What have others been told about pregnancy post melanoma diagnosis?

There are not any studies indicating a connection between pregnancy (hormones) and melanoma. But young women get pregnant and young women get melanoma. I've heard people being told to wait two years as that is the probable time for recurrence. And you dont' want to deal with recurrence and pregnancy at the same time.  So a decent waiting time is ideal. And unfortunately the clear SLNB is not a 100% guarantee that cells could still be in the blood stream.

Melanoma specialists from leading cancer centers in the U.S. have different opinions.  Some say not to wait at all and that there is no connection and others say that there is not enough research to know for sure whether or not the state of the immune system during pregnancy could lead to something.  It's confusing.

Based on research there's no conclusive evidence.  Immune system isn't the question usually, but presence of growth hormones and other hormonal influences of pregnancy. A large study of 800+ women showed very minimal effect of hormones on melanoma. But maybe good to give it two years.

There are not any studies indicating a connection between pregnancy (hormones) and melanoma. But young women get pregnant and young women get melanoma. I've heard people being told to wait two years as that is the probable time for recurrence. And you dont' want to deal with recurrence and pregnancy at the same time.  So a decent waiting time is ideal. And unfortunately the clear SLNB is not a 100% guarantee that cells could still be in the blood stream.

Melanoma specialists from leading cancer centers in the U.S. have different opinions.  Some say not to wait at all and that there is no connection and others say that there is not enough research to know for sure whether or not the state of the immune system during pregnancy could lead to something.  It's confusing.

Based on research there's no conclusive evidence.  Immune system isn't the question usually, but presence of growth hormones and other hormonal influences of pregnancy. A large study of 800+ women showed very minimal effect of hormones on melanoma. But maybe good to give it two years.

There are not any studies indicating a connection between pregnancy (hormones) and melanoma. But young women get pregnant and young women get melanoma. I've heard people being told to wait two years as that is the probable time for recurrence. And you dont' want to deal with recurrence and pregnancy at the same time.  So a decent waiting time is ideal. And unfortunately the clear SLNB is not a 100% guarantee that cells could still be in the blood stream.

Melanoma specialists from leading cancer centers in the U.S. have different opinions.  Some say not to wait at all and that there is no connection and others say that there is not enough research to know for sure whether or not the state of the immune system during pregnancy could lead to something.  It's confusing.

Based on research there's no conclusive evidence.  Immune system isn't the question usually, but presence of growth hormones and other hormonal influences of pregnancy. A large study of 800+ women showed very minimal effect of hormones on melanoma. But maybe good to give it two years.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090504210204.htm

 

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090504210204.htm

 

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090504210204.htm

 

 

This doesn’t exactly answer the medical part of your question (and is obviously different), but think about the emotional part of it all. my husband was diagnosed at 24 with stage 1 melanoma. We opted not to let it change our lives…We had the 3 children we wanted and did what we wanted without any cancer worries. Fast forward 14 years and he unfortunately progressed to stage 4 at age 37 (at diagnosis, our kids were 7, 8, and 10). Fortunately, due to all the new treatments, he is still fighting and is alive 2 years after diagnosis, plus he’s NED!

Even now, we rarely let his cancer define what we choose to do. (we’re the crazy family who went to Disneyworld 7 weeks after his craniotomy and had a wonderful time:)) If we had made decisions out of fear 14 years ago, we wouldn’t have our 3 beautiful boys. We would have missed out on so many memories. We know at this point, statistics are not in his favor, and most likely he won’t get to see the boys grow up. But, would I change what we did…absolutely not! Life has no guarantees…whether you have a cancer diagnosis or not. We used to joke that you could get hit by a bus crossing the street (cancer or not). So, live your life to it’s fullest. Try to make educated choices, but don’t make those choices out of fear.

Obviously we are in a very different position, and this doesn’t really answer your question of whether pregnancy will cause the melanoma to come back, but just something to think about.

This doesn’t exactly answer the medical part of your question (and is obviously different), but think about the emotional part of it all. my husband was diagnosed at 24 with stage 1 melanoma. We opted not to let it change our lives…We had the 3 children we wanted and did what we wanted without any cancer worries. Fast forward 14 years and he unfortunately progressed to stage 4 at age 37 (at diagnosis, our kids were 7, 8, and 10). Fortunately, due to all the new treatments, he is still fighting and is alive 2 years after diagnosis, plus he’s NED!

