Moles getting darker on Zelboraf
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Moles getting darker on Zelboraf

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Moles getting darker on Zelboraf

  • Post
    • July 17, 2012 at 4:22 pm
    Tina D
    Participant

      Hi all, I have been on Zelboraf for over 2 months, have had six different areas removed by my dermatologist, one turned out to be a squamous cell. These areas are easy to recognize as new and unusual. My question is this. The moles on my back are forming halos, and I know that to be an immune response… but the moles on my extremitiies are all getting darker. The dermatologist noted this yesterday, and was not completely sure what it meant. I am the only pt on Z for both my dermatologist, and my oncologist.

      Hi all, I have been on Zelboraf for over 2 months, have had six different areas removed by my dermatologist, one turned out to be a squamous cell. These areas are easy to recognize as new and unusual. My question is this. The moles on my back are forming halos, and I know that to be an immune response… but the moles on my extremitiies are all getting darker. The dermatologist noted this yesterday, and was not completely sure what it meant. I am the only pt on Z for both my dermatologist, and my oncologist. I did call the Z hotline, and they are wonderful, but it really still came down to them saying that the dermatologist is the one to examine and make a judgement about them. My question is this. Has anyone had darkening moles? If so, did the Dr give any explanation as to whether this may be a negative indicator? Or what it may mean, or what should be done abt them? Thanks so much for any responses to this. I read on here regularly & take encouragement from many of the posts. My first set of scans since starting Z will be on the 6th of August. I'd be lying if I said I have no scanxiety abt these upcoming scans. I am doing my best to keep my eyes on the Lord, and my hope in Him alone.He is faithful regardless of my circumstances, and in the midst of them.

    Viewing 11 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 17, 2012 at 5:32 pm
        Erinmay22
        Participant

          Hi Tina – 

          I"ve noticed some of my moles getting darker.  Haven't asked my derm yet but plan on it when I am back to see him on Aug 13th.  I had my first scans on Friday and get the results today.  I started taking Z on May 30th (and had to take a week off due to horrible rash!).  

          Thoughts and Prayers with you!

          Erin

          • July 17, 2012 at 5:32 pm
          Erinmay22
          Participant

            Hi Tina – 

            I"ve noticed some of my moles getting darker.  Haven't asked my derm yet but plan on it when I am back to see him on Aug 13th.  I had my first scans on Friday and get the results today.  I started taking Z on May 30th (and had to take a week off due to horrible rash!).  

            Thoughts and Prayers with you!

            Erin

            • July 17, 2012 at 5:32 pm
            Erinmay22
            Participant

              Hi Tina – 

              I"ve noticed some of my moles getting darker.  Haven't asked my derm yet but plan on it when I am back to see him on Aug 13th.  I had my first scans on Friday and get the results today.  I started taking Z on May 30th (and had to take a week off due to horrible rash!).  

              Thoughts and Prayers with you!

              Erin

                • July 17, 2012 at 10:12 pm
                Tina D
                Participant

                  I also had to take time off ( nearly 3 weeks) due to terrible skin reaction after the first week of full dosage. But, I have been back on at reduced dosage of 3 pills/day for over 2 months now. Can't imagine having to wait from Friday until Tuesday for scan results…I would possibly lose what hair I have left, haha! I am a baby now, and schedule my Dr appt the day after my scans. If I get any answers abt the moles, I will let ya know!

                  In the meantime…prayers for you to be hearing great scan reports today!

                  Tina

                  • July 17, 2012 at 10:12 pm
                  Tina D
                  Participant

                    I also had to take time off ( nearly 3 weeks) due to terrible skin reaction after the first week of full dosage. But, I have been back on at reduced dosage of 3 pills/day for over 2 months now. Can't imagine having to wait from Friday until Tuesday for scan results…I would possibly lose what hair I have left, haha! I am a baby now, and schedule my Dr appt the day after my scans. If I get any answers abt the moles, I will let ya know!

                    In the meantime…prayers for you to be hearing great scan reports today!

                    Tina

                    • July 17, 2012 at 10:12 pm
                    Tina D
                    Participant

                      I also had to take time off ( nearly 3 weeks) due to terrible skin reaction after the first week of full dosage. But, I have been back on at reduced dosage of 3 pills/day for over 2 months now. Can't imagine having to wait from Friday until Tuesday for scan results…I would possibly lose what hair I have left, haha! I am a baby now, and schedule my Dr appt the day after my scans. If I get any answers abt the moles, I will let ya know!

                      In the meantime…prayers for you to be hearing great scan reports today!

