› Forums › General Melanoma Community › New here-diagnosed with Malignant Mel IV
- This topic has 51 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 7 months ago by
o2bcheri.
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- October 10, 2012 at 3:55 pm
I had a biopsy of a flat mole and came back as malignant melanoma stage 4 with clear margins and 1.25mm deep. The dermotologist suggests chemo just in case a cell is moving around in there,the lesion was on my left loin on top of my hip joint.Plus I have many more moles and freckles all about on me.so Im guessing a few of them moles need to be biopsied . I am not taking chemo or radiation.I will not live the rest of my days sufferiong the effects of these treatments.SO I am praying that all is clear after running tests.
I had a biopsy of a flat mole and came back as malignant melanoma stage 4 with clear margins and 1.25mm deep. The dermotologist suggests chemo just in case a cell is moving around in there,the lesion was on my left loin on top of my hip joint.Plus I have many more moles and freckles all about on me.so Im guessing a few of them moles need to be biopsied . I am not taking chemo or radiation.I will not live the rest of my days sufferiong the effects of these treatments.SO I am praying that all is clear after running tests.
Ive been ill since 2010 after my TAH and have been in my bed night and day .I go out once a week and that is a major thing for me as I exhaust myself easly.Chores at home cant be done without breathing heavy and feeling faint- its like my bones and muscles are cracking and about to burst & have to lay down to rest.Even taking a shower or fixing my daughters hair.I take pain pills that dulls the pain in my hips and spine daily so I can manage to get up and get something done.
So this stage of melanoma is terrifying as I dont know yet if its affecting any organs until imaging is done..so naturally my children are afraid to lose their mom.
- Replies
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- October 10, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Hi,
First of all take a deep breath and try to relax. Second, it will take time for you to understand what is going on. Third, knowledge will help you to understand what is going on, so learn all you can about your diagnosis and your options going forward.
That being said, I was wondering if you have a copy of your pathology report? If so, can you post it here so someone can assist you further? I am also wondering if you are confusing chemo with radiation? Does the doc want to do radiation on the affected area? Perhaps to kill stray cells, if any?
You may also be confusing Clarks level IV with stage IV, they are not the same. Clarks level is the level of invasion in the layers of skin, while stage IV is internal organ involvement.
I was also wondering if you had what is called a SNB or what is called a sentinel node biopsy? If so what were the results?
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- October 10, 2012 at 6:20 pm
LARGE ECLIPSE LESION ON LEFT LOIN
DARK MOLE WITH DIFFERENT HUES
MELANOCYTIC NEVII
DIAGNOSIS; malignant melanoma [ICD9-172.9]CLARKS LEVE; IV BRESLOWDEPTHOF INVASION 1.25MM. ULCERATION NOT PRESENT. MARGINS CLEAR
MICROSCOPIC; SECTIONS OF SKINSHOWING IRREGULAR AND ENLARGED NESTS OF ATYPICAL MELANOCYTES, AS WELL AS SINGLE CELLS,PRESENT AT ALL LAYERS OF THEEPIDERMIS. THERE IS DOWNWARD GROWTH OF MALIGNANT CELLS INTO THE DERMIS.
A VERTICAL GROWTHPHASE IS PRESENT ASSOCIATED WITH A RADICAL GROWTH PHASE OF TYPE.IT IS COMPOSED OF CELLS WITH 1-2 MITOSIS/HPF & MINIMAL LYMPHNOID INFILTRATE AT THE BASE. REGRESSION, VASCULAR INVASION AND MICROSCOPIC SATELLITOSIS ARE NOT OBSERVED. THERE IS NO ASSOCIATED NEVUS OR PRECURSOR LESION NOTED.
THIS CASE WAS REVIEWED AT THE DAILY INTRADEPARTMENTAL CONFERENCE.
GROSS DESCRIPTION;
RECEIVED IN FORMALIN IS A SKIN ECLIPSE WHICH HAS A LESION MEASURING 2.5.3CM. THE LESION APPROACHES THE SURGICAL MARGIN. THE SPECIMAN MEASURES 3.5X 1.8 X0.9 AND IS INKED AND SECTIONED SERIALLY WITH THE ENDS SUBMITTED IN CASSETTE 1 AND REMAINING SECTIONS IN CASSETTE 2 THROUGH 6.
PATHOLOGIST PROVIDED ICD-9;
172.9 MELONOMA OF THE SKIN, SITE UNSPECIFIED
CPT: 88305,88342,88361
MY DOCTOR IS REFERRING ME TO THE DERMOTOLOGIST HAS HE REQUESTED FOR FURTHER OPINION & TREATMENT & INVESTIGATIONS.DERMOTOLOGIST SAYS A ROUND OF CHEMO MAY BE DONE.HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO DOT ALL I'S AND CROSS ALL T'S TO BE SAFE.
CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT ALL THIS MEANS.THIS IS WHAT IS ON THE REPORT.
LABCORP TAMPA FLA.
Iam on antidepressants for over 2 years, as I had a nervous breakdown when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.Yes please I surely dont want to confuse my results to make me feel any worse. Yes he said Chemo..more then likely I am sure he will do blood tests and maybe cat scan.
