KimW

Oh that is fantastic news! I could not be happier for you! Get out there and celebrate!  Yay! Always love seeing great news! 

My husband had his surgery there by Dr. Ross in December of 2014 and continues to be monitored closely every 4 months now. His oncologist is Dr. Amaria and we love both doctors as well as the staff. So far he's only had the surgery and punch biopsies so it's still "watch and wait" status. (Stage 3b because of intransits)  We are so thankful that we only live an hour north of Houston. Tex, I'm hoping your pathology report is good! 

Kiim

Hi Tex!

i haven't been on here much lately and have been wondering about you. I just read your posts and it all sounds very familiar. I'm glad your surgery went well and glad you're getting the bolster removed today. Marshall didn't have a bolster – Dr. Ross was able to do a huge flap the size of a horseshoe and pulled the skin very tight. Kind of an unplanned facelift! He also works in a professinal setting so it was hard for him to wear a cap. We own and manage office buildings so at least he coulld wear one for a short time until it healed. Plus, it was during the holiday season. It's all something that will be just a memory for you in the upcoming years. I know exactly how your fiancé felt in that waiting room too- I was also the last one there and it was so scary. Dr. Ross is just amazing- I cannot say enough. He has saved many lives, several that I've met and stay in contact with. 

I'm praying for good pathology reports today and big hugs and kudos for Ross, but no matter what, you are in brilliant hands and can trust your team to get you through any hurdles. They will be watching you faithfully now and that's the key – staying vigilant. Your fiancé will become a pro and checkiing your skin and watching for changes. 

Hang in there and know that all of us on here are on your side. Give my regards to Effie, Dr. Ross, Urvi, and the others who help make the melanoma center so successful. Sending prayers of strength and good news up for you now. 

Kim

Hi Tex! 

My husband was also diagnosed with scalp melanoma in November of 2014. He also had another primary located on his back. Merrick Ross did his excision surgery and he is an amazing man. He is so very caring and after an 8 hour surgery (because of 2 primaries and several locations of sentinel lymph node removals) he still came out to the waiting room and wanted to meet our entire family and took the time to discuss the surgery. This was after 8pm when I'm sure he was exhausted and ready to go home. I just cannot say enough about him. If he does your surgery, you are in the best hands with Dr. Ross! 

His recommendation, along with the team of doctors, was to watch and wait. My husband had 4 tiny intransit spots show up on his scalp after the excision, all in 2015. The last one was in September so he has been NED since then. (18 mos) While "watching and waiting" makes me a nervous wreck, I have so much faith and respect for Dr. Ross and Dr. Amaria (oncologist) and know they are monitoring him as closely as possible. My husband is stage 3b. 

i just wanted to say hello and offer some sort of relief to you for choosing Dr. Ross. Keep us posted and if you see him, tell him Marshall and Kim said hello. We go back in May for scans. Good luck and try to relax. I know, not easy! 

Kim

Hi and welcome!

First of all, try to relax and breathe! Both Judy and Julie have inspired me numerous times and they are so "spot on" (no pun intended) with their knowledge and information. This site is great for reading and learning as well as support from those who are in touch. But, it's so true that so many are active during diagnosis or during later stage while seeking advice on treatments, but there are thousands who are out there living life and don't stay as frequent. It's tough because you read stories and then never know the outcomes on so many, only praying for their success and well being. Remember there are tons of people who are not online and who succeed in living with melanoma. Stay positive and forget stats! 

My husband also had a scalp melanoma and had a WLE and SLNB in December 2014, so a year before you. He had clear margins and clean nodes, as well and his lesion was 1.25mm deep. His mitosis rate was 4 so that was his dilemma. Not to scare you (hesitated on even answering this post because I don't ever want to scare anyone or try to imply that your situation is the same) He has had some recurrences on his scalp but they were caught and removed with punch biopsies. He is doing great though! (Clean margins) His last one that was found and biopsied was in September. I'm praying they have stopped now and the melanoma will remain quiet. It's a horrible feeling not knowing what's going on but you then rely on your faith for strength. He had a biopsy in December while seeing doctors after scans that ended up being basal cell. Never dreamed I'd be happy about basal cell carcinoma but hey, at least it wasn't melanoma! It was on his shoulder and he will have a MOH's procedure in March to get clean margins. He has a PET scan and neck ultrasounds every 3 months and is doing no treatments other than just close monitoring. He had a rash 2 weeks ago show up on his chest and back so of course, our minds immediately go to thinking its cancer related. Went to the dermatologist last Friday and it was treated with a steroid cream. No one seems to think it's at all related to the melanoma. Just a random rash to keep us on our toes!  But, this is all to say that Julie is correct in staying very in tune with your body and stay vigilant watching for anything new. I'm like a monkey always checking my husband's head now! Hopefully you have a melanoma specialist who will watch you closely as well. 

The odds are very much in your favor of no recurrence so try to relax and exhale! My husband's was the exception and I didn't tell you that to scare you at all, only told you because i care and want you to stay watchful. Melanoma is tricky and unfair but just read these three stories from Judy, Julie and I and know that we are all here to say you can beat this disease! Chances are very good that you already have! 🙂

Stay in touch! Please! 

