› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › untreated melanoma for five years
- This topic has 28 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 5 months ago by
Nicky.
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- September 26, 2016 at 7:59 am
Hi my name is Alexis, i am 23 years old and was diagnosed with melanoma when i was 13. i've had numerous moles removed over the years that had traces of melanoma in each, and as the years progressed, so did the amount of melanoma found. when i was 18 i had a mole removed on my left breast. out of all the surgeries, it was one of the largest found melanoma underneath the mole being stage t2b. i was to get another surgery done on the same location to further get the rest of the tumor out. long story short, i got cold feet and never went back to finish surgery. five years later, which is presently, i have pains in my left breast each day, i notice lumps have started forming, and the shape has changed some. on top of that, i've been having a lot of issues with my skin in general, from iching raising moles to red rashy arms. can someone inform me of how long i have to get better on my own with natural remedies? or is it immediate to get it checked out again and possible surgery? please, any insight would be appriciated.
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- September 26, 2016 at 11:41 am
You are playing a potentially dangerous game with your health given your Melanoma history. In light of the new growths and pains you're feeling, I would get myself to a Melanoma dermatologist and/or oncologist for appointment as soon as you can. Melanoma tends to be quite treatable when things are kept to a skin level, but you are risking further spread to deeper tissues if you don't deal with these issues properly and deal with them now.
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- September 26, 2016 at 11:41 am
You are playing a potentially dangerous game with your health given your Melanoma history. In light of the new growths and pains you're feeling, I would get myself to a Melanoma dermatologist and/or oncologist for appointment as soon as you can. Melanoma tends to be quite treatable when things are kept to a skin level, but you are risking further spread to deeper tissues if you don't deal with these issues properly and deal with them now.
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- September 26, 2016 at 11:41 am
You are playing a potentially dangerous game with your health given your Melanoma history. In light of the new growths and pains you're feeling, I would get myself to a Melanoma dermatologist and/or oncologist for appointment as soon as you can. Melanoma tends to be quite treatable when things are kept to a skin level, but you are risking further spread to deeper tissues if you don't deal with these issues properly and deal with them now.
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- September 26, 2016 at 12:42 pm
Dear Alexis,
you have to go immediately to the doctors, if you are dealing with melanoma, you can´t really help yourself, let the pros help you.
Don´t procrastinate, because you are not doing yourself a favor.
Please don´t take melanoma likely, cause it´s quite serious if left untreated.
Good luck.
Patrisa
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- September 26, 2016 at 12:42 pm
Dear Alexis,
you have to go immediately to the doctors, if you are dealing with melanoma, you can´t really help yourself, let the pros help you.
Don´t procrastinate, because you are not doing yourself a favor.
Please don´t take melanoma likely, cause it´s quite serious if left untreated.
Good luck.
Patrisa
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- September 26, 2016 at 12:42 pm
Dear Alexis,
you have to go immediately to the doctors, if you are dealing with melanoma, you can´t really help yourself, let the pros help you.
Don´t procrastinate, because you are not doing yourself a favor.
Please don´t take melanoma likely, cause it´s quite serious if left untreated.
Good luck.
Patrisa
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- September 26, 2016 at 4:11 pm
There are no natural remedies…. you absolutely need to get to a doctor and get these lumps and pains checked out. This is NOT something to mess around with.
Please take care of yourself.
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- September 26, 2016 at 4:11 pm
There are no natural remedies…. you absolutely need to get to a doctor and get these lumps and pains checked out. This is NOT something to mess around with.
Please take care of yourself.
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- September 26, 2016 at 4:11 pm
There are no natural remedies…. you absolutely need to get to a doctor and get these lumps and pains checked out. This is NOT something to mess around with.
Please take care of yourself.
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- September 26, 2016 at 5:47 pm
Hi Alexis
With that reported history I would urge you to get it checked out as soon as possible. The !andscape of possible treatments has changed beyond recognition over the last ten years. There are a number of choices and you could discuss this with your doctors.. But the range of treatment options is always likely to be more extensive at a specialist centre. Assuming your symptoms are Melanoma related don't wait but maybe run any natural remedies alongside mainstream medical treatment.
Best of luck
Deb
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- September 26, 2016 at 5:47 pm
Hi Alexis
With that reported history I would urge you to get it checked out as soon as possible. The !andscape of possible treatments has changed beyond recognition over the last ten years. There are a number of choices and you could discuss this with your doctors.. But the range of treatment options is always likely to be more extensive at a specialist centre. Assuming your symptoms are Melanoma related don't wait but maybe run any natural remedies alongside mainstream medical treatment.
