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Steve,

Glad to see you have reached out — it's tough in the beginning, and even two years later :-)I'm so sorry you have to deal with the added stress of insurance, medical costs — and the tender age of your young children. One thing to note is that your children need to be protected from the sun – you have enough to worry about, but genetics increase their vulnerability. Take one day at a time, inform yourself but don't surf the internet too much, and don't forget that every day is a gift. Keep us posted and hang in there!

Steve,

Glad to see you have reached out — it's tough in the beginning, and even two years later :-)I'm so sorry you have to deal with the added stress of insurance, medical costs — and the tender age of your young children. One thing to note is that your children need to be protected from the sun – you have enough to worry about, but genetics increase their vulnerability. Take one day at a time, inform yourself but don't surf the internet too much, and don't forget that every day is a gift. Keep us posted and hang in there!

Steve,

Glad to see you have reached out — it's tough in the beginning, and even two years later :-)I'm so sorry you have to deal with the added stress of insurance, medical costs — and the tender age of your young children. One thing to note is that your children need to be protected from the sun – you have enough to worry about, but genetics increase their vulnerability. Take one day at a time, inform yourself but don't surf the internet too much, and don't forget that every day is a gift. Keep us posted and hang in there!

Steve,

Glad to see you have reached out — it's tough in the beginning, and even two years later :-)I'm so sorry you have to deal with the added stress of insurance, medical costs — and the tender age of your young children. One thing to note is that your children need to be protected from the sun – you have enough to worry about, but genetics increase their vulnerability. Take one day at a time, inform yourself but don't surf the internet too much, and don't forget that every day is a gift. Keep us posted and hang in there!

Michelle,

I am a melanoma survivor and although we each have our individual worries and loved ones to live for, your posting tugged at my heart. I have a positive feeling for you and your unborn child. If you do have to have an early birth, be reassured that NICU's have come a long way over the years — my first born was 29 weeks (28 years ago) — and her two daughters were born at 27 & 28 weeks — all healthy and we are blessed. I'd love to connect you with an amazing young mother friend that I'm proud to know … she was pregnant when she was diagnosed and is now stage IV but fighting strong and very knowledgeable! Visit her blog at: http://strongenough-christina.blogspot.com/

Best of luck to you — we will be pulling for you during the coming months.

Lisa

Michelle,

I am a melanoma survivor and although we each have our individual worries and loved ones to live for, your posting tugged at my heart. I have a positive feeling for you and your unborn child. If you do have to have an early birth, be reassured that NICU's have come a long way over the years — my first born was 29 weeks (28 years ago) — and her two daughters were born at 27 & 28 weeks — all healthy and we are blessed. I'd love to connect you with an amazing young mother friend that I'm proud to know … she was pregnant when she was diagnosed and is now stage IV but fighting strong and very knowledgeable! Visit her blog at: http://strongenough-christina.blogspot.com/

Best of luck to you — we will be pulling for you during the coming months.

Lisa

I've had a red itchy spot I've been worried about recently too — it is about the size of a dime or nickel and has been red, scaley and very itchy — I've had it for about 3 weeks and it seems to finally be getting better. I too looked on line and was concerned because melanoma can come out in the form of a rash … I kept thinking that if it isn't better in a couple days, I'll go have it looked at 🙂 Was yours a specific spot and red or was it generally itchy skin all over? Maybe it's just the winter weather? Hope you feel better soon!

I've had a red itchy spot I've been worried about recently too — it is about the size of a dime or nickel and has been red, scaley and very itchy — I've had it for about 3 weeks and it seems to finally be getting better. I too looked on line and was concerned because melanoma can come out in the form of a rash … I kept thinking that if it isn't better in a couple days, I'll go have it looked at 🙂 Was yours a specific spot and red or was it generally itchy skin all over? Maybe it's just the winter weather? Hope you feel better soon!

Nicki,

I don't have answers for you but I do have a question. Can you tell us about the lesions on your scalp … were they raised, dark, obvious? I'm not sure what to watch for and obviously it's tough to keep a watch on scalp changes. I hope you get the best treatment and results possible. Hang in there!

Nicki,

I don't have answers for you but I do have a question. Can you tell us about the lesions on your scalp … were they raised, dark, obvious? I'm not sure what to watch for and obviously it's tough to keep a watch on scalp changes. I hope you get the best treatment and results possible. Hang in there!

Your story really hit me — of course we all worry deeply when a young person is hit with melanoma and I only hope your son's good strong physical health sends him sailing through this experience. I was diagnosed with melanoma about 16 months ago — what a shock that was. However, what hit me about your story is that my youngest daughter who is now 22, had a large odd shaped brownish wart at the bottom of her spine near her butt — she always hated it and at some point in her teens (long before my diagnosis), it was removed and I don't believe it was tested at a lab … she is petite and seems to have a weak immune system — for the first time, I'm now thinking back and wondering about that mole being melanoma! We can't go back and honesly, I had no idea about melanoma … until I was diagnosed. I'm so frustrated with the lack of education and awareness about melanoma. Young athletes are definitely at risk and maybe your son will be able to make a difference in educating mothers & kids and getting sunscreen and shade tents to soccer fields, playgrounds, etc. I hold you and your family in my heart and am hoping for the best possible results. Hang in there and keep us posted.

Your story really hit me — of course we all worry deeply when a young person is hit with melanoma and I only hope your son's good strong physical health sends him sailing through this experience. I was diagnosed with melanoma about 16 months ago — what a shock that was. However, what hit me about your story is that my youngest daughter who is now 22, had a large odd shaped brownish wart at the bottom of her spine near her butt — she always hated it and at some point in her teens (long before my diagnosis), it was removed and I don't believe it was tested at a lab … she is petite and seems to have a weak immune system — for the first time, I'm now thinking back and wondering about that mole being melanoma! We can't go back and honesly, I had no idea about melanoma … until I was diagnosed. I'm so frustrated with the lack of education and awareness about melanoma. Young athletes are definitely at risk and maybe your son will be able to make a difference in educating mothers & kids and getting sunscreen and shade tents to soccer fields, playgrounds, etc. I hold you and your family in my heart and am hoping for the best possible results. Hang in there and keep us posted.

From time to time I've logged on and read your posts … I just wanted to send some love and support your way. I hope that Will starts feeling better soon — this must be incredibly tough on you. I have so much respect for you and have to believe that brighter days are ahead for you and for Will. I wish I had some wonderful, insightful advice, but I can only say … from a melanoma survivor in Idaho — hang in there and know that you're not alone!

From time to time I've logged on and read your posts … I just wanted to send some love and support your way. I hope that Will starts feeling better soon — this must be incredibly tough on you. I have so much respect for you and have to believe that brighter days are ahead for you and for Will. I wish I had some wonderful, insightful advice, but I can only say … from a melanoma survivor in Idaho — hang in there and know that you're not alone!