Even now, we rarely let his cancer define what we choose to do. (we’re the crazy family who went to Disneyworld 7 weeks after his craniotomy and had a wonderful time:)) If we had made decisions out of fear 14 years ago, we wouldn’t have our 3 beautiful boys. We would have missed out on so many memories. We know at this point, statistics are not in his favor, and most likely he won’t get to see the boys grow up. But, would I change what we did…absolutely not! Life has no guarantees…whether you have a cancer diagnosis or not. We used to joke that you could get hit by a bus crossing the street (cancer or not). So, live your life to it’s fullest. Try to make educated choices, but don’t make those choices out of fear.

Obviously we are in a very different position, and this doesn’t really answer your question of whether pregnancy will cause the melanoma to come back, but just something to think about.

This doesn’t exactly answer the medical part of your question (and is obviously different), but think about the emotional part of it all. my husband was diagnosed at 24 with stage 1 melanoma. We opted not to let it change our lives…We had the 3 children we wanted and did what we wanted without any cancer worries. Fast forward 14 years and he unfortunately progressed to stage 4 at age 37 (at diagnosis, our kids were 7, 8, and 10). Fortunately, due to all the new treatments, he is still fighting and is alive 2 years after diagnosis, plus he’s NED!

Even now, we rarely let his cancer define what we choose to do. (we’re the crazy family who went to Disneyworld 7 weeks after his craniotomy and had a wonderful time:)) If we had made decisions out of fear 14 years ago, we wouldn’t have our 3 beautiful boys. We would have missed out on so many memories. We know at this point, statistics are not in his favor, and most likely he won’t get to see the boys grow up. But, would I change what we did…absolutely not! Life has no guarantees…whether you have a cancer diagnosis or not. We used to joke that you could get hit by a bus crossing the street (cancer or not). So, live your life to it’s fullest. Try to make educated choices, but don’t make those choices out of fear.

Obviously we are in a very different position, and this doesn’t really answer your question of whether pregnancy will cause the melanoma to come back, but just something to think about.

 

Hi,

This is a subject which gives me much pain as well. I'm 34 recently married and am stage 1B. Mine was a shave biopsy which revealed 1.45  mm , 3 mitoses, no ulceration, melanoma on my upper limb. While my SLNB and WLE were clear with no further melanoma found  – my oncologist told me there is no good evidence to support that there is or isn't a link for patients with a diagnosis of melanoma to develop metastatic melanoma as a result of pregnancy – no RCT. Also, the evidence from the retrospective trial was not collected with an entirely similiar patient popoulations (many with no mitoses, no vertical growth etc) which is an entirely different risk level that stage 1 folks with these indicators. Therefore, she advocated that I consider that anyone with vertical growth phase (ME) has the potential to develop metastatic melanoma often with a late dormancy phase. My oncologist told me there is enough case report and anecdotal evidence to solicite some quasi connection with pregnancy and development of metastatic melanoma. I met a young lady who had a .34 mm no ulceration on her neck who was doing fine for 5 years- and than 6 months after delivering her daughter was diagnosed as Stage 4. She is on Zelboraf and her oncologist mentioned she has had 10 such cases in her practice. Let's face it melanoma is a immune system driven cancer, the immune system is effected by pregnancy. We encourage more blood vessels in pregnancy which means more transport is possible. Since we do not know who is harbouring a few rogue cells which may be negatively affected by a pregnancy should we not proceed with extreme caution? This was her suggestion. I am now living in Switzerland and follow up here is with a Derm. He says go ahead get pregnant! Now I have to decide who I trust more – I believe the oncologist may have more knowledge on this subject. Remember it can take years to scientifically prove a connection and honestly we all wouldnt be receiving different medical opinions if there was absolutely no doubt on the subject of pregnancy. This makes me sooo sad but I really am blessed to not be dealing with satge 3 or worse right now. You seem to have many more factors in your favor with a low or zero mitosis and no VGP – therefore I believe you are in a much better category. God bless.

 

