youngann

tkoss: apart from the full anesthesia to install the port , the port is a non- entity. you don’t notice it, there is nothing to maintain.

You don’t have to have have full anesthesia for port placement. I had mine installed with lidocaine, …lots and lots of lidocaine. I can’t say it was a pleasant experience but it’s definitely doable.

 

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts tomorrow. If you need to find an oncologist, please be sure to get one who specializes in Melanoma. The treatments are advancing so quickly that regular oncologists can have a hard time keeping up with them.

Good luck,

Ann

 

 

Hi Holly. As has already been stated, there is no right or wrong answer. You really have to come to a decision that YOU can live with. For me, personally, if I'd opted to watch and wait and it came back or progressed, I would never have forgiven myself for not doing everything possible to prevent it.

Good luck,

Ann

Awesome!! Thanks for letting us know.

The short answer is 2 days to 2 weeks, But, in reality it's as long as it takes the pathologist to get the results back to doctor, then for the doc to review them and get around to calling you. Sorry, that's not much help.

If it's been 10 days already, I'd give the doc a call and follow up.

Good luck.

Ann

Hi Nancy. I had no idea that BRAF testing was being done on my tumor until I received a bill for $38,000. I also received a letter stating that, since my insurance wouldn't cover it, I was responsible for the whole amount.

My advice is to have your doctor call your insurance and explain that this is a much needed test – see if that helps.

Good luck,

Ann

Hello Tina. I too have that "pill in the throat" feeling due to four growths on my thyroid. I've had them  biopsied and they all came up negative. 🙂 The docs will just keep a close eye on my thyroid levels.

The biopsy itself isn't painful but it's just wierd having someone stick needles in your throat.

Good luck,

Ann

Hello Matt, another 3a chiming in. I had a right axilliary CLND almost a year ago and, upon the recommendation of a friend, asked to be referred to a Lymphedema therapist as soon as my drain was removed. I'm still wearing a sleeve and glove everyday but the swelling is very minimal.

I'm a right-handed competitive pistol shooter so, like you, I was very concerned about having limited use of my arm after surgery.

Good luck

Ann

How about a couple of "coupons" for a day off that she can redeem with you. You could either go stay with dad, or take him to your place for the day. I'm sure mom would love to have a whole day to herself.

Ann

Perhaps ask the doctor himself instead of the medical assistant. He very well may do it if you ask him to.

Good luck,

Ann

Some poeple have said, "it does not look like melanoma". Do NOT let that lull you into a false sense of security. Even a melanoma specialist with many years experience can not diagnose melanoma simply by looking at it.

My dermatologist only removed my lesion because, in his words, it was a bit ugly. It came back as stage 2 which was then revised to stage 3 after the WLE and SLNB.

My advice is to keep the appointment you've made and let them know you're available if anything earlier opens up. Call each day if it makes you feel better, and ask if they have any cancellations. Having said that, seven days won't really make a lot of difference.

Good luck,

Ann

I know that with Bristol Meyers Squibb and Merck, you can ONLY qualify for the co-pay assistance if you have private insurance. If your mom is on any government programs (medicare, medicaid etc) then she won’t qualify for the co-pay assistance.

 

There's about a 99% chance that you'll never get another mel diagnosis 🙂