Newly Diagnosed, question about Mets.
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Newly Diagnosed, question about Mets.

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Newly Diagnosed, question about Mets.

  • Post
    • May 27, 2017 at 11:52 pm
    Hammers
    Participant

      Hello,

      I was diagnosed in Feburary with a pt1a tumor on my back, depth was .38 and no ulceration or mitoses.  WLE was perfomred and I have had my first follow up.  I have had 7 other spots removed that all came back normal or mild atypia.  My question is, I have developed a small dry caugh in the past week.  How long should I wait before I call my Dr. and let her know?  I don't want to freak everyone out and then end up getting irradiated for no reason.  I also have intermittent GERD that has caused a minor caugh in the past that has been acting up, but now I am paranoid since the MM diagnosis.

      How long should I wait to go into panic mode and call my dermatologist?  

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    • Replies
        • May 28, 2017 at 3:29 am
        casagrayson
        Participant

          You are in the "everything is melanoma" phase.  It's very natural to think this way, but I've got to tell you that your chances of ever having any repercussions from your melanoma are very, very small.  You had almost the very best case of melanoma that is possible (the only better one being "in situ" which would have had no depth).  It's allergy season — I'd bet money that allergies/pollen are causing your dry cough.  Try some over-the-counter medications and if it doesn't go away in ten days or so, see your family doctor.  In the meantime, stay off the internet and don't let yourself obsess about this!    

          • May 28, 2017 at 5:59 am
          UBContributor
          Participant

            Have you had scans at your Dx? Generally, with your stage, you have very sure future, do not worry about MM. Treat your cough just like a regular cough.

              • May 28, 2017 at 12:22 pm
              Hammers
              Participant

                Thanks guys.  It helps a lot to hear that.  I feel like a huge Jerk worrying my family about all of this stuff, but its hard to keep it to my self some times.

              • May 28, 2017 at 4:05 pm
              Marksa2570
              Participant

                i too have GERD and got diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma.     I got a terrible shortly after diagnosis but realized it was a flare up of the GERD due to all the stress.      Since getting the stress under control I have been much better     I think GERD can cause a cough too     

                Your prognosis is great…. Enjoy your time with your family!     

                  • May 28, 2017 at 4:06 pm
                  Marksa2570
                  Participant

                    Ha ha.., a terrible "sore throat" – not a terrible shorty.    

                  • May 29, 2017 at 2:48 am
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    Pretend you have never had melanoma.  Would these symptoms send you running to your doctor?  That's the frame of mind you need, because the chances of melanoma spreading from a t1a melanoma are very low.  My doc cites a 6 week rule.  If something doesn't get better or continues to get worse, then it's time to see a doc.  You need to give things a chance to heal on their own.  I'm in to week three of a cough from what was a lung infection and not once have I considered melanoma.  Look for the most likely explanation first, then look for zebras.  Melanoma is still a zebra in your world.

                      • May 29, 2017 at 12:31 pm
                      Hammers
                      Participant

                        Thanks for that.  I am trying different stuff, Nexium and then I will go buy some allergy meds and see if that helps.  I will give it a few more weeks before I go to the Dr.

                        Thanks!

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