Hi,

This is a subject which gives me much pain as well. I'm 34 recently married and am stage 1B. Mine was a shave biopsy which revealed 1.45  mm , 3 mitoses, no ulceration, melanoma on my upper limb. While my SLNB and WLE were clear with no further melanoma found  – my oncologist told me there is no good evidence to support that there is or isn't a link for patients with a diagnosis of melanoma to develop metastatic melanoma as a result of pregnancy – no RCT. Also, the evidence from the retrospective trial was not collected with an entirely similiar patient popoulations (many with no mitoses, no vertical growth etc) which is an entirely different risk level that stage 1 folks with these indicators. Therefore, she advocated that I consider that anyone with vertical growth phase (ME) has the potential to develop metastatic melanoma often with a late dormancy phase. My oncologist told me there is enough case report and anecdotal evidence to solicite some quasi connection with pregnancy and development of metastatic melanoma. I met a young lady who had a .34 mm no ulceration on her neck who was doing fine for 5 years- and than 6 months after delivering her daughter was diagnosed as Stage 4. She is on Zelboraf and her oncologist mentioned she has had 10 such cases in her practice. Let's face it melanoma is a immune system driven cancer, the immune system is effected by pregnancy. We encourage more blood vessels in pregnancy which means more transport is possible. Since we do not know who is harbouring a few rogue cells which may be negatively affected by a pregnancy should we not proceed with extreme caution? This was her suggestion. I am now living in Switzerland and follow up here is with a Derm. He says go ahead get pregnant! Now I have to decide who I trust more – I believe the oncologist may have more knowledge on this subject. Remember it can take years to scientifically prove a connection and honestly we all wouldnt be receiving different medical opinions if there was absolutely no doubt on the subject of pregnancy. This makes me sooo sad but I really am blessed to not be dealing with satge 3 or worse right now. You seem to have many more factors in your favor with a low or zero mitosis and no VGP – therefore I believe you are in a much better category. God bless.

 

Hi,

This is a subject which gives me much pain as well. I'm 34 recently married and am stage 1B. Mine was a shave biopsy which revealed 1.45  mm , 3 mitoses, no ulceration, melanoma on my upper limb. While my SLNB and WLE were clear with no further melanoma found  – my oncologist told me there is no good evidence to support that there is or isn't a link for patients with a diagnosis of melanoma to develop metastatic melanoma as a result of pregnancy – no RCT. Also, the evidence from the retrospective trial was not collected with an entirely similiar patient popoulations (many with no mitoses, no vertical growth etc) which is an entirely different risk level that stage 1 folks with these indicators. Therefore, she advocated that I consider that anyone with vertical growth phase (ME) has the potential to develop metastatic melanoma often with a late dormancy phase. My oncologist told me there is enough case report and anecdotal evidence to solicite some quasi connection with pregnancy and development of metastatic melanoma. I met a young lady who had a .34 mm no ulceration on her neck who was doing fine for 5 years- and than 6 months after delivering her daughter was diagnosed as Stage 4. She is on Zelboraf and her oncologist mentioned she has had 10 such cases in her practice. Let's face it melanoma is a immune system driven cancer, the immune system is effected by pregnancy. We encourage more blood vessels in pregnancy which means more transport is possible. Since we do not know who is harbouring a few rogue cells which may be negatively affected by a pregnancy should we not proceed with extreme caution? This was her suggestion. I am now living in Switzerland and follow up here is with a Derm. He says go ahead get pregnant! Now I have to decide who I trust more – I believe the oncologist may have more knowledge on this subject. Remember it can take years to scientifically prove a connection and honestly we all wouldnt be receiving different medical opinions if there was absolutely no doubt on the subject of pregnancy. This makes me sooo sad but I really am blessed to not be dealing with satge 3 or worse right now. You seem to have many more factors in your favor with a low or zero mitosis and no VGP – therefore I believe you are in a much better category. God bless.

I guess I don't understand the notion of dormancy. . do all people with anything other than in-situ. . so even early/thin stage I people. . .inevitably have these rogue dormant cells somewhere in the body that are waiting for the immune system to be compromised?  or, is it the case that sometimes the WLE surgery is curative and has cleared out all the cancer and no cells broke off anywhere?

I guess I don't understand the notion of dormancy. . do all people with anything other than in-situ. . so even early/thin stage I people. . .inevitably have these rogue dormant cells somewhere in the body that are waiting for the immune system to be compromised?  or, is it the case that sometimes the WLE surgery is curative and has cleared out all the cancer and no cells broke off anywhere?

I guess I don't understand the notion of dormancy. . do all people with anything other than in-situ. . so even early/thin stage I people. . .inevitably have these rogue dormant cells somewhere in the body that are waiting for the immune system to be compromised?  or, is it the case that sometimes the WLE surgery is curative and has cleared out all the cancer and no cells broke off anywhere?

It seems like there are a few options after WLE/SLN: Either that cleared your body of all the cancer cells or some rogue cells went astray either via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system (to different node than sentinel node, or hadn't reached the node yet at the time of SLN, etc..), and if that happens – you may never know it if your body seeks and destroys those cells or if they are dormant (but of course could become a problem many years later). But, then I've also heard that a lesion that is shallow depth or thickness is highly unlikely (and nearly biologically impossible) the ability to spread. So, I don't know what to think, it seems very complicated.

