Recently Diagnosed – feeling nervous by not knowing much

This topic has 69 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 10 months ago by JC.

Post

- May 15, 2014 at 1:08 pm
- Quote
Drew.E
Participant
I went to see a dermatologist about an odd spot that I had for years that recently had a raised bump, punch biopsy and 2 weeks later I was informed it was Melanoma and the I needed to see a Surgical Oncologist, as well as notify my family. So I left and made an appointment with the specialist at the state cancer center and then followed up to get my report

1.8MM Breslow, Clarks Level IV, Mitosis rate 4mm/2, No ulceration, Margins invloved by tumor and moderate lymphoid infiltrate at the base.

My appointment is still a few days away and not sure what to expect other than review the results and schedule surgery and additional tests.

Any feedback reccomendations?

Viewing 17 reply threads

Replies

- - May 16, 2014 at 4:39 am
  - Quote
  Jme
  Participant
  I am fairly new to this forum and to the melanoma world.. But… I do know this… Find a melanoma specialist immediately if you don't have one close-travel. We have just returned from MD Anderson and highly recommend.
  
  jenny
- - May 16, 2014 at 4:39 am
  - Quote
  Jme
  Participant
  I am fairly new to this forum and to the melanoma world.. But… I do know this… Find a melanoma specialist immediately if you don't have one close-travel. We have just returned from MD Anderson and highly recommend.
  
  jenny
- - May 16, 2014 at 4:39 am
  - Quote
  Jme
  Participant
  I am fairly new to this forum and to the melanoma world.. But… I do know this… Find a melanoma specialist immediately if you don't have one close-travel. We have just returned from MD Anderson and highly recommend.
  
  jenny
- - May 16, 2014 at 11:23 am
  - Quote
  Fen
  Participant
  Where are you being treated, Drew? It really is important to be with a melanoma specialist.
  
  At your next appt you will probably discuss a wide local excision (WLE) and a sentinel node biopsy (SNB). The surgical oncologist will do these.
  
  In my opinion you are at the worst part of the journey – not knowing a lot and not having a lot of specific information. It honestly does get easier.
  
  Good luck in your appointments and please post an update after you meet with the surgical oncologist.
  
  fen
- - May 16, 2014 at 11:23 am
  - Quote
  Fen
  Participant
  Where are you being treated, Drew? It really is important to be with a melanoma specialist.
  
  At your next appt you will probably discuss a wide local excision (WLE) and a sentinel node biopsy (SNB). The surgical oncologist will do these.
  
  In my opinion you are at the worst part of the journey – not knowing a lot and not having a lot of specific information. It honestly does get easier.
  
  Good luck in your appointments and please post an update after you meet with the surgical oncologist.
  
  fen
  - May 16, 2014 at 12:06 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Thanks, I will be treated at the Cancer Institute of NJ.Meeting with the Surgical Oncologist Monday. I am glad to hear it does get easier, the not knowing and worry are almost as unerving as the diagnosis. I expect to know next steps after my oncologist appointment but wont know the full impact of the cancer. Appreciate the well wishes.
  - May 16, 2014 at 12:06 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Thanks, I will be treated at the Cancer Institute of NJ.Meeting with the Surgical Oncologist Monday. I am glad to hear it does get easier, the not knowing and worry are almost as unerving as the diagnosis. I expect to know next steps after my oncologist appointment but wont know the full impact of the cancer. Appreciate the well wishes.
  - May 16, 2014 at 6:41 pm
    
    Quote
    Fen
    Participant
    
    Wander around the MRF site a little bit, Drew. I haven't been in a long time, but there are lots of good resources there including some info on the types of surgery. I also found this part http://mrf.findmytreatmentcenter.com/ which shows the melanoma centers in and around NJ. I am sure you are fine with where you're going but should you need additional resources it's a good link.
    
    I grew up on Route 22 outside of newark – i hope you're in a more attractive part of NJ
  - May 16, 2014 at 6:41 pm
    
    Quote
    Fen
    Participant
    
    Wander around the MRF site a little bit, