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Jeff_in_FL
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Jeff_in_FL

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      • December 10, 2017 at 2:43 pm
      Jeff_in_FL
      Participant

        If you are concerned, I think the best thing you could do would be to make an appointment with a Dermatologist. No one on an online forum can say with complete confidence that there is, or isn’t anything to worry about. 

        Please keep us posted!

        • November 24, 2017 at 4:22 pm
        Jeff_in_FL
        Participant

          Here’s kind of a stupid question: can a Radiologist and your Doctor tell the difference (with MRI) between Melanoma, and Cysts? I had an MRI that showed a “maxillary sinus retention cyst”. This was before I developed an aggressive Nodular Melanoma on my right calf. 

          Just curious. Thanks for the ear.

          Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

          Jeff

          • October 17, 2017 at 9:45 am
          Jeff_in_FL
          Participant

            I think it’s probably an abscess. Not sure why though.

            • July 13, 2017 at 9:38 am
            Jeff_in_FL
            Participant

              Yes. I have one on the back of my left hand that grows, hardens/dries, and eventually falls off. Then the process starts all over again. Dermatologist doesn't comment on it, so I'm not worried about it.

              • June 3, 2017 at 3:24 am
              Jeff_in_FL
              Participant

                So very sorry to hear the news, Janis. Prayers, love, and hugs!

                • May 27, 2017 at 3:14 pm
                Jeff_in_FL
                Participant

                  Saying Prayers!

                  • May 12, 2017 at 9:31 am
                  Jeff_in_FL
                  Participant

                    Mine started out as a small, flat, black dot. I actually thought it was from a permanent marker. This was around Christmas. By March, it was domed, perfectly round, and 8mm (about 1/4") across. Absolutely no doubt that this wasn't normal. Nodular Melanoma. 

                    • April 13, 2017 at 5:01 pm
                    Jeff_in_FL
                    Participant

                      They did a shave biopsy a week ago, and I can clearly see remaining cells in the center. Why would they do a shave biopsy when Melanoma was suspected from the beginning? Everything I have read indicates that a shave biopsy is "not" recommended if Melanoma is suspected. Frustrating!

                      • July 11, 2017 at 6:59 pm
                      Jeff_in_FL
                      Participant

                        Thanks, Jenn. I learned something that I didn't know. Not sure why my Dermatologist didn't tell me any of this! I will be seeing someone else for my next checkup, not really by choice, but because we are moving to a different part of the state. I am in the VA Healthcare system, so I won't have a choice on who I see …just someone who works out of that particular area.

                        Thanks again.

                        • June 6, 2017 at 3:16 am
                        Jeff_in_FL
                        Participant

                          Just got off the phone with my Dermatologist. She said that since the SLNB was clean, it would be unusual to proceed with a PET scan. She advised that the regular three-month visits with her would be enough. One thing that has me scratching my head in regard to the regular visits is that no photos have been taken to establish a baseline for any possible changes. Is it my imagination, or is this all "sub-standard" treatment? Maybe it's just typical for the VA Healthcare system. Frustrating as my concerns appear to be taken as that of a hypochondriac.

                          • May 15, 2017 at 3:54 pm
                          Jeff_in_FL
                          Participant

                            It was non-existent, and grew over time. If you took a permanent marker (Sharpie), and put a dot on your skin, that is what it looked like when I first noticed it. I remember thinking, "I don't remember that tiny black mole being there before", but it grew from that to 8 mm (a little over 1/4") in diameter in less than three months. Definitely noticed that!

                            • May 14, 2017 at 7:53 pm
                            Jeff_in_FL
                            Participant

                              I would say it was "slightly" raised …just kind of a dome. I think I would have actually gone to have it looked at if it had been more raised than it was. That's the dangerous thing about this type of Melanoma; doesn't usually become overly raised, and not too large in diameter. It grows down instead. Anyway, that's what I was told.

                              • May 12, 2017 at 12:54 am
                              Jeff_in_FL
                              Participant

                                Thank you, Judy. I'll have to do some checking, but I don't think the VA offers a specialist for Melanoma. So far, I have only been seen by a Dermatologist, and a General Surgeon. I'll have to check into that. No matter what the Pathology report shows, I am still going to request a PET scan.

                                Thanks again,

                                Jeff

                                • May 10, 2017 at 6:31 pm
                                Jeff_in_FL
                                Participant

                                  My thoughts exactly. I have not had a PET scan yet. It was the General Surgeon who said that a PET scan would not be necessary. Guessing that it would be my Derm who would make that decision? This is through the VA, so who knows what will or will not be done.

                                  • April 11, 2017 at 2:07 pm
                                  Jeff_in_FL
                                  Participant

                                    I had a shave biopsy done, and you can clearly see remaining cells. Still waiting for the wide excision. Wondering if they could just do the math, and simply add the depth of what is remaining to what was removed.

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