It seems like there are a few options after WLE/SLN: Either that cleared your body of all the cancer cells or some rogue cells went astray either via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system (to different node than sentinel node, or hadn't reached the node yet at the time of SLN, etc..), and if that happens – you may never know it if your body seeks and destroys those cells or if they are dormant (but of course could become a problem many years later). But, then I've also heard that a lesion that is shallow depth or thickness is highly unlikely (and nearly biologically impossible) the ability to spread. So, I don't know what to think, it seems very complicated.

It seems like there are a few options after WLE/SLN: Either that cleared your body of all the cancer cells or some rogue cells went astray either via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system (to different node than sentinel node, or hadn't reached the node yet at the time of SLN, etc..), and if that happens – you may never know it if your body seeks and destroys those cells or if they are dormant (but of course could become a problem many years later). But, then I've also heard that a lesion that is shallow depth or thickness is highly unlikely (and nearly biologically impossible) the ability to spread. So, I don't know what to think, it seems very complicated.

also from Australia was the Queensland study: 

Results Among 26,736 people in the state of Queensland diagnosed with thin melanomas, the 20–year survival was 96%.

also from Australia was the Queensland study: 

Results Among 26,736 people in the state of Queensland diagnosed with thin melanomas, the 20–year survival was 96%.

also from Australia was the Queensland study: 

Results Among 26,736 people in the state of Queensland diagnosed with thin melanomas, the 20–year survival was 96%.

I have a few articles on my website:  http://www.melanomaresources.info/pregnancy.html

I haven't updated this portion in ages so I'm sure there is newer stuff.  The problem is, no one wants to do studies on pregnant women, so you will never get any accurate info.  You can only do retrospective studies and they can never be as conclusive as other studies done in real time.  10 years ago, I did a bunch of research.  I had just had my third primary removed (.88mm so similar depth).  I wanted a child and was getting to "that age".  I wasn't able to wait the recommended two years because the clock was ticking.  After talking to several docs and doing my research, I came to the conclusion that young women get melanoma and young women get pregnant, but they aren't necessarily related.  There was no conclusive evidence that pregnancy would be a risk.  Like the other poster said, I chose to live my life how I wanted to live it and not allow melanoma to dictate.  Unfortunately, I was unable to conceive so can't comment on whether or not melanoma would have been an issue.  My doc was willing to monitor me closely and that was my plan.  I'm still stage IB 11 years later and 21 years out from my first primary. 

Best wishes,

Janner

I have a few articles on my website:  http://www.melanomaresources.info/pregnancy.html

I haven't updated this portion in ages so I'm sure there is newer stuff.  The problem is, no one wants to do studies on pregnant women, so you will never get any accurate info.  You can only do retrospective studies and they can never be as conclusive as other studies done in real time.  10 years ago, I did a bunch of research.  I had just had my third primary removed (.88mm so similar depth).  I wanted a child and was getting to "that age".  I wasn't able to wait the recommended two years because the clock was ticking.  After talking to several docs and doing my research, I came to the conclusion that young women get melanoma and young women get pregnant, but they aren't necessarily related.  There was no conclusive evidence that pregnancy would be a risk.  Like the other poster said, I chose to live my life how I wanted to live it and not allow melanoma to dictate.  Unfortunately, I was unable to conceive so can't comment on whether or not melanoma would have been an issue.  My doc was willing to monitor me closely and that was my plan.  I'm still stage IB 11 years later and 21 years out from my first primary. 

Best wishes,

Janner

I have a few articles on my website:  http://www.melanomaresources.info/pregnancy.html

I haven't updated this portion in ages so I'm sure there is newer stuff.  The problem is, no one wants to do studies on pregnant women, so you will never get any accurate info.  You can only do retrospective studies and they can never be as conclusive as other studies done in real time.  10 years ago, I did a bunch of research.  I had just had my third primary removed (.88mm so similar depth).  I wanted a child and was getting to "that age".  I wasn't able to wait the recommended two years because the clock was ticking.  After talking to several docs and doing my research, I came to the conclusion that young women get melanoma and young women get pregnant, but they aren't necessarily related.  There was no conclusive evidence that pregnancy would be a risk.  Like the other poster said, I chose to live my life how I wanted to live it and not allow melanoma to dictate.  Unfortunately, I was unable to conceive so can't comment on whether or not melanoma would have been an issue.  My doc was willing to monitor me closely and that was my plan.  I'm still stage IB 11 years later and 21 years out from my first primary. 