Kim

Hi and welcome!

First of all, try to relax and breathe! Both Judy and Julie have inspired me numerous times and they are so "spot on" (no pun intended) with their knowledge and information. This site is great for reading and learning as well as support from those who are in touch. But, it's so true that so many are active during diagnosis or during later stage while seeking advice on treatments, but there are thousands who are out there living life and don't stay as frequent. It's tough because you read stories and then never know the outcomes on so many, only praying for their success and well being. Remember there are tons of people who are not online and who succeed in living with melanoma. Stay positive and forget stats! 

My husband also had a scalp melanoma and had a WLE and SLNB in December 2014, so a year before you. He had clear margins and clean nodes, as well and his lesion was 1.25mm deep. His mitosis rate was 4 so that was his dilemma. Not to scare you (hesitated on even answering this post because I don't ever want to scare anyone or try to imply that your situation is the same) He has had some recurrences on his scalp but they were caught and removed with punch biopsies. He is doing great though! (Clean margins) His last one that was found and biopsied was in September. I'm praying they have stopped now and the melanoma will remain quiet. It's a horrible feeling not knowing what's going on but you then rely on your faith for strength. He had a biopsy in December while seeing doctors after scans that ended up being basal cell. Never dreamed I'd be happy about basal cell carcinoma but hey, at least it wasn't melanoma! It was on his shoulder and he will have a MOH's procedure in March to get clean margins. He has a PET scan and neck ultrasounds every 3 months and is doing no treatments other than just close monitoring. He had a rash 2 weeks ago show up on his chest and back so of course, our minds immediately go to thinking its cancer related. Went to the dermatologist last Friday and it was treated with a steroid cream. No one seems to think it's at all related to the melanoma. Just a random rash to keep us on our toes!  But, this is all to say that Julie is correct in staying very in tune with your body and stay vigilant watching for anything new. I'm like a monkey always checking my husband's head now! Hopefully you have a melanoma specialist who will watch you closely as well. 

The odds are very much in your favor of no recurrence so try to relax and exhale! My husband's was the exception and I didn't tell you that to scare you at all, only told you because i care and want you to stay watchful. Melanoma is tricky and unfair but just read these three stories from Judy, Julie and I and know that we are all here to say you can beat this disease! Chances are very good that you already have! 🙂

Stay in touch! Please! 

Kim

Hi and welcome!

First of all, try to relax and breathe! Both Judy and Julie have inspired me numerous times and they are so "spot on" (no pun intended) with their knowledge and information. This site is great for reading and learning as well as support from those who are in touch. But, it's so true that so many are active during diagnosis or during later stage while seeking advice on treatments, but there are thousands who are out there living life and don't stay as frequent. It's tough because you read stories and then never know the outcomes on so many, only praying for their success and well being. Remember there are tons of people who are not online and who succeed in living with melanoma. Stay positive and forget stats! 

My husband also had a scalp melanoma and had a WLE and SLNB in December 2014, so a year before you. He had clear margins and clean nodes, as well and his lesion was 1.25mm deep. His mitosis rate was 4 so that was his dilemma. Not to scare you (hesitated on even answering this post because I don't ever want to scare anyone or try to imply that your situation is the same) He has had some recurrences on his scalp but they were caught and removed with punch biopsies. He is doing great though! (Clean margins) His last one that was found and biopsied was in September. I'm praying they have stopped now and the melanoma will remain quiet. It's a horrible feeling not knowing what's going on but you then rely on your faith for strength. He had a biopsy in December while seeing doctors after scans that ended up being basal cell. Never dreamed I'd be happy about basal cell carcinoma but hey, at least it wasn't melanoma! It was on his shoulder and he will have a MOH's procedure in March to get clean margins. He has a PET scan and neck ultrasounds every 3 months and is doing no treatments other than just close monitoring. He had a rash 2 weeks ago show up on his chest and back so of course, our minds immediately go to thinking its cancer related. Went to the dermatologist last Friday and it was treated with a steroid cream. No one seems to think it's at all related to the melanoma. Just a random rash to keep us on our toes!  But, this is all to say that Julie is correct in staying very in tune with your body and stay vigilant watching for anything new. I'm like a monkey always checking my husband's head now! Hopefully you have a melanoma specialist who will watch you closely as well. 

The odds are very much in your favor of no recurrence so try to relax and exhale! My husband's was the exception and I didn't tell you that to scare you at all, only told you because i care and want you to stay watchful. Melanoma is tricky and unfair but just read these three stories from Judy, Julie and I and know that we are all here to say you can beat this disease! Chances are very good that you already have! 🙂

Stay in touch! Please! 

Kim

Hi Julie!!

Reading this post just made my day!!!! I'm so thrilled for you and this gives new hope to all! I know it's not been an easy journey but you have made amazing results happen! Doing a big happy dance for you now! Woohoo!!!! Thanks for the wonderful update! 

Kim

Hi Julie!!

