CarolA

I had melanoma develop on my left breast, three years after the initial (Feb 2005) finding on my left midriff area.  After the innitial WLE and SNB (Feb 2005), two nodes were detected.   Six months (Sep 2005) later I had a total LND which resulted in showing no further node involvement.  I did not choose to do interferon.

At three years later (Oct 2008), after several recurrences that were noticed on top of the surface,  over almost a year;s duration, the decision was made to have a mastectomy when the recurrence travelled to the middle of the breast, near the sternum.

The mastectomy removed my entire breast and skin, resulting in the need to have a skin graft taken from my left thigh to cover the area.   The skin graft wound was a rough recovery.   The chest wound, while dramatic and needed changing of bandaging every day, did not cause me much discomfort at all.   The recovery period for this approach was a good four to five weeks.   Again I chose not to do interferon and was not offered any trial options.

Since then, my surgeon/oncologist retired and my care was transferred to Roswell Park Cancer Institue, where I am seen annually.  At the last visit, I was told at the ten year mark I would no longer be observed annually.   I can't believe SO many years have gone by since my initial reaching out to this forum.

Christine, I know my situation of melanoma "on" my breast is different than your detection.  I hope you find yourself in good hands, getting good advice and care.   It does become confusing to peope to understand you do not have "breast" cancer, but melanoma that has spread to your breast.   I did find much help post surgery from breast cancer support groups, however, but I would find myself having to explain my situation.

CarolA

Amherst, NY

I had melanoma develop on my left breast, three years after the initial (Feb 2005) finding on my left midriff area.  After the innitial WLE and SNB (Feb 2005), two nodes were detected.   Six months (Sep 2005) later I had a total LND which resulted in showing no further node involvement.  I did not choose to do interferon.

At three years later (Oct 2008), after several recurrences that were noticed on top of the surface,  over almost a year;s duration, the decision was made to have a mastectomy when the recurrence travelled to the middle of the breast, near the sternum.

The mastectomy removed my entire breast and skin, resulting in the need to have a skin graft taken from my left thigh to cover the area.   The skin graft wound was a rough recovery.   The chest wound, while dramatic and needed changing of bandaging every day, did not cause me much discomfort at all.   The recovery period for this approach was a good four to five weeks.   Again I chose not to do interferon and was not offered any trial options.

Since then, my surgeon/oncologist retired and my care was transferred to Roswell Park Cancer Institue, where I am seen annually.  At the last visit, I was told at the ten year mark I would no longer be observed annually.   I can't believe SO many years have gone by since my initial reaching out to this forum.

Christine, I know my situation of melanoma "on" my breast is different than your detection.  I hope you find yourself in good hands, getting good advice and care.   It does become confusing to peope to understand you do not have "breast" cancer, but melanoma that has spread to your breast.   I did find much help post surgery from breast cancer support groups, however, but I would find myself having to explain my situation.

CarolA

Amherst, NY

I had melanoma develop on my left breast, three years after the initial (Feb 2005) finding on my left midriff area.  After the innitial WLE and SNB (Feb 2005), two nodes were detected.   Six months (Sep 2005) later I had a total LND which resulted in showing no further node involvement.  I did not choose to do interferon.

At three years later (Oct 2008), after several recurrences that were noticed on top of the surface,  over almost a year;s duration, the decision was made to have a mastectomy when the recurrence travelled to the middle of the breast, near the sternum.

The mastectomy removed my entire breast and skin, resulting in the need to have a skin graft taken from my left thigh to cover the area.   The skin graft wound was a rough recovery.   The chest wound, while dramatic and needed changing of bandaging every day, did not cause me much discomfort at all.   The recovery period for this approach was a good four to five weeks.   Again I chose not to do interferon and was not offered any trial options.

Since then, my surgeon/oncologist retired and my care was transferred to Roswell Park Cancer Institue, where I am seen annually.  At the last visit, I was told at the ten year mark I would no longer be observed annually.   I can't believe SO many years have gone by since my initial reaching out to this forum.

Christine, I know my situation of melanoma "on" my breast is different than your detection.  I hope you find yourself in good hands, getting good advice and care.   It does become confusing to peope to understand you do not have "breast" cancer, but melanoma that has spread to your breast.   I did find much help post surgery from breast cancer support groups, however, but I would find myself having to explain my situation.