Best wishes,

Janner

i completely understand what POW is saying. . it's sound advice. . . but at the same time, it's a little bit like letting the melanoma, or the potential of further melanoma. . .be in control of your life and your choices

 

very tough, not easy things to deal with

i completely understand what POW is saying. . it's sound advice. . . but at the same time, it's a little bit like letting the melanoma, or the potential of further melanoma. . .be in control of your life and your choices

 

very tough, not easy things to deal with

i completely understand what POW is saying. . it's sound advice. . . but at the same time, it's a little bit like letting the melanoma, or the potential of further melanoma. . .be in control of your life and your choices

 

very tough, not easy things to deal with

http://forum.melanomainternational.org/mif/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=33876

 

http://forum.melanomainternational.org/mif/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=33876

 

http://forum.melanomainternational.org/mif/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=33876

 

Hi Leigh,
I see that there have been many responses to your topic already, but I thought I would tell you what I have been told.

Firstly, I had 3 primary melanomas in 2 years. 1 in-situ and 2 stage 1A’s. The first melanoma was in-situ and 3 months later I fell pregnant. The second melanoma grew during the third trimester and was removed shortly after the birth. The third melanoma appeared just before my son turned 1. At that point my oncologist and derm told me to wait 2 years if I wanted another child, which I do. I also read everything I could find and asked a thousand questions. My doctors said that pregnancy is an immunosuppressive state. That coupled with growth hormones and increased melanin production (like the ‘mask’ of pregnancy) could be a recipe for disaster. I think my greatest risk is more primaries more than anything else, but the worry in my case is that they appear overnight and don’t take months to grow like everyone else’s seem to.

I also live on the other side of the world to the US. We have a very high rate of melanoma here and the sun is blistering almost every day of the year. When I asked my oncologist about the research regarding pregnancy and melanoma and how it basically has found no link he got all flustered and said it’s not accurate.

You must make the best decision for you. If I were in your shoes I would honestly be happy with 2 daughters and concentrate on being their mother for as long as possible. Good luck with your decision!

Hi Leigh,
I see that there have been many responses to your topic already, but I thought I would tell you what I have been told.

Firstly, I had 3 primary melanomas in 2 years. 1 in-situ and 2 stage 1A’s. The first melanoma was in-situ and 3 months later I fell pregnant. The second melanoma grew during the third trimester and was removed shortly after the birth. The third melanoma appeared just before my son turned 1. At that point my oncologist and derm told me to wait 2 years if I wanted another child, which I do. I also read everything I could find and asked a thousand questions. My doctors said that pregnancy is an immunosuppressive state. That coupled with growth hormones and increased melanin production (like the ‘mask’ of pregnancy) could be a recipe for disaster. I think my greatest risk is more primaries more than anything else, but the worry in my case is that they appear overnight and don’t take months to grow like everyone else’s seem to.

I also live on the other side of the world to the US. We have a very high rate of melanoma here and the sun is blistering almost every day of the year. When I asked my oncologist about the research regarding pregnancy and melanoma and how it basically has found no link he got all flustered and said it’s not accurate.

You must make the best decision for you. If I were in your shoes I would honestly be happy with 2 daughters and concentrate on being their mother for as long as possible. Good luck with your decision!

Hi Leigh,
I see that there have been many responses to your topic already, but I thought I would tell you what I have been told.

Firstly, I had 3 primary melanomas in 2 years. 1 in-situ and 2 stage 1A’s. The first melanoma was in-situ and 3 months later I fell pregnant. The second melanoma grew during the third trimester and was removed shortly after the birth. The third melanoma appeared just before my son turned 1. At that point my oncologist and derm told me to wait 2 years if I wanted another child, which I do. I also read everything I could find and asked a thousand questions. My doctors said that pregnancy is an immunosuppressive state. That coupled with growth hormones and increased melanin production (like the ‘mask’ of pregnancy) could be a recipe for disaster. I think my greatest risk is more primaries more than anything else, but the worry in my case is that they appear overnight and don’t take months to grow like everyone else’s seem to.

I also live on the other side of the world to the US. We have a very high rate of melanoma here and the sun is blistering almost every day of the year. When I asked my oncologist about the research regarding pregnancy and melanoma and how it basically has found no link he got all flustered and said it’s not accurate.

You must make the best decision for you. If I were in your shoes I would honestly be happy with 2 daughters and concentrate on being their mother for as long as possible. Good luck with your decision!

I was in your same situation.  I was thinking of getting pregnant….i had gone to the OB/GYN to get the go ahead and got it.  Within a few weeks I found out I was stage 1B.  My doctor told me no pregnancy for at least 2 years….went to a new derm and oncologist (melanoma specialist) and both gave me the go ahead.  I ended up pregnant 6 months after I was diagnoised.  It isn't for everyone but I knew it was right for me.  I KNEW…..

