Re: (OT) I got a call from the dr

July 19, 2002

Jacquie,

Did he say if it was a melanoma? From the description of 'it can grow under

and spread' I'd say it was. Usually this occurs in a mole though.

Questions to ask are: Did the biopsy show that all of it was removed around

the edges or is there a chance that there could still be abnormal cells

left? What was the depth of the tissues? What are the lymph nodes it

would most likely spread to so that you can do self checks on a regular

basis? Does he want you to see a dermatologist for follow up exams?

I know all this because 3 summers ago I was diagnoses with melignant

melanoma, the most deadly of the skin cancers. It was just a small, dark

mole on the back of my left shoulder (I'm blonde, fair and have lots of

moles). I was fortunate to have it caught well before the depth that it

starts to spread from. They did take a chunk out of my shoulder the size of

a silver dollar and quite deep to make sure that it was completely clear

around it. Then I had to continue exams with a dermatologist who knows

moles and cancer every 4 months to have a head to toe check up for any other

suspicious signs. I still get checked every 6 months. My sister has since

had a precancerous spot removed from her leg and she also is inspected every

6 months.

Please be sure that you are seeing someone who is really up on skin cancers.

I was sent to University of Michingan's Cancer Center by my Dr. It's the

only place like it in Michingan, all specialists.

Take care and ask LOTS of questions!

Sue

(OT) I got a call from the dr

> Ok. So my life has been very busy. You all know that. A couple of

> months ago I had noticed that a small bump(maybe a mole I thought)

> appeared on my right cheek. I say appeared because it seemed to grow

> overnight. It wasnt very big but I didnt like it and thought I would

> go to the dermatologist to have it removed. It bugged me and was in

> my line of vision. So last month I got in to the dr and had it

> removed. He said it might just be a small wart and we could cut it

> off or freeze it off. I say cut it off so it is done and over with!

> So he does and says since he can we will send it in to be biopsied.

> Ok, whatever. Well, the dr calls me yesterday and they tell me that

> it is cancer. ~sigh~ I dont need this. They say that the treatment is

> removal and since that has already been done then they just want me

> to come back in a couple of months. But I just keep thinking I went

> in really for cosmetic purposes. It was sooooo tiny. It wasnt even

> gross or weird looking. I may be vain and that is what prompted me to

> go to the dr. I found out that this type of cance if not taken care

> of can grow under the tissue and sometimes cause death. I am ok as

> far as we know but feel so glad for my vanity.lol Wish me luck for my

> next appt.

> Jacquie H

>

July 19, 2002

Oh, Jacquie.

(((hugs)))

Is it a form of skin cancer? I had a milignant melanoma removed 10 years

ago it's never recurred. I wish this for you.

you're in my thoughts.

Jacquie

July 20, 2002

Sorry to tell you this , but once I was diagnosed with melanoma, it

raises the risk factor for family members by 50%. Since my brush with it,

my dad had a different kind removed (he worked in the sun all his life) and

my sister had a pre-cancerous growth removed from her leg. :-(

Unfortunately, is VERY fair skinned, and is already developing a lot

of moles like me. Neither of my kids have ever had more than just a touch

of pink on thier shoulders from the sun. I watch them like a hawk with

sunscreen!

I'm just amazed that Jacquie's Dr. is waiting 3 months before seeing her..

Sue

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July 20, 2002

Oh Jacquie, how scary! I hope everything goes well at your next appointment.

I'll be thinking of you and yours.

Tuna

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July 21, 2002

Thank goodness for vanity! Sounds like you were very lucky. I knew a gas

station owner who worked outside all the time who got that type of cancer.

He ended up with it all over his face.

The treatment was not a pretty sight. He was a mess. Make sure you stay on

top of that stuff, Jacquie. And always use sunscreen!!! Some types of

makeup have really good sunscreens in them, maybe you could get something

like that.

Sissi

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