CarolA

Amherst, NY

I said it on the OTBB, words seem futile now.   Emotions are highly charged.   Hating this disease more than ever.   Praying for Diane's recovery, for strength for Bob.   We're all here, Diane, new and old alike.  

CarolA

Stage III for 8 years

I said it on the OTBB, words seem futile now.   Emotions are highly charged.   Hating this disease more than ever.   Praying for Diane's recovery, for strength for Bob.   We're all here, Diane, new and old alike.  

CarolA

Stage III for 8 years

I said it on the OTBB, words seem futile now.   Emotions are highly charged.   Hating this disease more than ever.   Praying for Diane's recovery, for strength for Bob.   We're all here, Diane, new and old alike.  

CarolA

Stage III for 8 years

Oh the need for the Darkside to really let it out. . .   NOOOOOO!    No.

Words seem futile.   Emotions are raging.

CarolA

Oh the need for the Darkside to really let it out. . .   NOOOOOO!    No.

Words seem futile.   Emotions are raging.

CarolA

Oh the need for the Darkside to really let it out. . .   NOOOOOO!    No.

Words seem futile.   Emotions are raging.

CarolA

If you "search" for lymphnode dissection, you will find many many variations about this.   My story (left axillary, eventual total lymph node dissection) can be found in this thread: 

http://www.melanoma.org/community/mpip-melanoma-patients-information-page/new-info-daughter

There is other information on this thread.   As you will see, my saga began years ago.   There are many changes since then, but the basic premise still exists and questions over whether full LND is effective in delaying or averting progression of melanoma.

Some Stage III folks have been offered different options.   You can read and read, but ultimately, the choice is yours, harsh as that may sound.    Doctors will recommend, based on their experiences, or what they reference.    Janner is right.  You ahve to make your choice, remain solid in your conviction, and be vigilant with follow-up care and taking care of yourself in general.   Although, I almost hate that comment—as IF we, who have been inflicted with this crap, wouldn't heed advice and take care of ourselves, right?

Eight years out, I've graduated to a one-year check-up level.   This year I have to transfer my care to another provider.  This is going to be a big deal for me when that, now annual, check-up time comes!!   I'll be sure to let the board know how it goes.

CarolA

StageIII & holding!

If you "search" for lymphnode dissection, you will find many many variations about this.   My story (left axillary, eventual total lymph node dissection) can be found in this thread: 

http://www.melanoma.org/community/mpip-melanoma-patients-information-page/new-info-daughter

There is other information on this thread.   As you will see, my saga began years ago.   There are many changes since then, but the basic premise still exists and questions over whether full LND is effective in delaying or averting progression of melanoma.

Some Stage III folks have been offered different options.   You can read and read, but ultimately, the choice is yours, harsh as that may sound.    Doctors will recommend, based on their experiences, or what they reference.    Janner is right.  You ahve to make your choice, remain solid in your conviction, and be vigilant with follow-up care and taking care of yourself in general.   Although, I almost hate that comment—as IF we, who have been inflicted with this crap, wouldn't heed advice and take care of ourselves, right?

Eight years out, I've graduated to a one-year check-up level.   This year I have to transfer my care to another provider.  This is going to be a big deal for me when that, now annual, check-up time comes!!   I'll be sure to let the board know how it goes.

CarolA

StageIII & holding!

If you "search" for lymphnode dissection, you will find many many variations about this.   My story (left axillary, eventual total lymph node dissection) can be found in this thread: 

http://www.melanoma.org/community/mpip-melanoma-patients-information-page/new-info-daughter

There is other information on this thread.   As you will see, my saga began years ago.   There are many changes since then, but the basic premise still exists and questions over whether full LND is effective in delaying or averting progression of melanoma.

Some Stage III folks have been offered different options.   You can read and read, but ultimately, the choice is yours, harsh as that may sound.    Doctors will recommend, based on their experiences, or what they reference.    Janner is right.  You ahve to make your choice, remain solid in your conviction, and be vigilant with follow-up care and taking care of yourself in general.   Although, I almost hate that comment—as IF we, who have been inflicted with this crap, wouldn't heed advice and take care of ourselves, right?

Eight years out, I've graduated to a one-year check-up level.   This year I have to transfer my care to another provider.  This is going to be a big deal for me when that, now annual, check-up time comes!!   I'll be sure to let the board know how it goes.

CarolA

StageIII & holding!