I was in your same situation.  I was thinking of getting pregnant….i had gone to the OB/GYN to get the go ahead and got it.  Within a few weeks I found out I was stage 1B.  My doctor told me no pregnancy for at least 2 years….went to a new derm and oncologist (melanoma specialist) and both gave me the go ahead.  I ended up pregnant 6 months after I was diagnoised.  It isn't for everyone but I knew it was right for me.  I KNEW…..

I was in your same situation.  I was thinking of getting pregnant….i had gone to the OB/GYN to get the go ahead and got it.  Within a few weeks I found out I was stage 1B.  My doctor told me no pregnancy for at least 2 years….went to a new derm and oncologist (melanoma specialist) and both gave me the go ahead.  I ended up pregnant 6 months after I was diagnoised.  It isn't for everyone but I knew it was right for me.  I KNEW…..

About three or four years ago I had a conversation with Dr. Wen Jen Hwu [Melanoma specialist and researcher from MDA (Texas)], regarding this relationship.  At that time she said that there seemed to be a relationship between the presence of estrogen receptors on ones tumor cells and the the likelyhood of Melanoma making ones prognosis worse.  It would be interesting for one of you ladies to contact her now and post what she has learned since then.  She has been very helpful in responding to my emails on my c-kit melanoma questions and has cordinated  with my UVA Melanoma specialist to help me.  Good luck Ladies.

About three or four years ago I had a conversation with Dr. Wen Jen Hwu [Melanoma specialist and researcher from MDA (Texas)], regarding this relationship.  At that time she said that there seemed to be a relationship between the presence of estrogen receptors on ones tumor cells and the the likelyhood of Melanoma making ones prognosis worse.  It would be interesting for one of you ladies to contact her now and post what she has learned since then.  She has been very helpful in responding to my emails on my c-kit melanoma questions and has cordinated  with my UVA Melanoma specialist to help me.  Good luck Ladies.

About three or four years ago I had a conversation with Dr. Wen Jen Hwu [Melanoma specialist and researcher from MDA (Texas)], regarding this relationship.  At that time she said that there seemed to be a relationship between the presence of estrogen receptors on ones tumor cells and the the likelyhood of Melanoma making ones prognosis worse.  It would be interesting for one of you ladies to contact her now and post what she has learned since then.  She has been very helpful in responding to my emails on my c-kit melanoma questions and has cordinated  with my UVA Melanoma specialist to help me.  Good luck Ladies.

Hi!

 

   WHERE IS LINK BETWEEN MELANOMA AND PREGNANCY.

   A lot of women develope melanoma while pregnant.

  I developed melanoma during pregnancy.

  You should not get pregnant in next 5 years after diagnosed with ANY cance r,and especially melanoma ,because this one (as well as breast cancer) is hormone sensitive.

 As I was explained by Docs – if it is still some cancer cells in my body – they can dtay in where forever and don't start to grow ,but if I will become pregnant – it will be huge push to all cancercells to grow and develope.

 A lot of pregnant women on the late stagesof pregnancy have dark ,darkened moles ( have you noticed it?) , so moles reacts on your pregnancy . The same can happen with any potencially cancerous moles.

 Better not to become pregnant at least for 5 years.

 I WAS TOLD 5 YEARS WITH MY STAGE 1A.

I am sure ,after 5-10 yyears of research it will be official – pregnancy can develope melanoma.

Hi!

 

   WHERE IS LINK BETWEEN MELANOMA AND PREGNANCY.

   A lot of women develope melanoma while pregnant.

  I developed melanoma during pregnancy.

  You should not get pregnant in next 5 years after diagnosed with ANY cance r,and especially melanoma ,because this one (as well as breast cancer) is hormone sensitive.

 As I was explained by Docs – if it is still some cancer cells in my body – they can dtay in where forever and don't start to grow ,but if I will become pregnant – it will be huge push to all cancercells to grow and develope.

 A lot of pregnant women on the late stagesof pregnancy have dark ,darkened moles ( have you noticed it?) , so moles reacts on your pregnancy . The same can happen with any potencially cancerous moles.

 Better not to become pregnant at least for 5 years.

 I WAS TOLD 5 YEARS WITH MY STAGE 1A.

I am sure ,after 5-10 yyears of research it will be official – pregnancy can develope melanoma.

Hi!

 

   WHERE IS LINK BETWEEN MELANOMA AND PREGNANCY.

   A lot of women develope melanoma while pregnant.

  I developed melanoma during pregnancy.

  You should not get pregnant in next 5 years after diagnosed with ANY cance r,and especially melanoma ,because this one (as well as breast cancer) is hormone sensitive.

 As I was explained by Docs – if it is still some cancer cells in my body – they can dtay in where forever and don't start to grow ,but if I will become pregnant – it will be huge push to all cancercells to grow and develope.