Thank you for replying to me
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- October 10, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Based on your path report, you do not have Stage IV melanoma. Stage IV means that melanoma has been found in other organs like lung, liver, brain, etc. Such distant tumors are usually found with a CT scan or MRI. As a matter of fact, your path report does not assign a stage to your lesion–perhaps they are waiting for you to get a sentinal node biopsy and maybe a CT scan before they assign a stage. So unless and until you find out differently, you can assume you are only Stage I. Most people with Stage I do not need chemo and never have a recurrance.
Even with only Stage 1, you are smart to start to educate yourself about melanoma. Knowledge is power. There is a lot of good reading material on this MRF web site and a lot of helpful people here on the forum. Try not to freak out. I assume you will soon be getting a Wide Local Excision (WLE) with a sentinal node biopsy (SNB). When you have those results, you and your doctors will be in a much better positon to discuss what comes next.
By the way, what is "TAH"?
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- October 10, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
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- October 10, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
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- October 10, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
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- October 10, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Based on your path report, you do not have Stage IV melanoma. Stage IV means that melanoma has been found in other organs like lung, liver, brain, etc. Such distant tumors are usually found with a CT scan or MRI. As a matter of fact, your path report does not assign a stage to your lesion–perhaps they are waiting for you to get a sentinal node biopsy and maybe a CT scan before they assign a stage. So unless and until you find out differently, you can assume you are only Stage I. Most people with Stage I do not need chemo and never have a recurrance.
Even with only Stage 1, you are smart to start to educate yourself about melanoma. Knowledge is power. There is a lot of good reading material on this MRF web site and a lot of helpful people here on the forum. Try not to freak out. I assume you will soon be getting a Wide Local Excision (WLE) with a sentinal node biopsy (SNB). When you have those results, you and your doctors will be in a much better positon to discuss what comes next.
By the way, what is "TAH"?
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- October 10, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Based on your path report, you do not have Stage IV melanoma. Stage IV means that melanoma has been found in other organs like lung, liver, brain, etc. Such distant tumors are usually found with a CT scan or MRI. As a matter of fact, your path report does not assign a stage to your lesion–perhaps they are waiting for you to get a sentinal node biopsy and maybe a CT scan before they assign a stage. So unless and until you find out differently, you can assume you are only Stage I. Most people with Stage I do not need chemo and never have a recurrance.
Even with only Stage 1, you are smart to start to educate yourself about melanoma. Knowledge is power. There is a lot of good reading material on this MRF web site and a lot of helpful people here on the forum. Try not to freak out. I assume you will soon be getting a Wide Local Excision (WLE) with a sentinal node biopsy (SNB). When you have those results, you and your doctors will be in a much better positon to discuss what comes next.
By the way, what is "TAH"?
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- October 10, 2012 at 7:28 pm
As I suspected, this is not stage four melanoma. Rather so far it is stage one. The final staging will be based on the sentinel node biopsy, if it is neagaive you will be still stage one with a very good chance of long term survival. if it is positive, you will be stage three.
Still not sure about the chemo comment but the doctor may have mentioned interferon it you do advance to stage three.
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- October 10, 2012 at 7:28 pm
As I suspected, this is not stage four melanoma. Rather so far it is stage one. The final staging will be based on the sentinel node biopsy, if it is neagaive you will be still stage one with a very good chance of long term survival. if it is positive, you will be stage three.
Still not sure about the chemo comment but the doctor may have mentioned interferon it you do advance to stage three.
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- October 10, 2012 at 7:28 pm
As I suspected, this is not stage four melanoma. Rather so far it is stage one. The final staging will be based on the sentinel node biopsy, if it is neagaive you will be still stage one with a very good chance of long term survival. if it is positive, you will be stage three.
Still not sure about the chemo comment but the doctor may have mentioned interferon it you do advance to stage three.
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- October 10, 2012 at 6:20 pm
LARGE ECLIPSE LESION ON LEFT LOIN
DARK MOLE WITH DIFFERENT HUES
MELANOCYTIC NEVII
DIAGNOSIS; malignant melanoma [ICD9-172.9]CLARKS LEVE; IV BRESLOWDEPTHOF INVASION 1.25MM. ULCERATION NOT PRESENT. MARGINS CLEAR
MICROSCOPIC; SECTIONS OF SKINSHOWING IRREGULAR AND ENLARGED NESTS OF ATYPICAL MELANOCYTES, AS WELL AS SINGLE CELLS,PRESENT AT ALL LAYERS OF THEEPIDERMIS. THERE IS DOWNWARD GROWTH OF MALIGNANT CELLS INTO THE DERMIS.
A VERTICAL GROWTHPHASE IS PRESENT ASSOCIATED WITH A RADICAL GROWTH PHASE OF TYPE.IT IS COMPOSED OF CELLS WITH 1-2 MITOSIS/HPF & MINIMAL LYMPHNOID INFILTRATE AT THE BASE. REGRESSION, VASCULAR INVASION AND MICROSCOPIC SATELLITOSIS ARE NOT OBSERVED. THERE IS NO ASSOCIATED NEVUS OR PRECURSOR LESION NOTED.
THIS CASE WAS REVIEWED AT THE DAILY INTRADEPARTMENTAL CONFERENCE.
