MMH

Hi Zap. This really helped me today. I am 5 years out on a spitzoid too but have an enlarged lymph node near the site and have been going in for periodic scans with one coming up soon. I am filled with anxiety and fear. Thanks for sharing your story with us. It helps to know there are others that understand. All the best to you.

I can provide no words of wisdom but I wanted to respond and let you know that I am thinking of you and you are not alone. Waiting on lymph node biopsy results for bad lymph node near scar and I am at an all-time low. All the best to you, and keep advocating for yourself.

Congratulations! I need to hear this right this minute. Thank you.

I am here, and perhaps I am more of a lurker than a poster lately. That said, I have an underarm ultrasound scheduled and my panic level is high so I find great comfort knowing that whatever the outcome I can come here to find information and kindness. Thanks to all of the “constants” in this group. You are so appreciated.

I am sorry you are going through this. I had a .6mm spitzoid melanoma a few years ago at age 44. I would be happy to chat.

Just wanted to say hang in there. I was diagnosed with stage 1 in August 2018. Same thing, they told me not to worry and nearly two years later I still worry daily. Try to take a deep breath and be grateful it is Stage 1. I think if they were worried about Clark’s it would have been staged higher than 1A. Educate yourself and stay vigilant, but do not panic. I am bad at staying calm, but do your best and visit here when you need support. All the best to you.

Thinking of you! I hope that once this step is complete you feel better physically and emotionally. It is so difficult, so hang in there and know that you are in good hands and that we are all cheering you on from the sidelines!

MMH (fellow spitzoid)

Hi Brittney. I am glad you found this forum. The people are very helpful and kind. I had a spitzoid removed in August 2018. I think the most important advice is to make sure you are treated by a melanoma specialist and someone you feel comfortable has much experience with melanoma and spitzoids in particular. The stress of this situation is enough without having to figure out the medical side of the equation.

I hope your WLE is done and you are doing well!

Hi! I am sorry you are here but it really is a good place to find others who can relate to your questions and anxiety. I wanted to comment on the spindle cell portion of your question. I am clearly no expert, but my biopsy also showed spindle cells. My lesion was a spitzoid melanoma. Was yours a spitzoid? If so, we should chat.

Congratulations! I am so happy for you.

MMH

I can SO relate to your feelings right now. I am one year out from
my 1A diagnosis and my anxiety has not subsided. I dress for a blizzard in 90 degree Maryland heat covered head to toe. My kids are like, please mom. I just can’t shake the fear and somehow I have convinced myself that if I just avoid the sun things will be ok. I know that is not rational, but honest. I hope that someday I reach a level of healthy moderation because hiding from the sun is exhausting and creates an additional level of stress. I think the answer is common sense, I just need to get there. I hope you can find peace and realize that life is too short to deprive yourself of the activities you love. I hope to get there someday! Hang in there and all the best to you!

Hi Danielle. I was diagnosed with nearly the same at .6mm spitzoid.I would be happy to chat.

Hello to you! I was 44 when I had a .6mm atypical spitzoid removed from my right upper arm. Presumed melanoma, as this is not a normal occurrence at my age. It is terrifying and confusing and after spinning in circles and getting opinions from everywhere I could I was basically told that I should think of it just like any other melanoma. I had the WLE at Johns Hopkins. I go in every three months, and I worry like crazy in between. I would be happy to chat more if you would like.

I am so sad to hear this news. Mike was such a happy person and I looked forward to his posts every time I visited the forum. I am so grateful to him for sharing his journey with us. He made all of this seek just a little bit more bearable. Thanks to his family for sharing him with all of us.