scalp MM 2014

Hi all you warriors and caregivers and family and friends. First of all, I am grateful to God that He alone has determined my days here on earth. Secondly, my family and friends support are paramount to my recovery during this journey. Thirdly, I am receiving my treatment at a NCI designated Melanoma Center of Excellence with compassionate and very knowledgeable Doctors caring for me. My symptoms began with itching scalp March 2014. Thought was dandruff. Felt a scaly bump top of my head. Primary doctor didn’t think it was Melanoma but sent me for shave biopsy in June 2014 and was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma. Breslow depth, 0.97 at least and mitotic count at least 1, positive deep margins. Had WLE with SLNB and Plastic Surgery July 2014. One lymph node taken, benign. Stage 1B. Had anesthesia complications and was in ICU for 2 days on ventilator and another 2 days in hospital. Now seeing Dermatologist for skin checks and Surgical Oncologist every 3 months for follow up exams. My cousin died of Melanoma at age 32. We spent our childhoods at the beach or our pools getting blistering sunburns. I used a sunlamp in my teens on my face to treat acne. Never used tanning beds. Continued to get blistering sunburns into my 30’s! Never wore a hat. This is the second Cancer I’ve had. I successfully fought the battle with Endometrial Cancer 17 years ago. Most importantly to note, it is well with my soul!