                      Tina

                    • July 17, 2012 at 6:00 pm
                    awillett1991
                    Participant
                      I’ve had lots of skin changes, but no squamous cell yet. Rash, warts, skin tags, new little dark moles, build up of keratin on my feet, and loads of hair loss, for example. I was told, and for me it was true, that they are seeing some correlation between having external side effects and the drug working on the inside. I always make sure my derm takes pictures of any areas I am concerned about so he can compare at the next visit. I think that even the experienced docs are still learning a lot about Zel, remember it is still in phase 3 trials. Best of luck to you!
                      • July 17, 2012 at 6:00 pm
                      awillett1991
                      Participant
                        I’ve had lots of skin changes, but no squamous cell yet. Rash, warts, skin tags, new little dark moles, build up of keratin on my feet, and loads of hair loss, for example. I was told, and for me it was true, that they are seeing some correlation between having external side effects and the drug working on the inside. I always make sure my derm takes pictures of any areas I am concerned about so he can compare at the next visit. I think that even the experienced docs are still learning a lot about Zel, remember it is still in phase 3 trials. Best of luck to you!
                        • July 17, 2012 at 6:00 pm
                        awillett1991
                        Participant
                          I’ve had lots of skin changes, but no squamous cell yet. Rash, warts, skin tags, new little dark moles, build up of keratin on my feet, and loads of hair loss, for example. I was told, and for me it was true, that they are seeing some correlation between having external side effects and the drug working on the inside. I always make sure my derm takes pictures of any areas I am concerned about so he can compare at the next visit. I think that even the experienced docs are still learning a lot about Zel, remember it is still in phase 3 trials. Best of luck to you!
                            • July 17, 2012 at 10:21 pm
                            Tina D
                            Participant

                              Thank you.

                              Yes, I was joking with the dermatologist about how pretty this all is, hahah! Warts, scaly things, and some just strange looking things! I have lost most of my hair and all of my eyebrows… though the hair on my legs keeps growing,LOL! Yes, I am sure you are right abt all the Docs still learning as more patients take the drug for longer periods of time. I feel very well taken care of and closely monitored by my Drs.They are excited to be a part of all the new advances in this area, too.Many for the first time ever, being able to see improvements in their MM patients.   

                              I hadn't heard that they are finding a correlation between external and internal responses, but I do find that encouraging cool

                              Take Care!

                              • July 17, 2012 at 10:21 pm
                              Tina D
                              Participant

                                Thank you.

                                Yes, I was joking with the dermatologist about how pretty this all is, hahah! Warts, scaly things, and some just strange looking things! I have lost most of my hair and all of my eyebrows… though the hair on my legs keeps growing,LOL! Yes, I am sure you are right abt all the Docs still learning as more patients take the drug for longer periods of time. I feel very well taken care of and closely monitored by my Drs.They are excited to be a part of all the new advances in this area, too.Many for the first time ever, being able to see improvements in their MM patients.   

                                I hadn't heard that they are finding a correlation between external and internal responses, but I do find that encouraging cool

                                Take Care!

                                • July 17, 2012 at 10:21 pm
                                Tina D
                                Participant

                                  Thank you.

                                  Yes, I was joking with the dermatologist about how pretty this all is, hahah! Warts, scaly things, and some just strange looking things! I have lost most of my hair and all of my eyebrows… though the hair on my legs keeps growing,LOL! Yes, I am sure you are right abt all the Docs still learning as more patients take the drug for longer periods of time. I feel very well taken care of and closely monitored by my Drs.They are excited to be a part of all the new advances in this area, too.Many for the first time ever, being able to see improvements in their MM patients.   

                                  I hadn't heard that they are finding a correlation between external and internal responses, but I do find that encouraging cool

                                  Take Care!

                                  • July 18, 2012 at 1:21 am
                                  AllyNTAus
                                  Participant

                                    Ah, this is somewhat reassuring to hear. I am on Dabrafenib, the cousin of Zelboraf, and likewise I am getting quite a few little warty things and skin tags, derm at last appt said they were nothing of concern and froze a couple of warts off. I was a bit worried last night though when I observed what I think are a fairly new set of little dark moles on my thigh, these are the only new moles I have noted in the nearly 12 weeks I've been on Dab, and I was freaking out a bit that they might be new melanomas (lots of small dark spots that had shown up in the couple of months before starting Dab were checked and declared OK previously). I have also started to lose quite a bit of hair. I get my first scans this Friday, and will see my doc next Monday so will get him to look at these new moles but hopefully they are also an indicator of good internal response.

                                    All the best to everyone fighting this batte!

                                    • July 18, 2012 at 1:21 am
                                    AllyNTAus
                                    Participant

                                      Ah, this is somewhat reassuring to hear. I am on Dabrafenib, the cousin of Zelboraf, and likewise I am getting quite a few little warty things and skin tags, derm at last appt said they were nothing of concern and froze a couple of warts off. I was a bit worried last night though when I observed what I think are a fairly new set of little dark moles on my thigh, these are the only new moles I have noted in the nearly 12 weeks I've been on Dab, and I was freaking out a bit that they might be new melanomas (lots of small dark spots that had shown up in the couple of months before starting Dab were checked and declared OK previously). I have also started to lose quite a bit of hair. I get my first scans this Friday, and will see my doc next Monday so will get him to look at these new moles but hopefully they are also an indicator of good internal response.