Reading this post just made my day!!!! I'm so thrilled for you and this gives new hope to all! I know it's not been an easy journey but you have made amazing results happen! Doing a big happy dance for you now! Woohoo!!!! Thanks for the wonderful update! 

Kim

Hi Julie!!

Reading this post just made my day!!!! I'm so thrilled for you and this gives new hope to all! I know it's not been an easy journey but you have made amazing results happen! Doing a big happy dance for you now! Woohoo!!!! Thanks for the wonderful update! 

Kim

I felt, while reading your post, that your situation was just like my husband's.  I don't see a whole lot of scalp melanoma posts but I know that Judy, (loving wife of Gene) who posted above made me feel better when this mess hit us. If you need anything or have any questions regarding the WLE, please feel free to email me at [email protected]. I know it's tough to face but Ross is SO great and will take good care of you. 

Take care, Kim

Thanks for sharing your information on the red spots. We haven't been to the dermatologist for this yet, since it just started about 2 weeks ago and Marshall seems to think it's getting better. He has so many freckles, moles, spots of every color from sun damage over the years that it's hard to see this rash in between everything else. He said it itched at first, but not now. He just assumed it was maybe too much detergent that wasn't wrinsed enough or something since it's only on his chest and belly. Of course, my mind isn't that eased by thinking that- I immediately start trying to find something similar online and then diagnose him with lymphoma or leukemia! Reading dr. Google can scare you to earth and I'm trying so hard to not "go there."  I will contact his doctors this week to see what they say. I'm sure they will want to look at it. You see tons of information on rashes as side effects from treatments but not as much with no treatments. Sorry they never figured out the cause on the spots that Charles suffers with but glad the meds help! Did they discover one of his spots to be the primary or was his lung spots the first diagnosis? Just curious! You mentioned the X-ray but I wasn't sure if it detected the skin spot or lung. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! So nice to have this resource and know that we can all help each other with our different experiences. Take care! Kim

Thanks for sharing your information on the red spots. We haven't been to the dermatologist for this yet, since it just started about 2 weeks ago and Marshall seems to think it's getting better. He has so many freckles, moles, spots of every color from sun damage over the years that it's hard to see this rash in between everything else. He said it itched at first, but not now. He just assumed it was maybe too much detergent that wasn't wrinsed enough or something since it's only on his chest and belly. Of course, my mind isn't that eased by thinking that- I immediately start trying to find something similar online and then diagnose him with lymphoma or leukemia! Reading dr. Google can scare you to earth and I'm trying so hard to not "go there."  I will contact his doctors this week to see what they say. I'm sure they will want to look at it. You see tons of information on rashes as side effects from treatments but not as much with no treatments. Sorry they never figured out the cause on the spots that Charles suffers with but glad the meds help! Did they discover one of his spots to be the primary or was his lung spots the first diagnosis? Just curious! You mentioned the X-ray but I wasn't sure if it detected the skin spot or lung. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! So nice to have this resource and know that we can all help each other with our different experiences. Take care! Kim

Thanks for sharing your information on the red spots. We haven't been to the dermatologist for this yet, since it just started about 2 weeks ago and Marshall seems to think it's getting better. He has so many freckles, moles, spots of every color from sun damage over the years that it's hard to see this rash in between everything else. He said it itched at first, but not now. He just assumed it was maybe too much detergent that wasn't wrinsed enough or something since it's only on his chest and belly. Of course, my mind isn't that eased by thinking that- I immediately start trying to find something similar online and then diagnose him with lymphoma or leukemia! Reading dr. Google can scare you to earth and I'm trying so hard to not "go there."  I will contact his doctors this week to see what they say. I'm sure they will want to look at it. You see tons of information on rashes as side effects from treatments but not as much with no treatments. Sorry they never figured out the cause on the spots that Charles suffers with but glad the meds help! Did they discover one of his spots to be the primary or was his lung spots the first diagnosis? Just curious! You mentioned the X-ray but I wasn't sure if it detected the skin spot or lung. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! So nice to have this resource and know that we can all help each other with our different experiences. Take care! Kim

Thanks for sharing your information on the red spots. We haven't been to the dermatologist for this yet, since it just started about 2 weeks ago and Marshall seems to think it's getting better. He has so many freckles, moles, spots of every color from sun damage over the years that it's hard to see this rash in between everything else. He said it itched at first, but not now. He just assumed it was maybe too much detergent that wasn't wrinsed enough or something since it's only on his chest and belly. Of course, my mind isn't that eased by thinking that- I immediately start trying to find something similar online and then diagnose him with lymphoma or leukemia! Reading dr. Google can scare you to earth and I'm trying so hard to not "go there."  I will contact his doctors this week to see what they say. I'm sure they will want to look at it. You see tons of information on rashes as side effects from treatments but not as much with no treatments. Sorry they never figured out the cause on the spots that Charles suffers with but glad the meds help! Did they discover one of his spots to be the primary or was his lung spots the first diagnosis? Just curious! You mentioned the X-ray but I wasn't sure if it detected the skin spot or lung. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! So nice to have this resource and know that we can all help each other with our different experiences. Take care! Kim