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Thanksgiving story…how melanoma may have saved or at least prolonged my life

Forums General Melanoma Community Thanksgiving story…how melanoma may have saved or at least prolonged my life

  • Post
    Dynasysman
    Participant

      I am MUP, originally classified N1b M0, awaiting left posterior neck dissection.  In preparation for surgery, we conducted a PET-CT scan (clear) and a brain MRI (see below).  Surgery is scheduled for December 7.

      When my surgeon left a message saying he needed to discuss my MRI with me, I immediately started thinking, "brain mets, oh my G-d."  When we spoke, though, he said that the MRI had revealed an aneurysm at my M1 terminus.

      I am MUP, originally classified N1b M0, awaiting left posterior neck dissection.  In preparation for surgery, we conducted a PET-CT scan (clear) and a brain MRI (see below).  Surgery is scheduled for December 7.

      When my surgeon left a message saying he needed to discuss my MRI with me, I immediately started thinking, "brain mets, oh my G-d."  When we spoke, though, he said that the MRI had revealed an aneurysm at my M1 terminus.

      I have been having a funny feeling for month — less balance, losing words, etc. — but never thought of an aneurysm.  However, symptoms have been getting worse…it could have blown at any time.  And the impact of a ruptured aneurysm really stink — 10-15% death on the way to the hospital, up to 50% at 30 days.  Most survivors lose a bunch of brain function.

      So now we will (hopefully) patch the aneurysm while doing the neck dissection.  I still don't know that my status will not get worse during surgery (the same MRI a second possible positive lymph node in another part of the left posterior triangle.)  But whatever comes, I will probably live longer and better because we found the aneurysm now.

      You never know when life gives you blessings, and some come in the most bizarre ways…

      Happy Thanksgiving, all.

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    • Replies
        Pekoe
        Participant

          What a great Thanksgiving story!  I'm so glad that something good came out of your trials.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

           

          Vera

            Dynasysman
            Participant

              Thanks, Vera.  And a Happy one to you as well.  You haven't updated since February.  Things still going well (I hope!)?

              Dynasysman
              Participant

                Thanks, Vera.  And a Happy one to you as well.  You haven't updated since February.  Things still going well (I hope!)?

              Pekoe
              Participant

                What a great Thanksgiving story!  I'm so glad that something good came out of your trials.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

                 

                Vera

                Brandi
                Participant

                  Wow, what luck I am happy to hear you found this in time. God works in mysterious ways.

                  Brandi
                  Participant

                    Wow, what luck I am happy to hear you found this in time. God works in mysterious ways.

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