GROSS DESCRIPTION;
RECEIVED IN FORMALIN IS A SKIN ECLIPSE WHICH HAS A LESION MEASURING 2.5.3CM. THE LESION APPROACHES THE SURGICAL MARGIN. THE SPECIMAN MEASURES 3.5X 1.8 X0.9 AND IS INKED AND SECTIONED SERIALLY WITH THE ENDS SUBMITTED IN CASSETTE 1 AND REMAINING SECTIONS IN CASSETTE 2 THROUGH 6.
PATHOLOGIST PROVIDED ICD-9;
172.9 MELONOMA OF THE SKIN, SITE UNSPECIFIED
CPT: 88305,88342,88361
MY DOCTOR IS REFERRING ME TO THE DERMOTOLOGIST HAS HE REQUESTED FOR FURTHER OPINION & TREATMENT & INVESTIGATIONS.DERMOTOLOGIST SAYS A ROUND OF CHEMO MAY BE DONE.HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO DOT ALL I'S AND CROSS ALL T'S TO BE SAFE.
CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT ALL THIS MEANS.THIS IS WHAT IS ON THE REPORT.
LABCORP TAMPA FLA.
Iam on antidepressants for over 2 years, as I had a nervous breakdown when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.Yes please I surely dont want to confuse my results to make me feel any worse. Yes he said Chemo..more then likely I am sure he will do blood tests and maybe cat scan.
Thank you for replying to me
-
- October 10, 2012 at 6:20 pm
LARGE ECLIPSE LESION ON LEFT LOIN
DARK MOLE WITH DIFFERENT HUES
MELANOCYTIC NEVII
DIAGNOSIS; malignant melanoma [ICD9-172.9]CLARKS LEVE; IV BRESLOWDEPTHOF INVASION 1.25MM. ULCERATION NOT PRESENT. MARGINS CLEAR
MICROSCOPIC; SECTIONS OF SKINSHOWING IRREGULAR AND ENLARGED NESTS OF ATYPICAL MELANOCYTES, AS WELL AS SINGLE CELLS,PRESENT AT ALL LAYERS OF THEEPIDERMIS. THERE IS DOWNWARD GROWTH OF MALIGNANT CELLS INTO THE DERMIS.
A VERTICAL GROWTHPHASE IS PRESENT ASSOCIATED WITH A RADICAL GROWTH PHASE OF TYPE.IT IS COMPOSED OF CELLS WITH 1-2 MITOSIS/HPF & MINIMAL LYMPHNOID INFILTRATE AT THE BASE. REGRESSION, VASCULAR INVASION AND MICROSCOPIC SATELLITOSIS ARE NOT OBSERVED. THERE IS NO ASSOCIATED NEVUS OR PRECURSOR LESION NOTED.
THIS CASE WAS REVIEWED AT THE DAILY INTRADEPARTMENTAL CONFERENCE.
GROSS DESCRIPTION;
RECEIVED IN FORMALIN IS A SKIN ECLIPSE WHICH HAS A LESION MEASURING 2.5.3CM. THE LESION APPROACHES THE SURGICAL MARGIN. THE SPECIMAN MEASURES 3.5X 1.8 X0.9 AND IS INKED AND SECTIONED SERIALLY WITH THE ENDS SUBMITTED IN CASSETTE 1 AND REMAINING SECTIONS IN CASSETTE 2 THROUGH 6.
PATHOLOGIST PROVIDED ICD-9;
172.9 MELONOMA OF THE SKIN, SITE UNSPECIFIED
CPT: 88305,88342,88361
MY DOCTOR IS REFERRING ME TO THE DERMOTOLOGIST HAS HE REQUESTED FOR FURTHER OPINION & TREATMENT & INVESTIGATIONS.DERMOTOLOGIST SAYS A ROUND OF CHEMO MAY BE DONE.HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO DOT ALL I'S AND CROSS ALL T'S TO BE SAFE.
CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT ALL THIS MEANS.THIS IS WHAT IS ON THE REPORT.
LABCORP TAMPA FLA.
Iam on antidepressants for over 2 years, as I had a nervous breakdown when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.Yes please I surely dont want to confuse my results to make me feel any worse. Yes he said Chemo..more then likely I am sure he will do blood tests and maybe cat scan.
Thank you for replying to me
-
- October 10, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Hi,
First of all take a deep breath and try to relax. Second, it will take time for you to understand what is going on. Third, knowledge will help you to understand what is going on, so learn all you can about your diagnosis and your options going forward.
That being said, I was wondering if you have a copy of your pathology report? If so, can you post it here so someone can assist you further? I am also wondering if you are confusing chemo with radiation? Does the doc want to do radiation on the affected area? Perhaps to kill stray cells, if any?
You may also be confusing Clarks level IV with stage IV, they are not the same. Clarks level is the level of invasion in the layers of skin, while stage IV is internal organ involvement.
I was also wondering if you had what is called a SNB or what is called a sentinel node biopsy? If so what were the results?
-
- October 10, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Hi,
First of all take a deep breath and try to relax. Second, it will take time for you to understand what is going on. Third, knowledge will help you to understand what is going on, so learn all you can about your diagnosis and your options going forward.
That being said, I was wondering if you have a copy of your pathology report? If so, can you post it here so someone can assist you further? I am also wondering if you are confusing chemo with radiation? Does the doc want to do radiation on the affected area? Perhaps to kill stray cells, if any?