Best of luck
Deb
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- September 26, 2016 at 5:47 pm
Hi Alexis
With that reported history I would urge you to get it checked out as soon as possible. The !andscape of possible treatments has changed beyond recognition over the last ten years. There are a number of choices and you could discuss this with your doctors.. But the range of treatment options is always likely to be more extensive at a specialist centre. Assuming your symptoms are Melanoma related don't wait but maybe run any natural remedies alongside mainstream medical treatment.
Best of luck
Deb
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- September 28, 2016 at 7:23 am
You poor little thing, you are very young to be facing this. Exactly how many melanomas have you had? You might want to consider that genetic testing as you might have some genetic predisposition to melanoma. 13 is very young to be first diagnosed! Look, there's no way to get rid of melanoma on your own that I know of… and I hate to see you playing Russian Roulette by trying. The good news is that there are many new ways to get rid of melanoma under the care of a good doctor/specialist… these weren't around when you were 18, but they are around now. Also good news, you don't know if you have any kind of residual melanoma – you might not – but it is playing on your mind and I think that's a real sign to get moving and rid yourself of this worry. It's time to face this and manage it, no need to run away from it. Go to a dr and get checked out – you might not have any further trace of melanoma and further surgery might not be required. What you can do, then, is really take control by visiting the doctor as frequently as he/she recommends. Even if you did have some trace of melanoma, the way of treating it has really changed and it might not be the same as what you faced five years ago. Then you can go live your life like every other 23 year old person. You don't want to spend your life worrying about something that may not even exist… or might exist but can be treated. Do you have some family support? Any kind of medical thing is scary – take along a friend or family member for support but just go, please go,
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- September 28, 2016 at 7:23 am
You poor little thing, you are very young to be facing this. Exactly how many melanomas have you had? You might want to consider that genetic testing as you might have some genetic predisposition to melanoma. 13 is very young to be first diagnosed! Look, there's no way to get rid of melanoma on your own that I know of… and I hate to see you playing Russian Roulette by trying. The good news is that there are many new ways to get rid of melanoma under the care of a good doctor/specialist… these weren't around when you were 18, but they are around now. Also good news, you don't know if you have any kind of residual melanoma – you might not – but it is playing on your mind and I think that's a real sign to get moving and rid yourself of this worry. It's time to face this and manage it, no need to run away from it. Go to a dr and get checked out – you might not have any further trace of melanoma and further surgery might not be required. What you can do, then, is really take control by visiting the doctor as frequently as he/she recommends. Even if you did have some trace of melanoma, the way of treating it has really changed and it might not be the same as what you faced five years ago. Then you can go live your life like every other 23 year old person. You don't want to spend your life worrying about something that may not even exist… or might exist but can be treated. Do you have some family support? Any kind of medical thing is scary – take along a friend or family member for support but just go, please go,
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- September 28, 2016 at 7:23 am
You poor little thing, you are very young to be facing this. Exactly how many melanomas have you had? You might want to consider that genetic testing as you might have some genetic predisposition to melanoma. 13 is very young to be first diagnosed! Look, there's no way to get rid of melanoma on your own that I know of… and I hate to see you playing Russian Roulette by trying. The good news is that there are many new ways to get rid of melanoma under the care of a good doctor/specialist… these weren't around when you were 18, but they are around now. Also good news, you don't know if you have any kind of residual melanoma – you might not – but it is playing on your mind and I think that's a real sign to get moving and rid yourself of this worry. It's time to face this and manage it, no need to run away from it. Go to a dr and get checked out – you might not have any further trace of melanoma and further surgery might not be required. What you can do, then, is really take control by visiting the doctor as frequently as he/she recommends. Even if you did have some trace of melanoma, the way of treating it has really changed and it might not be the same as what you faced five years ago. Then you can go live your life like every other 23 year old person. You don't want to spend your life worrying about something that may not even exist… or might exist but can be treated. Do you have some family support? Any kind of medical thing is scary – take along a friend or family member for support but just go, please go,
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- September 30, 2016 at 12:38 am
Alexis… please, see an oncologist IMMEDIATELY. With the history you described, you could have a very serious problem. Thankfully, in the last 2 years alone, melanoma treatments have changed and with much better success!
I had a stage 1a fully removed from my shoulder, only to have it metastisize to my brain and lungs 5 years later. I was in the best shape of my life with a solid healthy diet and a daily exercise routine that would wear out most of the general population. You can always speak with an oncologist regarding how natural remedies may help keep your immune system in top function while undergoing modern treatments, but please please please do not try to "heal" yourself. Melanoma is too swift to take your life once it has spread to distant areas.
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- September 30, 2016 at 12:38 am
Alexis… please, see an oncologist IMMEDIATELY. With the history you described, you could have a very serious problem. Thankfully, in the last 2 years alone, melanoma treatments have changed and with much better success!
I had a stage 1a fully removed from my shoulder, only to have it metastisize to my brain and lungs 5 years later. I was in the best shape of my life with a solid healthy diet and a daily exercise routine that would wear out most of the general population. You can always speak with an oncologist regarding how natural remedies may help keep your immune system in top function while undergoing modern treatments, but please please please do not try to "heal" yourself. Melanoma is too swift to take your life once it has spread to distant areas.
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- September 30, 2016 at 12:38 am
Alexis… please, see an oncologist IMMEDIATELY. With the history you described, you could have a very serious problem. Thankfully, in the last 2 years alone, melanoma treatments have changed and with much better success!
I had a stage 1a fully removed from my shoulder, only to have it metastisize to my brain and lungs 5 years later. I was in the best shape of my life with a solid healthy diet and a daily exercise routine that would wear out most of the general population. You can always speak with an oncologist regarding how natural remedies may help keep your immune system in top function while undergoing modern treatments, but please please please do not try to "heal" yourself. Melanoma is too swift to take your life once it has spread to distant areas.
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- October 1, 2016 at 5:30 pm
I was early stage, yes. I am one of those people who are said to be 98% cure rate with surgical resection alone. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. My initial skin lesion was removed in July 2007. It never returned on the skin surface and was never beyond the epidermis layer. I was seeing my doctor every six months for skin checks, having little spots removed here and there. None of which ever came back from pathology as melanoma. I was caught completely by surprise, when in April 2013, I had a seizure at work. I went to the ER by ambulance. Scanning uncovered 3 brain lesions and 3 in the lungs. I had brain surgery within 2 weeks. The pathology report from the craniotomy showed that the lesions were melanoma. It had spread. Instant Stage IV diagnosis. I had 3 major surgeries and a lot of brain radiation before an effective immunotherapy treatment came along and saved my life.
I lost my mother to colon cancer that metastisized to her liver, and then her entire body, because she waited 3 years to have a colon polyp removed…. by then, it had become cancerous. Lost my father to lung cancer only 3 years later, when he procrastinated seeing a doctor for a lingering cough. I guess even with their final actions, they were still teaching me……… Don't mess with cancer. Be diligent and be aggressive. It will not wait for you to find the bravery or a convenient time to have something done.
I know that surgical procedures and the side effects of medications can sound very scary! But you will find once things are behind you, that you are much stronger than you once thought. : ) Take a trusted friend or family member, and go see a doctor for your concerns.
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- October 1, 2016 at 5:30 pm
I was early stage, yes. I am one of those people who are said to be 98% cure rate with surgical resection alone. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. My initial skin lesion was removed in July 2007. It never returned on the skin surface and was never beyond the epidermis layer. I was seeing my doctor every six months for skin checks, having little spots removed here and there. None of which ever came back from pathology as melanoma. I was caught completely by surprise, when in April 2013, I had a seizure at work. I went to the ER by ambulance. Scanning uncovered 3 brain lesions and 3 in the lungs. I had brain surgery within 2 weeks. The pathology report from the craniotomy showed that the lesions were melanoma. It had spread. Instant Stage IV diagnosis. I had 3 major surgeries and a lot of brain radiation before an effective immunotherapy treatment came along and saved my life.
I lost my mother to colon cancer that metastisized to her liver, and then her entire body, because she waited 3 years to have a colon polyp removed…. by then, it had become cancerous. Lost my father to lung cancer only 3 years later, when he procrastinated seeing a doctor for a lingering cough. I guess even with their final actions, they were still teaching me……… Don't mess with cancer. Be diligent and be aggressive. It will not wait for you to find the bravery or a convenient time to have something done.
I know that surgical procedures and the side effects of medications can sound very scary! But you will find once things are behind you, that you are much stronger than you once thought. : ) Take a trusted friend or family member, and go see a doctor for your concerns.
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- November 20, 2018 at 6:47 pm
I was also one of the rare unlucky ones. In situ on my right leg, 9 months later it was in my right groin lymph nodes. Thank goodness I’ve stayed alive long enough to see these new treatments, back then there were very few options. Skin checks are so important, I can’t stress that enough. 18 years battling this x%^#{ disease.
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- October 1, 2016 at 5:30 pm
I was early stage, yes. I am one of those people who are said to be 98% cure rate with surgical resection alone. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. My initial skin lesion was removed in July 2007. It never returned on the skin surface and was never beyond the epidermis layer. I was seeing my doctor every six months for skin checks, having little spots removed here and there. None of which ever came back from pathology as melanoma. I was caught completely by surprise, when in April 2013, I had a seizure at work. I went to the ER by ambulance. Scanning uncovered 3 brain lesions and 3 in the lungs. I had brain surgery within 2 weeks. The pathology report from the craniotomy showed that the lesions were melanoma. It had spread. Instant Stage IV diagnosis. I had 3 major surgeries and a lot of brain radiation before an effective immunotherapy treatment came along and saved my life.
