Just Diagnosed with Stage1A- Help!

You have every right to be frightened. I was dx last November with Stage IA, on my back.  I'm not 25, more like 51 and was scared to death.  I too have light skin, lots of freckles and moles and blonde (well, now it's colored blond). My dermatologist referred me to an oncologist and I see her every 6 months, and the derm every 3 months.  This past visit, the dermatologist taught me how to check my lymp nodes, which I now do month along with my self skin check.   I would just be frank with your doctor, express you concerns and fears. I had a mental breakdown with my doctor several months ago.  They have a lot of answers, and it is ok for you to question their decisions.  It is your body.  I worry every day of a reoccurance and wonder if there is a cell that got away.  I do suffer from Migraines, and I've had a couple of MRI's done since my surgery.  My doc had me see my GYN to check my private parts, and then follow up with my eye doc. 

Just to tell you something funny about being scared…. the day of my surgery, my husband was with me, but my mother insisted on being there too.  After the procedure, and enduring what had just happened to me, I began to cry like a baby…. remember… I'm 50…. and wanted my mother.  The nurse ran out to the waiting room and got my mother.  Oh, I was so glad she was there. 

Be glad you had a good eye and noticed a difference.  Keep doing your self skin checks and if you see anything that changes or concerns you, dial up that doc! 

Wishing you the best. 

You have every right to be frightened. I was dx last November with Stage IA, on my back.  I'm not 25, more like 51 and was scared to death.  I too have light skin, lots of freckles and moles and blonde (well, now it's colored blond). My dermatologist referred me to an oncologist and I see her every 6 months, and the derm every 3 months.  This past visit, the dermatologist taught me how to check my lymp nodes, which I now do month along with my self skin check.   I would just be frank with your doctor, express you concerns and fears. I had a mental breakdown with my doctor several months ago.  They have a lot of answers, and it is ok for you to question their decisions.  It is your body.  I worry every day of a reoccurance and wonder if there is a cell that got away.  I do suffer from Migraines, and I've had a couple of MRI's done since my surgery.  My doc had me see my GYN to check my private parts, and then follow up with my eye doc. 

Just to tell you something funny about being scared…. the day of my surgery, my husband was with me, but my mother insisted on being there too.  After the procedure, and enduring what had just happened to me, I began to cry like a baby…. remember… I'm 50…. and wanted my mother.  The nurse ran out to the waiting room and got my mother.  Oh, I was so glad she was there. 

Be glad you had a good eye and noticed a difference.  Keep doing your self skin checks and if you see anything that changes or concerns you, dial up that doc! 

Wishing you the best. 

You have every right to be frightened. I was dx last November with Stage IA, on my back.  I'm not 25, more like 51 and was scared to death.  I too have light skin, lots of freckles and moles and blonde (well, now it's colored blond). My dermatologist referred me to an oncologist and I see her every 6 months, and the derm every 3 months.  This past visit, the dermatologist taught me how to check my lymp nodes, which I now do month along with my self skin check.   I would just be frank with your doctor, express you concerns and fears. I had a mental breakdown with my doctor several months ago.  They have a lot of answers, and it is ok for you to question their decisions.  It is your body.  I worry every day of a reoccurance and wonder if there is a cell that got away.  I do suffer from Migraines, and I've had a couple of MRI's done since my surgery.  My doc had me see my GYN to check my private parts, and then follow up with my eye doc. 

Just to tell you something funny about being scared…. the day of my surgery, my husband was with me, but my mother insisted on being there too.  After the procedure, and enduring what had just happened to me, I began to cry like a baby…. remember… I'm 50…. and wanted my mother.  The nurse ran out to the waiting room and got my mother.  Oh, I was so glad she was there. 

Be glad you had a good eye and noticed a difference.  Keep doing your self skin checks and if you see anything that changes or concerns you, dial up that doc! 

Wishing you the best. 

Hi AJHP, just wanted to add that it is good that your melanoma is relatively thin and stage IA.  What that means is that your prognosis is very good, with only about 4% of people with this stage of melanoma going on to progress to more advanced stage melanoma in the future.  The vast majority never will.  The fact that 4% do means you will want to be vigilant and get regular skin checks, but it also means that you don't need to worry too much either.

