@archer
Forum Replies Created
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- April 17, 2011 at 12:17 am
I feel like I should comment since this is what we went through almost exactly two weeks ago. My wife found a lump in the armpit, had a biopsy, then 3 weeks later, they ask for more tissue so she had it removed and after another 3 weeks, we got the path report, metastasized melanoma. That was 2 weeks ago. When we received the news, the world stopped and turned upside down. Not only were we blown away but we were thrown into a world that we knew nothing about and we were told things that didn't make any sense. My wife was the one diagnosed but I was in worse shape than her.
Luckily, I found this site, began to write on this bulletin board and had replies from the greatest people. The replies not only provided us with information but it also boosted our confidence and the one or two suggestions that were loud and clear were……. go to a melanoma specialist and don't loose hope. Like you we found out on a Friday and for the first week especially, I was a notch above a zombie. So, when you talk about your anxiety, confusion etc,…. everyone on this board can relate.
You asked about second opinions etc. We were referred to a local oncologist and we went there once and then a couple of days later went to the specialist. For us, this was the best decision we made. A world of difference in everything that happened upon meeting the specialist. So, from this meeting, a PET scan was scheduled, blood draws a complete look at her body from a dermatologist and a discussion with the surgical team. That happened all within 2 days of our first visit with the specialist. Thank God, her PET scan was clear and that is what we were hoping for. I believe once you talk to your specialist, you will have a lot of questions answered and some direction. We were told that same thing and it came true. Trust the advice you receive on her and keep your attitude positive. (that is coming from someone who couldn't do that one week ago) Best wishes and stay in contact with these people…..
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- April 17, 2011 at 12:17 am
I feel like I should comment since this is what we went through almost exactly two weeks ago. My wife found a lump in the armpit, had a biopsy, then 3 weeks later, they ask for more tissue so she had it removed and after another 3 weeks, we got the path report, metastasized melanoma. That was 2 weeks ago. When we received the news, the world stopped and turned upside down. Not only were we blown away but we were thrown into a world that we knew nothing about and we were told things that didn't make any sense. My wife was the one diagnosed but I was in worse shape than her.
Luckily, I found this site, began to write on this bulletin board and had replies from the greatest people. The replies not only provided us with information but it also boosted our confidence and the one or two suggestions that were loud and clear were……. go to a melanoma specialist and don't loose hope. Like you we found out on a Friday and for the first week especially, I was a notch above a zombie. So, when you talk about your anxiety, confusion etc,…. everyone on this board can relate.
You asked about second opinions etc. We were referred to a local oncologist and we went there once and then a couple of days later went to the specialist. For us, this was the best decision we made. A world of difference in everything that happened upon meeting the specialist. So, from this meeting, a PET scan was scheduled, blood draws a complete look at her body from a dermatologist and a discussion with the surgical team. That happened all within 2 days of our first visit with the specialist. Thank God, her PET scan was clear and that is what we were hoping for. I believe once you talk to your specialist, you will have a lot of questions answered and some direction. We were told that same thing and it came true. Trust the advice you receive on her and keep your attitude positive. (that is coming from someone who couldn't do that one week ago) Best wishes and stay in contact with these people…..
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- April 15, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Ok, my wife had her first PET scan yesterday. Long day at hospital but well worth it because the scan was clear….. YEA,
Thank God and to all the tons of people that were praying. That is what we were hoping for and what a relief. Now, they will review all the scans and pathology reports to see if this team agrees with those results.. After that, it appears that a surgery to "clean out" the area in the underarm where the lump was removed is going to be performed soon. Depending upon if they find traces of cells, then there could be follow up treatment as a preventative or nothing but wait and see. Anyway, this is a new direction for sure.
I want to say again, with complete sincerity to all who have replied and offered wisdom, prayers and hope, a huge Thank you! You will never know how important that was/is and will continue to be to us. This forum was a God send for both of us. Also, if someone reading this is or knows someone just diagnosed, please listen to these people and seek a specialist immediately. It made a world of difference to us immediately.
So, again thank you. We will be reading and helping if we can offer something to others.
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- April 15, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Ok, my wife had her first PET scan yesterday. Long day at hospital but well worth it because the scan was clear….. YEA,
Thank God and to all the tons of people that were praying. That is what we were hoping for and what a relief. Now, they will review all the scans and pathology reports to see if this team agrees with those results.. After that, it appears that a surgery to "clean out" the area in the underarm where the lump was removed is going to be performed soon. Depending upon if they find traces of cells, then there could be follow up treatment as a preventative or nothing but wait and see. Anyway, this is a new direction for sure.
I want to say again, with complete sincerity to all who have replied and offered wisdom, prayers and hope, a huge Thank you! You will never know how important that was/is and will continue to be to us. This forum was a God send for both of us. Also, if someone reading this is or knows someone just diagnosed, please listen to these people and seek a specialist immediately. It made a world of difference to us immediately.
So, again thank you. We will be reading and helping if we can offer something to others.
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- April 8, 2011 at 8:44 am
Hi Charlie,
WOW, there are a lot of powerful suggestions in your letter and I am above grateful for you taking the time to share them. I agree and will be doing these things beginning immediately. For what it is worth, we are not going North.
You are right about my (our) fears and all the other confusion and runaway emotions. I can honestly say that nights and early mornings are my worse time right now. Don't know why but it is. (not so much for the patient, my wife. Plus something that is beginning to emerge for my wife is the fact that she has a strong family ties and many many friends and many of those friends called last night. She probably has repeated her story to countless people that were asking her yesterday. I think that is theraputic for her but we decided to take a time out for awhile with each other. (meaning we have other things to talk about) There seems to be a lot of new directions going on with all of this so newly emerging in our lives.
So, again, thank you for the "gloves" and I just started the ignition.
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- April 8, 2011 at 8:44 am
Hi Charlie,
WOW, there are a lot of powerful suggestions in your letter and I am above grateful for you taking the time to share them. I agree and will be doing these things beginning immediately. For what it is worth, we are not going North.
You are right about my (our) fears and all the other confusion and runaway emotions. I can honestly say that nights and early mornings are my worse time right now. Don't know why but it is. (not so much for the patient, my wife. Plus something that is beginning to emerge for my wife is the fact that she has a strong family ties and many many friends and many of those friends called last night. She probably has repeated her story to countless people that were asking her yesterday. I think that is theraputic for her but we decided to take a time out for awhile with each other. (meaning we have other things to talk about) There seems to be a lot of new directions going on with all of this so newly emerging in our lives.
So, again, thank you for the "gloves" and I just started the ignition.
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- April 7, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Hi Mary,
To clarify, we have only been to the local oncologist once, two days ago. We are moving away from him and seeing a specialist this Tuesday. Unless there is some sort of disaster, we are planning on staying with the specialist. Sorry about the confusion and thanks for your opinions.
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