You may also be confusing Clarks level IV with stage IV, they are not the same. Clarks level is the level of invasion in the layers of skin, while stage IV is internal organ involvement.
I was also wondering if you had what is called a SNB or what is called a sentinel node biopsy? If so what were the results?
-
- October 10, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Hi……
I don't know if you will need chemo and / or radiation or not, but I can tell you of of my husband's experience with both that may help to ease your mind, just in case you do. I, too, was worried about the effects of either one. My husband began carbo/taxol treatments, once every three weeks, in August. He missed work a day and a half after the first treatment because of fatigue and a little here and there after that. After the second treatment, he missed 1/2 day. After the third, he missed none except for when he had to go to a doctor's appointment. He feels fine except for some mild neuropathy in one hand and foot. In fact, at the third treatment, we left home at 5:50 am and got back at 10:15 pm. and he still made it to work the next day. We had two more long distance trips right after that and he did fine. He began stereotactic radiation for his second primary cancer in the lung while undergoing chemotherapy and is 3/4 of the way done with the radiation. Tomorrow will be his last radiation treatment. There are different types of chemo and different types of radiation but they're not all bad. Each person is different. Don't forget the power of prayer. It does work! A lot of people have been praying for my husband and I'm sure that God is helping here. Please don't be afraid to try a treatment. It may not be bad at all and you won't know if you don't try. The chemo and radiation are working in my husband's case.
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- October 10, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Hi……
I don't know if you will need chemo and / or radiation or not, but I can tell you of of my husband's experience with both that may help to ease your mind, just in case you do. I, too, was worried about the effects of either one. My husband began carbo/taxol treatments, once every three weeks, in August. He missed work a day and a half after the first treatment because of fatigue and a little here and there after that. After the second treatment, he missed 1/2 day. After the third, he missed none except for when he had to go to a doctor's appointment. He feels fine except for some mild neuropathy in one hand and foot. In fact, at the third treatment, we left home at 5:50 am and got back at 10:15 pm. and he still made it to work the next day. We had two more long distance trips right after that and he did fine. He began stereotactic radiation for his second primary cancer in the lung while undergoing chemotherapy and is 3/4 of the way done with the radiation. Tomorrow will be his last radiation treatment. There are different types of chemo and different types of radiation but they're not all bad. Each person is different. Don't forget the power of prayer. It does work! A lot of people have been praying for my husband and I'm sure that God is helping here. Please don't be afraid to try a treatment. It may not be bad at all and you won't know if you don't try. The chemo and radiation are working in my husband's case.
-
- October 10, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Hi……
I don't know if you will need chemo and / or radiation or not, but I can tell you of of my husband's experience with both that may help to ease your mind, just in case you do. I, too, was worried about the effects of either one. My husband began carbo/taxol treatments, once every three weeks, in August. He missed work a day and a half after the first treatment because of fatigue and a little here and there after that. After the second treatment, he missed 1/2 day. After the third, he missed none except for when he had to go to a doctor's appointment. He feels fine except for some mild neuropathy in one hand and foot. In fact, at the third treatment, we left home at 5:50 am and got back at 10:15 pm. and he still made it to work the next day. We had two more long distance trips right after that and he did fine. He began stereotactic radiation for his second primary cancer in the lung while undergoing chemotherapy and is 3/4 of the way done with the radiation. Tomorrow will be his last radiation treatment. There are different types of chemo and different types of radiation but they're not all bad. Each person is different. Don't forget the power of prayer. It does work! A lot of people have been praying for my husband and I'm sure that God is helping here. Please don't be afraid to try a treatment. It may not be bad at all and you won't know if you don't try. The chemo and radiation are working in my husband's case.
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- October 10, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Omg! My heart is breaking for you right now because I too went through the same thing of not knowing what the heck. When a doctor tells you that you have cancer it can be so scary, especially since it sounds like he didn’t explain it very well to you. I wrote down every question I had and asked, don’t be afraid to ask!! You can google path reports melanoma to help you understand your report better, but clarks level 4 is not stage 4!! Your next step may be a wide excision and possibly some lymph nodes to test. But for now you need to call your doctor and ask ask ask any questions you have. I took someone with me every time because its an emotional time and we don’t always absorb or hear what is being said. I recorded one visit. Ask people on this site, a ton of knowledge is here!! Melanoma is not a death sentence!! If your stage 1 its curable but you have to stay diligent with getting checked. Please don’t drive yourself crazy, talk to your doctor, ask questions and look online to educate yourself!! We are all there for you if you need anything!! 🙂-
- October 10, 2012 at 9:38 pm
The dermotologist scared me to death about chemo! geesh I feel relief already! I have been worrying how I was going to pay for all this.I have asked the cancer society and church for help…they probaly going to do a blood test..you know what? its been two yrs oct 6th since i had surgery with endometrial cancer and im due for blood work..so i still gotta find out why im so exhausted all the time and having incrediable hip and lower spine pain.my doctor GP said he dont seev why i gotta go and get all this done but to be sure he filled out the referral for me to take to this doctor. distressed aint the word i was feeling! i was making funeral arrangments…thank you all for this knowledge..it sure has helped this single mom and her kids feel better.
