck with your treatment.

                      Deb

                      cancersnewnormal
                      Participant

                        It's good that your derm is on top of things. Question… is the lump on your outer leg hard? Does it move with the skin, or does the skin "glide over it"? It's entirely possible that it is unrelated to your original melanoma diagnosis, but is certainly best to check on it. I'm more confused about the groin area, and whether it would feel more like a subQ or a swollen lymph node. And then, there are the blood thinners, and whether or not they could be playing into all of this somehow. Second primary lesions are rare, but can happen. Metastasis, is also rare after a non-invasive with no lymph involvement… but again… it can happen. It's good that you're prepared, but is more likely leaning toward the hope of nothing. : )  Let us know what you find out when pathology comes back in early Feb! Best wishes!

                          Hikeratheart
                          Participant

                            Thanks Nikki, my results were negative for melanoma!

                            Hikeratheart
                            Participant

                              Thanks Nikki, my results were negative for melanoma!

                            cancersnewnormal
                            Participant

                              It's good that your derm is on top of things. Question… is the lump on your outer leg hard? Does it move with the skin, or does the skin "glide over it"? It's entirely possible that it is unrelated to your original melanoma diagnosis, but is certainly best to check on it. I'm more confused about the groin area, and whether it would feel more like a subQ or a swollen lymph node. And then, there are the blood thinners, and whether or not they could be playing into all of this somehow. Second primary lesions are rare, but can happen. Metastasis, is also rare after a non-invasive with no lymph involvement… but again… it can happen. It's good that you're prepared, but is more likely leaning toward the hope of nothing. : )  Let us know what you find out when pathology comes back in early Feb! Best wishes!

                              cancersnewnormal
                              Participant

                                It's good that your derm is on top of things. Question… is the lump on your outer leg hard? Does it move with the skin, or does the skin "glide over it"? It's entirely possible that it is unrelated to your original melanoma diagnosis, but is certainly best to check on it. I'm more confused about the groin area, and whether it would feel more like a subQ or a swollen lymph node. And then, there are the blood thinners, and whether or not they could be playing into all of this somehow. Second primary lesions are rare, but can happen. Metastasis, is also rare after a non-invasive with no lymph involvement… but again… it can happen. It's good that you're prepared, but is more likely leaning toward the hope of nothing. : )  Let us know what you find out when pathology comes back in early Feb! Best wishes!

                            Viewing 8 reply threads
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