As far as SLNB, it is not usually done for thin melanomas that are highly unlikely to have spread.  Most doctors don't offer them, but some do.  Again, it isn't standard of care so it's fine not to have one, but some people choose to do them because they feel more comfortable knowing one way or the other  for sure.  It does come down personal preference at that point, and you will just want to discuss the risks and benefits with the surgeon so you can make an informed decision.

Last, it is possible to have more than one melanoma at a time.  So definitely make sure you have a whole body skin check.  A lot of dermatologists have a low threshold for removing anything borderline suspicious on someone with a history of melanoma, which is good if you want to err on the side of safety, though it can also mean removing a whole bunch of stuff that is harmless along the way.  Again, it will come down to what you are comfortable with, and making sure you have a dermatologist who is thorough and whose judgment you trust.

Hi AJHP, just wanted to add that it is good that your melanoma is relatively thin and stage IA.  What that means is that your prognosis is very good, with only about 4% of people with this stage of melanoma going on to progress to more advanced stage melanoma in the future.  The vast majority never will.  The fact that 4% do means you will want to be vigilant and get regular skin checks, but it also means that you don't need to worry too much either.

As far as SLNB, it is not usually done for thin melanomas that are highly unlikely to have spread.  Most doctors don't offer them, but some do.  Again, it isn't standard of care so it's fine not to have one, but some people choose to do them because they feel more comfortable knowing one way or the other  for sure.  It does come down personal preference at that point, and you will just want to discuss the risks and benefits with the surgeon so you can make an informed decision.

Last, it is possible to have more than one melanoma at a time.  So definitely make sure you have a whole body skin check.  A lot of dermatologists have a low threshold for removing anything borderline suspicious on someone with a history of melanoma, which is good if you want to err on the side of safety, though it can also mean removing a whole bunch of stuff that is harmless along the way.  Again, it will come down to what you are comfortable with, and making sure you have a dermatologist who is thorough and whose judgment you trust.

Hi AJHP, just wanted to add that it is good that your melanoma is relatively thin and stage IA.  What that means is that your prognosis is very good, with only about 4% of people with this stage of melanoma going on to progress to more advanced stage melanoma in the future.  The vast majority never will.  The fact that 4% do means you will want to be vigilant and get regular skin checks, but it also means that you don't need to worry too much either.

As far as SLNB, it is not usually done for thin melanomas that are highly unlikely to have spread.  Most doctors don't offer them, but some do.  Again, it isn't standard of care so it's fine not to have one, but some people choose to do them because they feel more comfortable knowing one way or the other  for sure.  It does come down personal preference at that point, and you will just want to discuss the risks and benefits with the surgeon so you can make an informed decision.

Last, it is possible to have more than one melanoma at a time.  So definitely make sure you have a whole body skin check.  A lot of dermatologists have a low threshold for removing anything borderline suspicious on someone with a history of melanoma, which is good if you want to err on the side of safety, though it can also mean removing a whole bunch of stuff that is harmless along the way.  Again, it will come down to what you are comfortable with, and making sure you have a dermatologist who is thorough and whose judgment you trust.

I expect that you will do fine with your treatment, I'm currently being treated for stage IV after having stage 1 that was treated with deep surgical removal at the site that was 32 years ago. I was free of mlenoma for a long time and was very diligent about exams and sun protection.   However last year I had a lymph node that quickly grew to what felt like a lemon.  Anyway the primary site has never been identified and the experts say at this point the site of origin does not matter anyway.   So at this point you may be facing complete cure or a reoccourance way off in the future.  My best advice is to be aggressive with your treatment and when you have done everything possible let the future be free of concern. I lived for many years without any concerns other than being proactive about staying out of the sun and regularly having check ups.  Don't worry about the treatment process it's not that difficult.  Bur keeping a great outlook about the future is the only think that maters.  Do your best it's worth it.  Chris. 

I expect that you will do fine with your treatment, I'm currently being treated for stage IV after having stage 1 that was treated with deep surgical removal at the site that was 32 years ago. I was free of mlenoma for a long time and was very diligent about exams and sun protection.   However last year I had a lymph node that quickly grew to what felt like a lemon.  Anyway the primary site has never been identified and the experts say at this point the site of origin does not matter anyway.   So at this point you may be facing complete cure or a reoccourance way off in the future.  My best advice is to be aggressive with your treatment and when you have done everything possible let the future be free of concern. I lived for many years without any concerns other than being proactive about staying out of the sun and regularly having check ups.  Don't worry about the treatment process it's not that difficult.  Bur keeping a great outlook about the future is the only think that maters.  Do your best it's worth it.  Chris. 

I expect that you will do fine with your treatment, I'm currently being treated for stage IV after having stage 1 that was treated with deep surgical removal at the site that was 32 years ago. I was free of mlenoma for a long time and was very diligent about exams and sun protection.   However last year I had a lymph node that quickly grew to what felt like a lemon.  Anyway the primary site has never been identified and the experts say at this point the site of origin does not matter anyway.   So at this point you may be facing complete cure or a reoccourance way off in the future.  My best advice is to be aggressive with your treatment and when you have done everything possible let the future be free of concern. I lived for many years without any concerns other than being proactive about staying out of the sun and regularly having check ups.  Don't worry about the treatment process it's not that difficult.  Bur keeping a great outlook about the future is the only think that maters.  Do your best it's worth it.  Chris. 

Hi AJHP

With a stage 1A melanoma .56mm you would not be offered a SLNB (in Australia, at least). You would have a 1cm wide level excision – this translates to scar of around 9-10 cm, depending on where it is on your body. You'll have stitches for about 2 weeks and then 6 monthly skin checks for whatever period your dr recommends. In Australia, a SLNB is only considered for melanoma 1mm and thicker.  Yes, you are on the luckier side of the melanoma spectrum – but it's still incredibly stressful. As for your questions, I've had three primary mels all at the same time – one in situ and two stage 1. The stage 1 were 0.15mm and 0.33mm respectively. I had a 0.5mm WLE for the in situ and two 1cm WLEs for the stage 1s. I'm seeing a doctor (not oncologist, or derm – I'm seeing a GP that specialises in skin cancer detection using dermoscopy) every three months because I've had three primaries, otherwise it would be six monthly. Multiple synchronous mels is rare and perhaps suggests a gene thing, so I'm considering genetic testing at some point. That said, Australia is melanoma central and I already know two people in my immediate circle who have had more than one mel.  As for recurrence, as someone else said the stats are about 4% over 10 years… so highly unlikely to be you. Remember, you can be stage 1A with a far deeper mel than yours and therefore more of a chance of spread. Look after yourself through your treatment and afterwards, be vigilant not paranoid.

Stars

Hi AJHP

With a stage 1A melanoma .56mm you would not be offered a SLNB (in Australia, at least). You would have a 1cm wide level excision – this translates to scar of around 9-10 cm, depending on where it is on your body. You'll have stitches for about 2 weeks and then 6 monthly skin checks for whatever period your dr recommends. In Australia, a SLNB is only considered for melanoma 1mm and thicker.  Yes, you are on the luckier side of the melanoma spectrum – but it's still incredibly stressful. As for your questions, I've had three primary mels all at the same time – one in situ and two stage 1. The stage 1 were 0.15mm and 0.33mm respectively. I had a 0.5mm WLE for the in situ and two 1cm WLEs for the stage 1s. I'm seeing a doctor (not oncologist, or derm – I'm seeing a GP that specialises in skin cancer detection using dermoscopy) every three months because I've had three primaries, otherwise it would be six monthly. Multiple synchronous mels is rare and perhaps suggests a gene thing, so I'm considering genetic testing at some point. That said, Australia is melanoma central and I already know two people in my immediate circle who have had more than one mel.  As for recurrence, as someone else said the stats are about 4% over 10 years… so highly unlikely to be you. Remember, you can be stage 1A with a far deeper mel than yours and therefore more of a chance of spread. Look after yourself through your treatment and afterwards, be vigilant not paranoid.

Stars

Hi AJHP

With a stage 1A melanoma .56mm you would not be offered a SLNB (in Australia, at least). You would have a 1cm wide level excision – this translates to scar of around 9-10 cm, depending on where it is on your body. You'll have stitches for about 2 weeks and then 6 monthly skin checks for whatever period your dr recommends. In Australia, a SLNB is only considered for melanoma 1mm and thicker.  Yes, you are on the luckier side of the melanoma spectrum – but it's still incredibly stressful. As for your questions, I've had three primary mels all at the same time – one in situ and two stage 1. The stage 1 were 0.15mm and 0.33mm respectively. I had a 0.5mm WLE for the in situ and two 1cm WLEs for the stage 1s. I'm seeing a doctor (not oncologist, or derm – I'm seeing a GP that specialises in skin cancer detection using dermoscopy) every three months because I've had three primaries, otherwise it would be six monthly. Multiple synchronous mels is rare and perhaps suggests a gene thing, so I'm considering genetic testing at some point. That said, Australia is melanoma central and I already know two people in my immediate circle who have had more than one mel.  As for recurrence, as someone else said the stats are about 4% over 10 years… so highly unlikely to be you. Remember, you can be stage 1A with a far deeper mel than yours and therefore more of a chance of spread. Look after yourself through your treatment and afterwards, be vigilant not paranoid.

Stars

We're new to this melanoma thing too.  We're not experienced enough to offer much sage advice.  I would only say that your chances would indeed seem very slim of having your melanoma get the best of you, as long as you have it surgically removed and monitor diligently going forward.  Your future is bright.

In answer to one of your questions, I don't think you would need a SLN biopsy, but if you do have one, it's no big deal.  My partner just went through hers.  The pain is very minor — less than that of her initial excision.  She was prescribed Percocet, and she used it for about 36 hr before she decided she didn't really need it.  She also took ibuprofen for a while and kept ice on the wound.  The wound looks good.  The surgeon used fibrin glue and Steri-Strips to close, rather than interrupted sutures.  Very nice result!  We leave for her follow-up appointment in a few minutes.

My only advice with cancer in general (I'm more experienced with other types of cancer) is that fear and stress can be an awful thing.  Don't let it take over your psyche.  If you are prone to melanomas, keep yourself healthy, both physically and psychologically.  Stress (physical or psychological) can result in suppression of your immune system, which can cause bad things to happen (e.g. your immune system failing to catch a malignant cell before it becomes a problem). Be grateful that you caught your melanoma before it became a big problem.  Have the thing excised, follow all the medical advice you are receiving, do your followups, smile, and enjoy life!  You're young!  You have a lot of living ahead of you!  🙂

We're new to this melanoma thing too.  We're not experienced enough to offer much sage advice.  I would only say that your chances would indeed seem very slim of having your melanoma get the best of you, as long as you have it surgically removed and monitor diligently going forward.  Your future is bright.

In answer to one of your questions, I don't think you would need a SLN biopsy, but if you do have one, it's no big deal.  My partner just went through hers.  The pain is very minor — less than that of her initial excision.  She was prescribed Percocet, and she used it for about 36 hr before she decided she didn't really need it.  She also took ibuprofen for a while and kept ice on the wound.  The wound looks good.  The surgeon used fibrin glue and Steri-Strips to close, rather than interrupted sutures.  Very nice result!  We leave for her follow-up appointment in a few minutes.

My only advice with cancer in general (I'm more experienced with other types of cancer) is that fear and stress can be an awful thing.  Don't let it take over your psyche.  If you are prone to melanomas, keep yourself healthy, both physically and psychologically.  Stress (physical or psychological) can result in suppression of your immune system, which can cause bad things to happen (e.g. your immune system failing to catch a malignant cell before it becomes a problem). Be grateful that you caught your melanoma before it became a big problem.  Have the thing excised, follow all the medical advice you are receiving, do your followups, smile, and enjoy life!  You're young!  You have a lot of living ahead of you!  🙂

We're new to this melanoma thing too.  We're not experienced enough to offer much sage advice.  I would only say that your chances would indeed seem very slim of having your melanoma get the best of you, as long as you have it surgically removed and monitor diligently going forward.  Your future is bright.

In answer to one of your questions, I don't think you would need a SLN biopsy, but if you do have one, it's no big deal.  My partner just went through hers.  The pain is very minor — less than that of her initial excision.  She was prescribed Percocet, and she used it for about 36 hr before she decided she didn't really need it.  She also took ibuprofen for a while and kept ice on the wound.  The wound looks good.  The surgeon used fibrin glue and Steri-Strips to close, rather than interrupted sutures.  Very nice result!  We leave for her follow-up appointment in a few minutes.

My only advice with cancer in general (I'm more experienced with other types of cancer) is that fear and stress can be an awful thing.  Don't let it take over your psyche.  If you are prone to melanomas, keep yourself healthy, both physically and psychologically.  Stress (physical or psychological) can result in suppression of your immune system, which can cause bad things to happen (e.g. your immune system failing to catch a malignant cell before it becomes a problem). Be grateful that you caught your melanoma before it became a big problem.  Have the thing excised, follow all the medical advice you are receiving, do your followups, smile, and enjoy life!  You're young!  You have a lot of living ahead of you!  🙂

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