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- October 10, 2012 at 9:38 pm
The dermotologist scared me to death about chemo! geesh I feel relief already! I have been worrying how I was going to pay for all this.I have asked the cancer society and church for help…they probaly going to do a blood test..you know what? its been two yrs oct 6th since i had surgery with endometrial cancer and im due for blood work..so i still gotta find out why im so exhausted all the time and having incrediable hip and lower spine pain.my doctor GP said he dont seev why i gotta go and get all this done but to be sure he filled out the referral for me to take to this doctor. distressed aint the word i was feeling! i was making funeral arrangments…thank you all for this knowledge..it sure has helped this single mom and her kids feel better.
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- October 10, 2012 at 9:38 pm
The dermotologist scared me to death about chemo! geesh I feel relief already! I have been worrying how I was going to pay for all this.I have asked the cancer society and church for help…they probaly going to do a blood test..you know what? its been two yrs oct 6th since i had surgery with endometrial cancer and im due for blood work..so i still gotta find out why im so exhausted all the time and having incrediable hip and lower spine pain.my doctor GP said he dont seev why i gotta go and get all this done but to be sure he filled out the referral for me to take to this doctor. distressed aint the word i was feeling! i was making funeral arrangments…thank you all for this knowledge..it sure has helped this single mom and her kids feel better.
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- October 10, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Omg! My heart is breaking for you right now because I too went through the same thing of not knowing what the heck. When a doctor tells you that you have cancer it can be so scary, especially since it sounds like he didn’t explain it very well to you. I wrote down every question I had and asked, don’t be afraid to ask!! You can google path reports melanoma to help you understand your report better, but clarks level 4 is not stage 4!! Your next step may be a wide excision and possibly some lymph nodes to test. But for now you need to call your doctor and ask ask ask any questions you have. I took someone with me every time because its an emotional time and we don’t always absorb or hear what is being said. I recorded one visit. Ask people on this site, a ton of knowledge is here!! Melanoma is not a death sentence!! If your stage 1 its curable but you have to stay diligent with getting checked. Please don’t drive yourself crazy, talk to your doctor, ask questions and look online to educate yourself!! We are all there for you if you need anything!! 🙂 -
- October 10, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Omg! My heart is breaking for you right now because I too went through the same thing of not knowing what the heck. When a doctor tells you that you have cancer it can be so scary, especially since it sounds like he didn’t explain it very well to you. I wrote down every question I had and asked, don’t be afraid to ask!! You can google path reports melanoma to help you understand your report better, but clarks level 4 is not stage 4!! Your next step may be a wide excision and possibly some lymph nodes to test. But for now you need to call your doctor and ask ask ask any questions you have. I took someone with me every time because its an emotional time and we don’t always absorb or hear what is being said. I recorded one visit. Ask people on this site, a ton of knowledge is here!! Melanoma is not a death sentence!! If your stage 1 its curable but you have to stay diligent with getting checked. Please don’t drive yourself crazy, talk to your doctor, ask questions and look online to educate yourself!! We are all there for you if you need anything!! 🙂 -
- October 10, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Many people when first diagnosed they are confused. You are Clarks level 4 not Stage 4. You cannot be staged past stage 1 unless they have either doing a sentinal Biopsy (that's when the do a procedure where they find the 1st or a few sentinal's (SNB) after the original melanoma or a PET Scan. When yours has a Breslow of 1.25 your Dr should be having a surgeon do the procedure before the wide excision is performed.
I can't imagining the dermatologist should recommend chemo without further investigation. If you get referred to an oncologist make sure that they are a melanoma oncologist.
Please let us know where you are from and maybe someone could give you a Dr. name.
Linda
Stage IV
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:02 pm
I am from the Bahamas,I live to the northern part Abaco Bahamas and will fly into Nassau[New Providence]our capital to see both the dermotologist and oncologist. The doctor here done an incision and cut out wide around it about 3 inches long. its still healing and very itchy.When the dermotologist was via computer from his office in Nassau and had not seen the report as yet cus my doc had not printed it out yet..so really this dermo' only was told malignant mel with clear margins.I will be taking the report to him. its just how government system in clinics are can be so unorganized as we only have clinics here and no hospital..in an emergency one has to fly to Nassau or Grand Bahama…unfortunately many have died because they couldnt fly out..
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:28 pm
You are from such a beautiful area but it's ashame you don't have many choices medical wise. I have not seen anyone on this board from there but we do have from all over the world. You might want to call the administration of this board because they can help you find a specialist that is near your area. The number on the board that I could find was 1-800-673-1290. If you have to pay long distance just let me know and I will call them tomorrow or you can look through the site and their are e-mails.
The SNB should have been done before they did the wide excision so it will not be as acurate finding the node. With Nassau has a hospital they might conference in the US.
But, until you find out anything else just keep reminding yourself that you are not stage 4, just more information needs to be gathered.
Linda
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:28 pm
You are from such a beautiful area but it's ashame you don't have many choices medical wise. I have not seen anyone on this board from there but we do have from all over the world. You might want to call the administration of this board because they can help you find a specialist that is near your area. The number on the board that I could find was 1-800-673-1290. If you have to pay long distance just let me know and I will call them tomorrow or you can look through the site and their are e-mails.
The SNB should have been done before they did the wide excision so it will not be as acurate finding the node. With Nassau has a hospital they might conference in the US.