I lost my mother to colon cancer that metastisized to her liver, and then her entire body, because she waited 3 years to have a colon polyp removed…. by then, it had become cancerous. Lost my father to lung cancer only 3 years later, when he procrastinated seeing a doctor for a lingering cough. I guess even with their final actions, they were still teaching me……… Don't mess with cancer. Be diligent and be aggressive. It will not wait for you to find the bravery or a convenient time to have something done.
I know that surgical procedures and the side effects of medications can sound very scary! But you will find once things are behind you, that you are much stronger than you once thought. : ) Take a trusted friend or family member, and go see a doctor for your concerns.
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- October 1, 2016 at 6:13 pm
Aiden, I don't mean that post to sound completely terrifying. I was certainly one of the unlucky ones to have such metastasis. Melanoma is not always the same mutation, and does not always behave the same with individuals. You can never assume that because you are the same general age, sex, or level of health that another melanoma patient is, that you will have the same outcomes that they do. As with anything in life, we can all only do our best to take care of what we have some control over. Just as we wouldn't drive drunk, or play golf in a lightning storm, we with a history of melanoma must not go out in the sun without proper taking proper precautions.
However, with someone like the original post here… Alexis… who has let her doctor's recommendation for further treatment go without attention for 5 additional years, I worry like a mama bear! When a removed spot comes back from pathology with clear margins, odds are extremely high that IF there is a melanoma discovered by the doctor 6 months later, it is still equally as easily treated. But if doctors are unceartain that the margins may or may not be clear enough and recommend an additional surgery…… I would recommend one should get the second surgery, or at the very least, a second doctor's opinion.
The biggest concerns once you have been diagnosed with melanoma, is to be diligent with follow ups and continue checking your own skin for changes. You will likely see something before doctors will note a change. Wear your sunscreen and if a doctor suggests having something removed… schedule that appointment!
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- October 1, 2016 at 6:13 pm
Aiden, I don't mean that post to sound completely terrifying. I was certainly one of the unlucky ones to have such metastasis. Melanoma is not always the same mutation, and does not always behave the same with individuals. You can never assume that because you are the same general age, sex, or level of health that another melanoma patient is, that you will have the same outcomes that they do. As with anything in life, we can all only do our best to take care of what we have some control over. Just as we wouldn't drive drunk, or play golf in a lightning storm, we with a history of melanoma must not go out in the sun without proper taking proper precautions.
However, with someone like the original post here… Alexis… who has let her doctor's recommendation for further treatment go without attention for 5 additional years, I worry like a mama bear! When a removed spot comes back from pathology with clear margins, odds are extremely high that IF there is a melanoma discovered by the doctor 6 months later, it is still equally as easily treated. But if doctors are unceartain that the margins may or may not be clear enough and recommend an additional surgery…… I would recommend one should get the second surgery, or at the very least, a second doctor's opinion.
The biggest concerns once you have been diagnosed with melanoma, is to be diligent with follow ups and continue checking your own skin for changes. You will likely see something before doctors will note a change. Wear your sunscreen and if a doctor suggests having something removed… schedule that appointment!
-
- October 1, 2016 at 6:13 pm
Aiden, I don't mean that post to sound completely terrifying. I was certainly one of the unlucky ones to have such metastasis. Melanoma is not always the same mutation, and does not always behave the same with individuals. You can never assume that because you are the same general age, sex, or level of health that another melanoma patient is, that you will have the same outcomes that they do. As with anything in life, we can all only do our best to take care of what we have some control over. Just as we wouldn't drive drunk, or play golf in a lightning storm, we with a history of melanoma must not go out in the sun without proper taking proper precautions.
However, with someone like the original post here… Alexis… who has let her doctor's recommendation for further treatment go without attention for 5 additional years, I worry like a mama bear! When a removed spot comes back from pathology with clear margins, odds are extremely high that IF there is a melanoma discovered by the doctor 6 months later, it is still equally as easily treated. But if doctors are unceartain that the margins may or may not be clear enough and recommend an additional surgery…… I would recommend one should get the second surgery, or at the very least, a second doctor's opinion.
The biggest concerns once you have been diagnosed with melanoma, is to be diligent with follow ups and continue checking your own skin for changes. You will likely see something before doctors will note a change. Wear your sunscreen and if a doctor suggests having something removed… schedule that appointment!
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Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
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