 A lot of pregnant women on the late stagesof pregnancy have dark ,darkened moles ( have you noticed it?) , so moles reacts on your pregnancy . The same can happen with any potencially cancerous moles.

 Better not to become pregnant at least for 5 years.

 I WAS TOLD 5 YEARS WITH MY STAGE 1A.

I am sure ,after 5-10 yyears of research it will be official – pregnancy can develope melanoma.

I’ve been following this board for the past couple of months just to read and absorb but this post is particularly close to home so thought I’d sign up to share my personal experience.

I had a primary removed in 2001 aged 16 and WLE all clear. I continued to be monitored and I also had a family history of melanoma. Nothing to note between 2001 and November 2012, then 5 months after giving birth to first child I had a seizure out of the blue (otherwise healthy), a few weeks of testing later it’s discovered I’ve got 5 brain tumours, multiple tumours in my lungs, liver and abdomen and removal of one confirms melanoma.

Ok, so whilst this seems to be more than a coincidence it doesn’t confirm a link to the pregnancy but something else to think about is that melanoma is one of the few cancers that can cross the placenta and my little boy is now having a scan to check things out and will be monitored for a few years to rule this out. Obviously I wasn’t aware of any metastatic disease when I got pregnant and the chances are it had just been sat waiting all this time but not only am I now going through this battle it’s harder still thinking that I may have inadvertantly passed on this horrible disease to my beautiful little boy. I wouldn’t knowingly take that risk, however small.

I’ve been following this board for the past couple of months just to read and absorb but this post is particularly close to home so thought I’d sign up to share my personal experience.

I had a primary removed in 2001 aged 16 and WLE all clear. I continued to be monitored and I also had a family history of melanoma. Nothing to note between 2001 and November 2012, then 5 months after giving birth to first child I had a seizure out of the blue (otherwise healthy), a few weeks of testing later it’s discovered I’ve got 5 brain tumours, multiple tumours in my lungs, liver and abdomen and removal of one confirms melanoma.

Ok, so whilst this seems to be more than a coincidence it doesn’t confirm a link to the pregnancy but something else to think about is that melanoma is one of the few cancers that can cross the placenta and my little boy is now having a scan to check things out and will be monitored for a few years to rule this out. Obviously I wasn’t aware of any metastatic disease when I got pregnant and the chances are it had just been sat waiting all this time but not only am I now going through this battle it’s harder still thinking that I may have inadvertantly passed on this horrible disease to my beautiful little boy. I wouldn’t knowingly take that risk, however small.

I’ve been following this board for the past couple of months just to read and absorb but this post is particularly close to home so thought I’d sign up to share my personal experience.

I had a primary removed in 2001 aged 16 and WLE all clear. I continued to be monitored and I also had a family history of melanoma. Nothing to note between 2001 and November 2012, then 5 months after giving birth to first child I had a seizure out of the blue (otherwise healthy), a few weeks of testing later it’s discovered I’ve got 5 brain tumours, multiple tumours in my lungs, liver and abdomen and removal of one confirms melanoma.

Ok, so whilst this seems to be more than a coincidence it doesn’t confirm a link to the pregnancy but something else to think about is that melanoma is one of the few cancers that can cross the placenta and my little boy is now having a scan to check things out and will be monitored for a few years to rule this out. Obviously I wasn’t aware of any metastatic disease when I got pregnant and the chances are it had just been sat waiting all this time but not only am I now going through this battle it’s harder still thinking that I may have inadvertantly passed on this horrible disease to my beautiful little boy. I wouldn’t knowingly take that risk, however small.

Hi Leigh,

How are you doing now?  I have recently become interested in this topic from another point of view.  I had melanoma Stage 1 20 years ago (age 29.)  2 years ago I developed a recurrence, technically 3B, regional mets in axillary region.  I just recently had surgery to remove it and am doing well with an integrated approach using hyperthermia, Vit C, mistletoe, Avemar, GcMAF  a change in diet and many nutritional supps.   I ask myself, what is it that happened that after 20 years this would happen?  Besides some very stressful situations which may have contributed, I did the HcG diet (homeopathic,) 2 times in 1 year and about a year later discovered the melanoma.  HcG is very high in women when pregnant, in fact it is the hormone which is  being tested in those home pregnancy tests.  My surgeon mentioned a higher incidence of melanoma in pregnant women.  While working at NIH he had many patients whose melanoma went wild while pregnant.  It is a leap to connect the two, however for me I would definately never do the HcG diet again. btw, the diet worked for me to lose weight at the time and I thought it was a great thing never dreaming of this outcome.

