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Newly diagnosed and have questions
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Newly diagnosed and have questions

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Newly diagnosed and have questions

  • Post
    • June 2, 2017 at 3:07 pm
    Firewifeowens
    Participant

      Good morning all. My name is Lena. I am 44 & was diagnosed with melanoma this week after having a punch biopsy done on a scary looking mole on my back. They haven't given it a stage yet as the doctor wants to cut on me more first and also biopsy lymph nodes. That part is scheduled for June 14. The dermatologist doesn't seem to be getting in a hurry but I'm freaking out. I already have gastroparesis and am 100% tube fed, NPO. My immune system seems to be basically non-existent as I seem to catch every bug that comes along. My question is:  what signs and symptoms have you had due to the melanoma spreading? Even with tube-feeding I've lost approx 20 lbs in the last 7 weeks. I've also ran fever at least once a day (sometimes all day) for about 5 weeks, and night sweats every night for about that long. I get chills and severe body aches to the point that it is difficult to walk at times. And 2 days ago I started getting ulcers in my mouth. I'm extremely stubborn and try to not go to the doctor unless I think there is something they can do to help. I've tried several times this morning  to reach my family doctor, with no answer. Have y'all had these symptoms? Should I be scared? Thanks in advance for. Any and all info.

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    • Replies
        • June 2, 2017 at 4:31 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          So sorry you are having to go through this when you're already going through so much with your health. A lot of us didn't have any symptoms. I had many lymph nodes with melanoma in them and didn't have any symptoms, only found out after the lymph node biopsy dissection. I have heard others mention they didn't know they were stage 4 until a routine scan showed lung, liver, or brain mets. Some people do end up having a few side effects related to where a tumor is, but overall, I don't think a lot of symptoms are common. Hoping the best for you and hoping your lymph node biopsy is negative.

            • June 2, 2017 at 5:29 pm
            Franny
            Participant

              Hi I was on Keytruda and since they stopped it I have similar symptoms muscle aches, difficulty exercising.  It may be different as I was on immunotherapy.  Always report symptoms to your Dr. At times it seems like they are moving slowly to develope a plan for you..call them and ask them what is going on. Love and prayers 

               

              • June 2, 2017 at 6:40 pm
              Firewifeowens
              Participant

                Thank you so much for the kind thoughts and information. Overshadowing everything else is the fact that I am a grieving mother. We lost my precious 18 yr old son in a motorcycle accident this past August 31. Sometimes it's hard to want to go on, but I keep fighting for my husband, 2 other sons, and my parents.

                • June 2, 2017 at 7:25 pm
                Firewifeowens
                Participant

                  Thank you. I feel so bad for everyone who is sick from this! Praying for good days and recovery.

                • June 2, 2017 at 6:51 pm
                Shannon B
                Participant

                  I am sorry you are going through so much. Condolences on the loss of your precious son. My husband was originally dx'd in 2006 and had a lymph node dissection. Last year they released him after 10 years. About 5 weeks ago he started feeling really bad, fever, fatique body aches, chills. Also noticed some lumps and bumps. Yesterday we found out he is now Stage IV w/ mets to liver, spleen, bone, lymph node involvement and soft tissue tumors.

                  Shannon

                    • June 2, 2017 at 7:20 pm
                    Firewifeowens
                    Participant

                      Oh no! I'm so sorry that your husband is going through all of this. His symptoms sound almost identical to mine all the way down to the lumps and bumps. I just have the extra mouth sores and spitting up blood. I'll be praying for your husband, you, & everyone on this board.

                      • June 3, 2017 at 1:43 am
                      Shannon B
                      Participant

                        Your symptoms are so consistent with autoimmune diseases, too. I have undifferentiated connective tissue disease and in a severe flare up I feel like that. 

                        • June 3, 2017 at 3:57 am
                        Firewifeowens
                        Participant

                          Thanks- that's definitely something else to ask the doctor about tomorrow. What do you do to help manage flares?

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