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Subungual Melanoma
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Subungual Melanoma

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Subungual Melanoma

  • Post
    • July 18, 2017 at 6:49 pm
    jc2dad
    Participant

      I had a black line that appeared in the fingernail of my middle finger of my left hand about 18 months ago.  After a couple of months the discoloration spread and the nail split.  I made an appointment with my PCP and had him examine it along with some stomach issues I was having.  He said the nail was nothing to worry about, probably fungal or damage to the nail bed from trauma (of which I had none).  Long story short after complete deteriation of the nail bed and a raised ulceration of the skin below the nail bed and two more examinations by two different doctors (both who said it was an infection at best and prescribed anti-biotics) over the next year, I finally visit the ER because of the pain and bleeding in the finger.  ER doc immediately refers me to dermatologist and get biopsy the same day.  Preliminary pathology came back as malignant melanoma, blood work shows melanoma is already in my blood system, so Dermatologist referred me to Md Anderson, said the mitosis shows very agressive.  Don't know if it has metastized anywhere else yet, but definitely having symptoms of metastizes in other areas.  39 years old healthy with 4 small kiddos that I am raising by myself, so I have to beat this.  Have an appointment with Dr. Michael Wong at MD Anderson on August 1st.  Sorry I don't have more information at this time.  Any advice would be appreciated.

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        • July 19, 2017 at 12:13 am
        MichelleRHG
        Participant
          Glad you are going to MDAnderson! I travel there from Ky. and have had excellent care. I’m only a few months into this journey myself.You can use search button here to find past threads about just about any topic. Also look for Bubbles/Celeste, who has archived many, many articles on her blog. She has a search bubble on her page, as well. Take a deep breath, you will be in good hands in Texas and will find a lot of information and support here. Good luck .
            • July 19, 2017 at 8:00 am
            jc2dad
            Participant
              Thanks for the heads up. I will look for bubbles post.
            • July 19, 2017 at 5:46 am
            sister of patient
            Participant

              Hello JC, I'm so sorry to read about what you've been through but thank goodness you were properly diagnosed finally! You've certainly come to the right place to learn more about the disease and the great treatments now available, as there is much to be hopeful for even with very aggressive melanoma.

              This site will never steer you wrong, whereas there is so much old, outdated info on the Web. So ask as many questions as you need to be as informed as possible, take it one day at a time and, though I suspect you have your hands quite full with 4 little ones at home, remember to be good to yourself too!! I hope you have some kind of support system close (family or very good friends) so that you can call on them if need be.

              Take care! Wishing you the best outcome possible!!

              Barb

               

                • July 19, 2017 at 8:02 am
                jc2dad
                Participant
                  Thanks Barb. After the initial shock wore off I started working on getting my mind right. What I have convinced myself is that some people say “Oh no, I have cancer. Today Cancer said, oh no, I have Jonathon.” I’m gonna beat this!
                  • July 19, 2017 at 12:45 pm
                  sister of patient
                  Participant

                    That's a great attitude Jonathon!! And yes, you CAN DO THIS!!! 🙂

                  • July 21, 2017 at 4:09 pm
                  cancersnewnormal
                  Participant

                    Oh my goodness… it's always painful to hear stories about misdiagnosis. Repeated misdiagnosis. You will be well taken care of at MD Anderson. They are ranked top in the nation. Additionally, I was under Mike Wong's care when he was here in California. I MISS HIM SOOOOOO MUCH. He is the kind of doctor that goes above and beyond for his patient's best success. He is genuinely caring, incredibly intelligent, quite humble, and very personable. While I don't envy your position of newly diagnosed (I remember the mental horror), I do harbor a bit of jealousy that you will be seeing my medical team favorite. ; )  You're in very good hands. 

                      • July 30, 2017 at 5:31 am
                      jc2dad
                      Participant
                        That’s great to know. My surgeon is a Dr. Janice Cormier. Really can’t wait to get the ball rolling. The not knowing is the hardest part. My tumor is deep and has been there for awhile along with other side effects make me think the worst…but am hoping for the best.
                        • August 1, 2017 at 1:04 pm
                        cancersnewnormal
                        Participant

                          You're absolutely right, the hardest part is the not knowing! Once you have treatment plans and schedules, it's a matter of coordinating your life around them. You'll have more answers soon… and very likely some scans… blood tests… needles will be your new best friend. HA! ; )  Best of luck for the coming week! Your brain is going to go into a spin with lots of info! Hopefully there will be more easing of the mind than overwhelming. Crossing fingers and toes for you that the other side effects are of less concern than you fear. 

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