Lori1976

Beth,

So sorry you have joined the Melanoma club. I too live in Indiana and see the specialists at IU Simon Cancer center. They have a good Melanoma program and would recommend you at least contact them and maybe speak to one of the research nurses for doctor recommendations. I too was diagnosed with Stage I twelve years ago and then had a second primary in-situ this year. 

I think a chest xray and baseline blood work is pretty standard for Stage I. Skin exams monthly at home and by your dermatologist every 3-6 months for a couple of years and then yearly.

I think at this time, the best thing you can do is be your own advocate. Do research and lots of it, insist that any spot that bothers you be removed. Both times the doctor didn't really think the spot was anything but I insisted and thank God I did. Life is changed as you know it, but Life is not over. Just be vigilent with sunscreen and sun protective clothing (hats, sunglasses) seek the shade. Do the things you enjoy but be smart about it.

You will find a lot of good information on this site.

Lori

Beth,

So sorry you have joined the Melanoma club. I too live in Indiana and see the specialists at IU Simon Cancer center. They have a good Melanoma program and would recommend you at least contact them and maybe speak to one of the research nurses for doctor recommendations. I too was diagnosed with Stage I twelve years ago and then had a second primary in-situ this year. 

I think a chest xray and baseline blood work is pretty standard for Stage I. Skin exams monthly at home and by your dermatologist every 3-6 months for a couple of years and then yearly.

I think at this time, the best thing you can do is be your own advocate. Do research and lots of it, insist that any spot that bothers you be removed. Both times the doctor didn't really think the spot was anything but I insisted and thank God I did. Life is changed as you know it, but Life is not over. Just be vigilent with sunscreen and sun protective clothing (hats, sunglasses) seek the shade. Do the things you enjoy but be smart about it.

You will find a lot of good information on this site.

Lori

Beth,

So sorry you have joined the Melanoma club. I too live in Indiana and see the specialists at IU Simon Cancer center. They have a good Melanoma program and would recommend you at least contact them and maybe speak to one of the research nurses for doctor recommendations. I too was diagnosed with Stage I twelve years ago and then had a second primary in-situ this year. 

I think a chest xray and baseline blood work is pretty standard for Stage I. Skin exams monthly at home and by your dermatologist every 3-6 months for a couple of years and then yearly.

I think at this time, the best thing you can do is be your own advocate. Do research and lots of it, insist that any spot that bothers you be removed. Both times the doctor didn't really think the spot was anything but I insisted and thank God I did. Life is changed as you know it, but Life is not over. Just be vigilent with sunscreen and sun protective clothing (hats, sunglasses) seek the shade. Do the things you enjoy but be smart about it.

You will find a lot of good information on this site.

Lori

I too have MM and Crohn's Disease.  Not often you find someone with both afflictions.  My original MM was in 2000 and the newest insitu in 2012. I was diagnosed with CD in 2004, having one bowel resection and taking Pentasa and occasionally prednisone or Entocort.  What is the latest with your situation as this post is somewhat old?

I too have MM and Crohn's Disease.  Not often you find someone with both afflictions.  My original MM was in 2000 and the newest insitu in 2012. I was diagnosed with CD in 2004, having one bowel resection and taking Pentasa and occasionally prednisone or Entocort.  What is the latest with your situation as this post is somewhat old?

I too have MM and Crohn's Disease.  Not often you find someone with both afflictions.  My original MM was in 2000 and the newest insitu in 2012. I was diagnosed with CD in 2004, having one bowel resection and taking Pentasa and occasionally prednisone or Entocort.  What is the latest with your situation as this post is somewhat old?

I was first diagnosed with MM stage 1 in 2000, then Crohn's Disease in 2004. My CD has been treated with Pentasa and occasionally steroids. I had a bowel resection in Jan.2008 only to have CD reappear  six months later.  Both my GI and Melanoma doctor have been very leary about treating my CD with immunosuppresants due to the melanoma diagnosis. They said absolutely no anti-TNF, remicaid,humira etc.  I have developed arthritis from the CD and was getting ready to try imuran to see if that provided any relief, knowing in the back of my head that melanoma could be an issue. Low and behold, I had my yearly melanoma appt and they did a biopsy and it came back melanoma in situ, 12 yrs from my first. So now I'm afraid to start the imuran.  It is a slippery slope dealing with both of these diseases.  The therapies that help CD are known to be risky with various cancers, lymphoma and definately an increase in non melanoma skin cancers.  I'm very interested to know what your doctors will suggest for your treatment.

I was first diagnosed with MM stage 1 in 2000, then Crohn's Disease in 2004. My CD has been treated with Pentasa and occasionally steroids. I had a bowel resection in Jan.2008 only to have CD reappear  six months later.  Both my GI and Melanoma doctor have been very leary about treating my CD with immunosuppresants due to the melanoma diagnosis. They said absolutely no anti-TNF, remicaid,humira etc.  I have developed arthritis from the CD and was getting ready to try imuran to see if that provided any relief, knowing in the back of my head that melanoma could be an issue. Low and behold, I had my yearly melanoma appt and they did a biopsy and it came back melanoma in situ, 12 yrs from my first. So now I'm afraid to start the imuran.  It is a slippery slope dealing with both of these diseases.  The therapies that help CD are known to be risky with various cancers, lymphoma and definately an increase in non melanoma skin cancers.  I'm very interested to know what your doctors will suggest for your treatment.

I was first diagnosed with MM stage 1 in 2000, then Crohn's Disease in 2004. My CD has been treated with Pentasa and occasionally steroids. I had a bowel resection in Jan.2008 only to have CD reappear  six months later.  Both my GI and Melanoma doctor have been very leary about treating my CD with immunosuppresants due to the melanoma diagnosis. They said absolutely no anti-TNF, remicaid,humira etc.  I have developed arthritis from the CD and was getting ready to try imuran to see if that provided any relief, knowing in the back of my head that melanoma could be an issue. Low and behold, I had my yearly melanoma appt and they did a biopsy and it came back melanoma in situ, 12 yrs from my first. So now I'm afraid to start the imuran.  It is a slippery slope dealing with both of these diseases.  The therapies that help CD are known to be risky with various cancers, lymphoma and definately an increase in non melanoma skin cancers.  I'm very interested to know what your doctors will suggest for your treatment.