But, until you find out anything else just keep reminding yourself that you are not stage 4, just more information needs to be gathered.
Linda
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Thank you very much..I will see about emails..but I am going to have a list of questions in my notebook, as I am forgetful.I am hoping to have answers to all my questions.because also Ive been in alot of pain and so much exhaustion..I beleive I mentioned that before..see? thats forgetfulness..lol..my spirits have been lifted by all of you..thank you!!
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Thank you very much..I will see about emails..but I am going to have a list of questions in my notebook, as I am forgetful.I am hoping to have answers to all my questions.because also Ive been in alot of pain and so much exhaustion..I beleive I mentioned that before..see? thats forgetfulness..lol..my spirits have been lifted by all of you..thank you!!
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Thank you very much..I will see about emails..but I am going to have a list of questions in my notebook, as I am forgetful.I am hoping to have answers to all my questions.because also Ive been in alot of pain and so much exhaustion..I beleive I mentioned that before..see? thats forgetfulness..lol..my spirits have been lifted by all of you..thank you!!
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:28 pm
You are from such a beautiful area but it's ashame you don't have many choices medical wise. I have not seen anyone on this board from there but we do have from all over the world. You might want to call the administration of this board because they can help you find a specialist that is near your area. The number on the board that I could find was 1-800-673-1290. If you have to pay long distance just let me know and I will call them tomorrow or you can look through the site and their are e-mails.
The SNB should have been done before they did the wide excision so it will not be as acurate finding the node. With Nassau has a hospital they might conference in the US.
But, until you find out anything else just keep reminding yourself that you are not stage 4, just more information needs to be gathered.
Linda
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:02 pm
I am from the Bahamas,I live to the northern part Abaco Bahamas and will fly into Nassau[New Providence]our capital to see both the dermotologist and oncologist. The doctor here done an incision and cut out wide around it about 3 inches long. its still healing and very itchy.When the dermotologist was via computer from his office in Nassau and had not seen the report as yet cus my doc had not printed it out yet..so really this dermo' only was told malignant mel with clear margins.I will be taking the report to him. its just how government system in clinics are can be so unorganized as we only have clinics here and no hospital..in an emergency one has to fly to Nassau or Grand Bahama…unfortunately many have died because they couldnt fly out..
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- October 10, 2012 at 11:02 pm
I am from the Bahamas,I live to the northern part Abaco Bahamas and will fly into Nassau[New Providence]our capital to see both the dermotologist and oncologist. The doctor here done an incision and cut out wide around it about 3 inches long. its still healing and very itchy.When the dermotologist was via computer from his office in Nassau and had not seen the report as yet cus my doc had not printed it out yet..so really this dermo' only was told malignant mel with clear margins.I will be taking the report to him. its just how government system in clinics are can be so unorganized as we only have clinics here and no hospital..in an emergency one has to fly to Nassau or Grand Bahama…unfortunately many have died because they couldnt fly out..
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- October 10, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Many people when first diagnosed they are confused. You are Clarks level 4 not Stage 4. You cannot be staged past stage 1 unless they have either doing a sentinal Biopsy (that's when the do a procedure where they find the 1st or a few sentinal's (SNB) after the original melanoma or a PET Scan. When yours has a Breslow of 1.25 your Dr should be having a surgeon do the procedure before the wide excision is performed.
I can't imagining the dermatologist should recommend chemo without further investigation. If you get referred to an oncologist make sure that they are a melanoma oncologist.
Please let us know where you are from and maybe someone could give you a Dr. name.
Linda
Stage IV
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- October 10, 2012 at 10:53 pm
Many people when first diagnosed they are confused. You are Clarks level 4 not Stage 4. You cannot be staged past stage 1 unless they have either doing a sentinal Biopsy (that's when the do a procedure where they find the 1st or a few sentinal's (SNB) after the original melanoma or a PET Scan. When yours has a Breslow of 1.25 your Dr should be having a surgeon do the procedure before the wide excision is performed.
I can't imagining the dermatologist should recommend chemo without further investigation. If you get referred to an oncologist make sure that they are a melanoma oncologist.
Please let us know where you are from and maybe someone could give you a Dr. name.
Linda
Stage IV
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- October 11, 2012 at 12:40 am
I am very glad to see that at this point there is nothing saying that you are near Stage IV. Take a deep breath. Even at Stage IV I do not accept that I am gone. Did prepare for it in Feb 2007 when I learned I was Stage Iv and was given a life expectancy of 2 to 6 months. I learned and made decisions as to what I wanted done. My Newer Oncologist has worked with me and though NOT NED (No Evidence of Disease – in scans) I am still here and living. Do not be Paranoid, Be Vigilant. They may do a PET/CT scan on you. Any PET or CT scan wil most likely show some hot spots. This does not mean those spots are cancer. They are just something to check out, to be sure. Previous operations and injuries, even dental surgery can provide hot spots.
I do not know of any chemo that would be tried at a stage one. There may be some clinical trials – especially Vacine trials that you are elgible for. Do pay close attention to your skin and lymph nodes. Especially the armpits and neck lymph nodes.) Most advances are found by people themselves and then confirmed by a dermopatholgist. Most stage 1 people never advance, gut have to remain vigalant for the rest of their lives.
