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› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Unsure

  • Post
    • January 2, 2019 at 6:25 am
    Babonet
    Participant
      I had a irregular mole that had a black raised center and spreading lighter brown area that short of peeled on my lower leg for about 7 years. I finally got it removed to be tested on the 20th. The doctor sent it out for testing. The nurse called me on the 28th and told me, unfortunately, it was a melanoma. I’m not sure how serious this is. I’m confused to have been told over the phone, and I felt like I could not ask questions because it was the nurse who called. She did tell me a surgeon would be calling me to schedule another surgery to go deeper to get the rest of it. Not even sure what that means. She also said they were discussing sending me to an oncologist, also confusing to me. I’m scared and confused because I made the mistake of trying to do research because cancer is a scary word, but the way its being handled seems weird. Seems as if the doctor is not too concerned since he had the nurse call and is only talking with a general surgeon about sending me to an oncologist. She also said they are unsure if it has spread and what stage it is. How in the world will we know if I do not see a specialist. Am I freaking out for nothing? I have an appointment tomorrow to get the stitches removed from the first surgery. I’m going to try to get more answers. I’m very confused and scared. Not sure what to expect. I live in a small town, not sure about my doctors experience or knowledge. Any thoughts?
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        • January 2, 2019 at 1:29 pm
        Gene_S
        Participant

          Get a copy of the pathology report.

          • January 2, 2019 at 2:11 pm
          Linny
          Participant

            So sorry to hear you are going through all this uncertainty at this time of year. Yes, melanoma is scary. However, treatments have changed/improved so much over the past 5-6 years and so quickly that much of what's out on the Internet is outdated. So, it's best to not research too much. You were smart to come here and ask questions. People here can guide you to the latest medical articles. This site and Melanoma International Foundation also have excellent information on melanoma written in laymen's terms.

            Having a second surgery to go deeper is not unusual. At the same time, you may also undergo a procedure called a sentinel lymph node biopsy to rule out spread to the lymph nodes. Again, not unusual. So, if you hear that term being used that's what they're planning on doing.

            You should be able to get a report from your doctor as to the results of the first surgery. If you share the results here, there are folks you can help clarify things that are on that report.

            Your small town doctor/surgeon should be able to handle the surgeries. Depending on the results of the second surgery you may or may not need to seek out a melanoma specialist — not a general oncologist. This is because melanoma treatments are evolving so rapidly that general oncologists are not going to be up to speed on the latest research. Below, is a list of melanoma centers in the US. This is good information to know in case you may need it. 

            http://melanomainternational.org/web-resources/cancer-centers/#.XCzDrS2ZPEY

            Try to hang in there. The waiting stinks. Know that you have friends here.

            • January 2, 2019 at 5:33 pm
            RichInLife2
            Participant

              I’m sorry you have to deal with this, but there is hope, now more than ever. I don’t know what is available in your area, but I hope your surgeon is a surgical oncologist. It’s important that your wide level incision and sentinel lymph node biopsy be performed by someone with experience in treating cancer. After that, if you are referred (or refer yourself) to an oncologist, try to find a melanoma specialist. The field of melanoma treatment is changing so fast that a general oncologist may not be up on the latest treatments. And feel free to seek a second opinion if you’re not sure about the diagnosis or course of treatment. Hopefully, you’ve caught it early and you won’t need that referral. Good luck!

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