In reading some of the responses to your inquiry a number of people were on the side of live the life you want to live… the future is unknown.  Treating melanoma is tricky for a pregnant woman.  Since I am approaching melanoma tretment in an integrated way I know there are many non-toxic treatments and some very skilled doctors who may be able to work with you.  If interested let me know and I'll give you more info.

Wishing you the Best,  Ann

Hi Leigh,

How are you doing now?  I have recently become interested in this topic from another point of view.  I had melanoma Stage 1 20 years ago (age 29.)  2 years ago I developed a recurrence, technically 3B, regional mets in axillary region.  I just recently had surgery to remove it and am doing well with an integrated approach using hyperthermia, Vit C, mistletoe, Avemar, GcMAF  a change in diet and many nutritional supps.   I ask myself, what is it that happened that after 20 years this would happen?  Besides some very stressful situations which may have contributed, I did the HcG diet (homeopathic,) 2 times in 1 year and about a year later discovered the melanoma.  HcG is very high in women when pregnant, in fact it is the hormone which is  being tested in those home pregnancy tests.  My surgeon mentioned a higher incidence of melanoma in pregnant women.  While working at NIH he had many patients whose melanoma went wild while pregnant.  It is a leap to connect the two, however for me I would definately never do the HcG diet again. btw, the diet worked for me to lose weight at the time and I thought it was a great thing never dreaming of this outcome.

In reading some of the responses to your inquiry a number of people were on the side of live the life you want to live… the future is unknown.  Treating melanoma is tricky for a pregnant woman.  Since I am approaching melanoma tretment in an integrated way I know there are many non-toxic treatments and some very skilled doctors who may be able to work with you.  If interested let me know and I'll give you more info.

Wishing you the Best,  Ann

Hi Leigh,

How are you doing now?  I have recently become interested in this topic from another point of view.  I had melanoma Stage 1 20 years ago (age 29.)  2 years ago I developed a recurrence, technically 3B, regional mets in axillary region.  I just recently had surgery to remove it and am doing well with an integrated approach using hyperthermia, Vit C, mistletoe, Avemar, GcMAF  a change in diet and many nutritional supps.   I ask myself, what is it that happened that after 20 years this would happen?  Besides some very stressful situations which may have contributed, I did the HcG diet (homeopathic,) 2 times in 1 year and about a year later discovered the melanoma.  HcG is very high in women when pregnant, in fact it is the hormone which is  being tested in those home pregnancy tests.  My surgeon mentioned a higher incidence of melanoma in pregnant women.  While working at NIH he had many patients whose melanoma went wild while pregnant.  It is a leap to connect the two, however for me I would definately never do the HcG diet again. btw, the diet worked for me to lose weight at the time and I thought it was a great thing never dreaming of this outcome.

In reading some of the responses to your inquiry a number of people were on the side of live the life you want to live… the future is unknown.  Treating melanoma is tricky for a pregnant woman.  Since I am approaching melanoma tretment in an integrated way I know there are many non-toxic treatments and some very skilled doctors who may be able to work with you.  If interested let me know and I'll give you more info.

Wishing you the Best,  Ann

Please see the link to an excellent clinical trial on the issue of Pregnancy and Melanoma conducted by Dr. Natasha Mesinkovska at Cleveland Clinic and published in OBGYBNews.:

http://www.obgynnews.com/news/single-view/worse-melanoma-outcomes-found-in-pregnant-women/4d0a98a691f12c417a208ef9ff4eb562.html

This is a well designed study with statisticaly significant outcomes showing and increase in mortality, recurrence and metastais in melanoma patients pregnant or shortly after pregnancy.

Please see the link to an excellent clinical trial on the issue of Pregnancy and Melanoma conducted by Dr. Natasha Mesinkovska at Cleveland Clinic and published in OBGYBNews.:

http://www.obgynnews.com/news/single-view/worse-melanoma-outcomes-found-in-pregnant-women/4d0a98a691f12c417a208ef9ff4eb562.html

This is a well designed study with statisticaly significant outcomes showing and increase in mortality, recurrence and metastais in melanoma patients pregnant or shortly after pregnancy.

Please see the link to an excellent clinical trial on the issue of Pregnancy and Melanoma conducted by Dr. Natasha Mesinkovska at Cleveland Clinic and published in OBGYBNews.:

http://www.obgynnews.com/news/single-view/worse-melanoma-outcomes-found-in-pregnant-women/4d0a98a691f12c417a208ef9ff4eb562.html

This is a well designed study with statisticaly significant outcomes showing and increase in mortality, recurrence and metastais in melanoma patients pregnant or shortly after pregnancy.