I do strongly urge you to get copies of your medical records, both prior and especially any/all that relate to the melanoma. Surgery reports, blood tests, discs of scans, Radiology and pathology reports and Doctors notes.
if you were to ever advance to Stage IV, I still say don't give up. They have started developing targeted chemo drugs that instead of killing all cells, target specific DNA mutations and oncoproteins in tumors. (That's what I've been on for 3 1/2 years while running all over the country.) The "most toxic" and one of the most successfuImmunology treatments (different from Chemo treatments), is IL-2 one and usually recovers from a treatment in a week or two, quite rapidly. One also learns if it is working fairly quickly and can then move on to other treatments if needed.
I avoided the long term, slow acting, extremely rarely successful chemos that take a long time to recover from. I refused radiation for my location of metastisis. I am one of the semi lucky ones. I have lived an active life since having melanoma Stage IV.
But don't think you are here yet and likely never. Enjoy life as much as possible either way. Praying for you.
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- October 11, 2012 at 12:40 am
I am very glad to see that at this point there is nothing saying that you are near Stage IV. Take a deep breath. Even at Stage IV I do not accept that I am gone. Did prepare for it in Feb 2007 when I learned I was Stage Iv and was given a life expectancy of 2 to 6 months. I learned and made decisions as to what I wanted done. My Newer Oncologist has worked with me and though NOT NED (No Evidence of Disease – in scans) I am still here and living. Do not be Paranoid, Be Vigilant. They may do a PET/CT scan on you. Any PET or CT scan wil most likely show some hot spots. This does not mean those spots are cancer. They are just something to check out, to be sure. Previous operations and injuries, even dental surgery can provide hot spots.
I do not know of any chemo that would be tried at a stage one. There may be some clinical trials – especially Vacine trials that you are elgible for. Do pay close attention to your skin and lymph nodes. Especially the armpits and neck lymph nodes.) Most advances are found by people themselves and then confirmed by a dermopatholgist. Most stage 1 people never advance, gut have to remain vigalant for the rest of their lives.
I do strongly urge you to get copies of your medical records, both prior and especially any/all that relate to the melanoma. Surgery reports, blood tests, discs of scans, Radiology and pathology reports and Doctors notes.
if you were to ever advance to Stage IV, I still say don't give up. They have started developing targeted chemo drugs that instead of killing all cells, target specific DNA mutations and oncoproteins in tumors. (That's what I've been on for 3 1/2 years while running all over the country.) The "most toxic" and one of the most successfuImmunology treatments (different from Chemo treatments), is IL-2 one and usually recovers from a treatment in a week or two, quite rapidly. One also learns if it is working fairly quickly and can then move on to other treatments if needed.
I avoided the long term, slow acting, extremely rarely successful chemos that take a long time to recover from. I refused radiation for my location of metastisis. I am one of the semi lucky ones. I have lived an active life since having melanoma Stage IV.
But don't think you are here yet and likely never. Enjoy life as much as possible either way. Praying for you.
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- October 11, 2012 at 12:40 am
I am very glad to see that at this point there is nothing saying that you are near Stage IV. Take a deep breath. Even at Stage IV I do not accept that I am gone. Did prepare for it in Feb 2007 when I learned I was Stage Iv and was given a life expectancy of 2 to 6 months. I learned and made decisions as to what I wanted done. My Newer Oncologist has worked with me and though NOT NED (No Evidence of Disease – in scans) I am still here and living. Do not be Paranoid, Be Vigilant. They may do a PET/CT scan on you. Any PET or CT scan wil most likely show some hot spots. This does not mean those spots are cancer. They are just something to check out, to be sure. Previous operations and injuries, even dental surgery can provide hot spots.
I do not know of any chemo that would be tried at a stage one. There may be some clinical trials – especially Vacine trials that you are elgible for. Do pay close attention to your skin and lymph nodes. Especially the armpits and neck lymph nodes.) Most advances are found by people themselves and then confirmed by a dermopatholgist. Most stage 1 people never advance, gut have to remain vigalant for the rest of their lives.
I do strongly urge you to get copies of your medical records, both prior and especially any/all that relate to the melanoma. Surgery reports, blood tests, discs of scans, Radiology and pathology reports and Doctors notes.
if you were to ever advance to Stage IV, I still say don't give up. They have started developing targeted chemo drugs that instead of killing all cells, target specific DNA mutations and oncoproteins in tumors. (That's what I've been on for 3 1/2 years while running all over the country.) The "most toxic" and one of the most successfuImmunology treatments (different from Chemo treatments), is IL-2 one and usually recovers from a treatment in a week or two, quite rapidly. One also learns if it is working fairly quickly and can then move on to other treatments if needed.
I avoided the long term, slow acting, extremely rarely successful chemos that take a long time to recover from. I refused radiation for my location of metastisis. I am one of the semi lucky ones. I have lived an active life since having melanoma Stage IV.
But don't think you are here yet and likely never. Enjoy life as much as possible either way. Praying for you.
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- October 12, 2012 at 3:11 pm
You have received some good advice, and I will just echo what others have said. A dermatologist cannot and will not tell you that you have Stage IV disease–they can only evaluate the skin lesion. Stage IV means that the melanoma has spread to other organs in your body (lung, liver, brain, etc.) and nothing in what you have reported indicates that.