I am another participant in the MSLT-II trial.   My initial diagnosis of Stage III was in February 2005.  My SNB (left axilla) revealed two nodes involved (I do not, at this moment, have the details, #'s, but involvement was small). I chose to participate in the MSLT-II trial and  I had three ultra-sound checks.  In September 2005, one node increased to just under 1.0 (?) and my doctor did a 23 node removal LND.  None of the nodes had detection of mel!   Interferon usage was not chosen after either of these surgeries.  No evidence of disease, NED!  

I am sorry I don't have specifics, dates, numbers here, but I diligently had a regiment of 6-month follow-ups with my derm and my oncologist.   Some CT scans, MRI's, lots of chest x-rays, bloodwork as follow-up care during this time.

I had several recurrences pop up on my left breast, beginning sometime in 2007.   In May 2008, upon my surgeon's recommendation (this had been discussed when these recurrences kept coming, up to four WLE's), I had a mastectomy of my left breast and skin graft from my left thigh to cover the chest wound.  I was 59 at the time, felt confident and secure in this decision.

I had around two years of physical therapy, lymphatic massage therapy, to ease my lymphadema issues in my left arm.  It isn't that bad, but it is there, sometimes more "there" than other times.  I deal with it with a compression (stocking-type) sleeve when needed, easy to disguise and not uncomfortable at all.   I have some range of motion issues (hard to do the back of my hair), but truthfully this has been a small price to pay for NED.

CarolA

I am another participant in the MSLT-II trial.   My initial diagnosis of Stage III was in February 2005.  My SNB (left axilla) revealed two nodes involved (I do not, at this moment, have the details, #'s, but involvement was small). I chose to participate in the MSLT-II trial and  I had three ultra-sound checks.  In September 2005, one node increased to just under 1.0 (?) and my doctor did a 23 node removal LND.  None of the nodes had detection of mel!   Interferon usage was not chosen after either of these surgeries.  No evidence of disease, NED!  

I am sorry I don't have specifics, dates, numbers here, but I diligently had a regiment of 6-month follow-ups with my derm and my oncologist.   Some CT scans, MRI's, lots of chest x-rays, bloodwork as follow-up care during this time.

I had several recurrences pop up on my left breast, beginning sometime in 2007.   In May 2008, upon my surgeon's recommendation (this had been discussed when these recurrences kept coming, up to four WLE's), I had a mastectomy of my left breast and skin graft from my left thigh to cover the chest wound.  I was 59 at the time, felt confident and secure in this decision.

I had around two years of physical therapy, lymphatic massage therapy, to ease my lymphadema issues in my left arm.  It isn't that bad, but it is there, sometimes more "there" than other times.  I deal with it with a compression (stocking-type) sleeve when needed, easy to disguise and not uncomfortable at all.   I have some range of motion issues (hard to do the back of my hair), but truthfully this has been a small price to pay for NED.

CarolA

I am another participant in the MSLT-II trial.   My initial diagnosis of Stage III was in February 2005.  My SNB (left axilla) revealed two nodes involved (I do not, at this moment, have the details, #'s, but involvement was small). I chose to participate in the MSLT-II trial and  I had three ultra-sound checks.  In September 2005, one node increased to just under 1.0 (?) and my doctor did a 23 node removal LND.  None of the nodes had detection of mel!   Interferon usage was not chosen after either of these surgeries.  No evidence of disease, NED!  

I am sorry I don't have specifics, dates, numbers here, but I diligently had a regiment of 6-month follow-ups with my derm and my oncologist.   Some CT scans, MRI's, lots of chest x-rays, bloodwork as follow-up care during this time.

I had several recurrences pop up on my left breast, beginning sometime in 2007.   In May 2008, upon my surgeon's recommendation (this had been discussed when these recurrences kept coming, up to four WLE's), I had a mastectomy of my left breast and skin graft from my left thigh to cover the chest wound.  I was 59 at the time, felt confident and secure in this decision.

I had around two years of physical therapy, lymphatic massage therapy, to ease my lymphadema issues in my left arm.  It isn't that bad, but it is there, sometimes more "there" than other times.  I deal with it with a compression (stocking-type) sleeve when needed, easy to disguise and not uncomfortable at all.   I have some range of motion issues (hard to do the back of my hair), but truthfully this has been a small price to pay for NED.

CarolA