lindy303

Hi Holly,
Of course, I would speak with your husband’s oncologist. Studies have only been done in monkeys, but the drug does cross the placenta and could cause fetal harm, with unknown risk. It’s recommended to use birth control during treatment and at least 4 months after last dose.
Best wishes to you and your family,
Linda

I’m sorry your husband is experiencing side effects. For hiccups, there are multiple medications that can be tried. Chlorpromazine is often used for uncontrollable hiccups. I’ve also seen haloperidol used with success. Also could try metoclopramide, baclofen or gabapentin. These are all from different drug classes, but don’t be bothered by the fact that some of these drugs are antipsychotics, muscle relaxants or whatever. Most physicians will know about the appropriate dosing to get relief from hiccups.
Best wishes to your husband and to you as his caregiver,
Linda

Looks like Dr. Jang is following the NCCN evidence blocks, just changing carboplatin to cisplatin (sorry I’m a pharmacist so I always look at the guidelines/pathways). Everything else is evidence based and has shown good results, so keep the faith!!
I admire your strength and your sense of humor. We’re all rooting for you and sending prayers and hugs your way!
Linda

Good morning,  you are not alone- I also had T1A with subsequent WLE; I'm due for my first follow up on March 8th.   I completely understand how you feel, as you l hear "malignant melanoma" and focus on the fact that you have cancer.  My husband and I were both wrecks, but Janner on this site helped me put things in perspective.  I was totally focused on the very small possibility that it had spread instead of focusing on the much greater chance that surgery would yield clear margins.  You have to keep that in mind, think positive thoughts and know that there's a huge support group here.  Praying that you will have quick healing after your surgery on Friday!

Good morning,  I can only speak for my situation and say that melanoma doesn't always look like textbook photos.  Mine only looked like a freckle, then it became a little raised.  When I went in for a skin check, I was more concerned about a mole, didn't really think this "freckle" was an issue…. But it did fit into the evolution category, as it had changed by becoming raised.

With that being said, don't spend a lot of time reading about melanoma and worrying, just make an appoiintment with a dermatologist and get a skin check!  Best wishes to you!

There’s lots of research on Vitamin D and immune response, but no definitive study at this point that points us in the direction of correct dose, what a “normal” level is, etc. I would be cautious of an article written by a dentist who’s smiling and holding a Vitamin D testing kit promoted by DentaMedica as a revenue boosting add-on for dentist/periodontist practices.

Hi,
I had WLE on my thigh for T1A melanoma about a year ago, but no SNB. I would think you should be able to wear normal pants/scrubs, even though you may have a little swelling and bandages over the area. Depending on the area on your thigh, you’ll have to be careful with exercise. I’m sure your doctor will give you instructions about what to avoid. Ice and elevation help a lot also!
Good luck to you!

no apologies! Linda is my real name, Lindy nickname (and my user name)

Hi Mike,
I agree with Ed, and my suggestion would be to contact Dr. Hamid’s office to see if you can come in for a consultation/second opinion. Can you demand that Kaiser covers this for you? I’m not sure, so check with Hamid’s office, let them know your situation and see what they would charge you. Then, once you’ve been seen, work with Dr. Hamid to get Dr. Jang to send the referral over. It’s infuriating to feel like you have to settle! Wishing you the best, Linda

Hi Mike,
I can speak from personal experience and knowing how to get around the system from being married to a physician. The nurse that responded to you is acting as the gatekeeper, and you’ll only get help if you’re the squeaky wheel! Send a message to Dr. Jang and just put the subject as “personal question” and ask him to call you. I see that CA has a managed care number if you’re not getting help- http://www.dmhc.ca.gov/?referral=hmohelp.ca.gov or 1-888-466-2219. You should NOT be forced to see a non-melanoma specialist so call, appeal, ask for the practice manager or even email the CEO of your local Kaiser. Go up the chain as far as you need to! I’m sorry that you have to deal with this stress on top of everything and I wish you the best!
Linda

My T1A melanoma on my thigh looked like a freckle, but it was more whitish on one end. The only thing that drew my attention was that the skin felt odd as I rubbed my hand across it. Thank goodness for my dermatologist being suspicious as well because it definitely wasn’t a “textbooik” melanoma.

yes, superficial spreading melanoma, T1A, so it was caught early, but I'm in healthcare, so I have access to all sorts of medical literature, and I read way too much and got really scared.  Thanks to Janner who had responded to me online once I was diagnosed, as she encouraged me to focus on the positive rates with my early stage instead of thinking negatively.

That's why I encourage you to get checked, don't read so much and get scared, because plenty of people have moles, freckles, etc that are not melanoma. My husband has had some really odd looking moles removed/biopsied and they were just fine!