                                      All the best to everyone fighting this batte!

                                      • July 18, 2012 at 1:21 am
                                      AllyNTAus
                                      Participant

                                        Ah, this is somewhat reassuring to hear. I am on Dabrafenib, the cousin of Zelboraf, and likewise I am getting quite a few little warty things and skin tags, derm at last appt said they were nothing of concern and froze a couple of warts off. I was a bit worried last night though when I observed what I think are a fairly new set of little dark moles on my thigh, these are the only new moles I have noted in the nearly 12 weeks I've been on Dab, and I was freaking out a bit that they might be new melanomas (lots of small dark spots that had shown up in the couple of months before starting Dab were checked and declared OK previously). I have also started to lose quite a bit of hair. I get my first scans this Friday, and will see my doc next Monday so will get him to look at these new moles but hopefully they are also an indicator of good internal response.

                                        All the best to everyone fighting this batte!

                                      • July 17, 2012 at 6:24 pm
                                      H555
                                      Participant

                                        i'm having a lot of success on Zelboraf, 90% of the malignancy in my lungs was gone after 6 weeks and i'm having lots of skin reactions. i have quite a few moles, some have darkened, some have hardened, i've got skin tags, new warts and one new small and shallow melanoma removed. i see my dermatologist about once a month. the good news is it's working and some of the warts, moles i've had for years are either coming off or being taken off. well worth it to me.

                                          • July 17, 2012 at 10:23 pm
                                          Tina D
                                          Participant

                                            Wonderful news about your great response! It is so helpful to hear from others on this treatment to know what reactions they are having. Your post is definitely an encouragement to me.

                                            Thank you!

                                            • July 17, 2012 at 10:23 pm
                                            Tina D
                                            Participant

                                              Wonderful news about your great response! It is so helpful to hear from others on this treatment to know what reactions they are having. Your post is definitely an encouragement to me.

                                              Thank you!

                                              • July 17, 2012 at 10:23 pm
                                              Tina D
                                              Participant

                                                Wonderful news about your great response! It is so helpful to hear from others on this treatment to know what reactions they are having. Your post is definitely an encouragement to me.

                                                Thank you!

                                              • July 17, 2012 at 6:24 pm
                                              H555
                                              Participant

                                                i'm having a lot of success on Zelboraf, 90% of the malignancy in my lungs was gone after 6 weeks and i'm having lots of skin reactions. i have quite a few moles, some have darkened, some have hardened, i've got skin tags, new warts and one new small and shallow melanoma removed. i see my dermatologist about once a month. the good news is it's working and some of the warts, moles i've had for years are either coming off or being taken off. well worth it to me.

                                                • July 17, 2012 at 6:24 pm
                                                H555
                                                Participant

                                                  i'm having a lot of success on Zelboraf, 90% of the malignancy in my lungs was gone after 6 weeks and i'm having lots of skin reactions. i have quite a few moles, some have darkened, some have hardened, i've got skin tags, new warts and one new small and shallow melanoma removed. i see my dermatologist about once a month. the good news is it's working and some of the warts, moles i've had for years are either coming off or being taken off. well worth it to me.

                                                  • August 25, 2012 at 11:08 pm
                                                  Tina D
                                                  Participant

                                                    Well, the moles continue to change. Some on my limbs are still darkened, while all the moles on my trunk ( front and back) have lightened or are gone. The new growths of strange warts,tags,scaly things, etc have slowed down. The moles that had previously developed halos are the ones that are now completely gone. Dont know what it all means. Now seeing derm every 2 months, so I will see what she says next time.

                                                    BTW, I posted this elsewhere, but the scan report was great, showing NED. Even areas tha were just questionable are gone, Praise God!!

                                                    Tina

                                                    • August 25, 2012 at 11:08 pm
                                                    Tina D
                                                    Participant

                                                      Well, the moles continue to change. Some on my limbs are still darkened, while all the moles on my trunk ( front and back) have lightened or are gone. The new growths of strange warts,tags,scaly things, etc have slowed down. The moles that had previously developed halos are the ones that are now completely gone. Dont know what it all means. Now seeing derm every 2 months, so I will see what she says next time.

                                                      BTW, I posted this elsewhere, but the scan report was great, showing NED. Even areas tha were just questionable are gone, Praise God!!

                                                      Tina

                                                      • August 25, 2012 at 11:08 pm
                                                      Tina D
                                                      Participant

                                                        Well, the moles continue to change. Some on my limbs are still darkened, while all the moles on my trunk ( front and back) have lightened or are gone. The new growths of strange warts,tags,scaly things, etc have slowed down. The moles that had previously developed halos are the ones that are now completely gone. Dont know what it all means. Now seeing derm every 2 months, so I will see what she says next time.

                                                        BTW, I posted this elsewhere, but the scan report was great, showing NED. Even areas tha were just questionable are gone, Praise God!!

                                                        Tina

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