Your dermatologist also should not be the final decision maker on chemotherapy. if further treatment is indicated you should see an oncologist who is familiar with melanoma.
If this is Stage I, which it appears to be based on the report, then your cancer is likely taken care of by surgery.
Tim–MRF
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- October 12, 2012 at 3:11 pm
You have received some good advice, and I will just echo what others have said. A dermatologist cannot and will not tell you that you have Stage IV disease–they can only evaluate the skin lesion. Stage IV means that the melanoma has spread to other organs in your body (lung, liver, brain, etc.) and nothing in what you have reported indicates that.
Your dermatologist also should not be the final decision maker on chemotherapy. if further treatment is indicated you should see an oncologist who is familiar with melanoma.
If this is Stage I, which it appears to be based on the report, then your cancer is likely taken care of by surgery.
Tim–MRF
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- October 12, 2012 at 3:11 pm
You have received some good advice, and I will just echo what others have said. A dermatologist cannot and will not tell you that you have Stage IV disease–they can only evaluate the skin lesion. Stage IV means that the melanoma has spread to other organs in your body (lung, liver, brain, etc.) and nothing in what you have reported indicates that.
Your dermatologist also should not be the final decision maker on chemotherapy. if further treatment is indicated you should see an oncologist who is familiar with melanoma.
If this is Stage I, which it appears to be based on the report, then your cancer is likely taken care of by surgery.
Tim–MRF
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- October 12, 2012 at 4:17 pm
hi…
Since you are not going to do chemo… and i applaud you on that.. as i do not believe that chemo actually helps.
there is a site http://www.ncrf.org…. a man named Fred Eichorn developed it.. he healed himself from pancreatic cancer
20 + years ago… he has his diploma as a transplant surgeon as well as a biochemist…
his product… Cellect is healing cancers like magic… 🙂 i personally have had conversations with him… and others who have been healed….
I do not have cancer myself… but found him researching for friends who do…
If i were you… i would do to this site… i would put in a call to him… these people are wonderful.. they are not about money.. they are about helping others.. so kind.. so compassionate and knowlegable.. they will not steer you wrong.
If they do not know it wil help you… they will not suggest that you try it… it is good that you are not doing chemo.. as that
impedes the effectiveness of the Cellect…
i have a feeling that if you go to Fred, listen to him and talk to others who have been helped… you will get well..
there is also a FaceBook page… national cancer research foundation…
you will read stories of healing on there… read what cheryl maitlin has to say.. she was healed of pancreatic cancer in only a couple months…it works FAST… you will know really quickly if it is working for you..
good luck… i hope and pray that you go to Fred…
(631) 584-3100 Fred Eichorn contact number… please let them know this is urgent.. they are very busy…
Michele
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- October 12, 2012 at 4:17 pm
hi…
Since you are not going to do chemo… and i applaud you on that.. as i do not believe that chemo actually helps.
there is a site http://www.ncrf.org…. a man named Fred Eichorn developed it.. he healed himself from pancreatic cancer
20 + years ago… he has his diploma as a transplant surgeon as well as a biochemist…
his product… Cellect is healing cancers like magic… 🙂 i personally have had conversations with him… and others who have been healed….
I do not have cancer myself… but found him researching for friends who do…
If i were you… i would do to this site… i would put in a call to him… these people are wonderful.. they are not about money.. they are about helping others.. so kind.. so compassionate and knowlegable.. they will not steer you wrong.
If they do not know it wil help you… they will not suggest that you try it… it is good that you are not doing chemo.. as that
impedes the effectiveness of the Cellect…
i have a feeling that if you go to Fred, listen to him and talk to others who have been helped… you will get well..
there is also a FaceBook page… national cancer research foundation…
you will read stories of healing on there… read what cheryl maitlin has to say.. she was healed of pancreatic cancer in only a couple months…it works FAST… you will know really quickly if it is working for you..
good luck… i hope and pray that you go to Fred…
(631) 584-3100 Fred Eichorn contact number… please let them know this is urgent.. they are very busy…
Michele
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- October 12, 2012 at 4:17 pm
hi…
Since you are not going to do chemo… and i applaud you on that.. as i do not believe that chemo actually helps.
there is a site http://www.ncrf.org…. a man named Fred Eichorn developed it.. he healed himself from pancreatic cancer
20 + years ago… he has his diploma as a transplant surgeon as well as a biochemist…
his product… Cellect is healing cancers like magic… 🙂 i personally have had conversations with him… and others who have been healed….
I do not have cancer myself… but found him researching for friends who do…
If i were you… i would do to this site… i would put in a call to him… these people are wonderful.. they are not about money.. they are about helping others.. so kind.. so compassionate and knowlegable.. they will not steer you wrong.
If they do not know it wil help you… they will not suggest that you try it… it is good that you are not doing chemo.. as that
impedes the effectiveness of the Cellect…
i have a feeling that if you go to Fred, listen to him and talk to others who have been helped… you will get well..
there is also a FaceBook page… national cancer research foundation…
you will read stories of healing on there… read what cheryl maitlin has to say.. she was healed of pancreatic cancer in only a couple months…it works FAST… you will know really quickly if it is working for you..
good luck… i hope and pray that you go to Fred…
(631) 584-3100 Fred Eichorn contact number… please let them know this is urgent.. they are very busy…
Michele
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Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
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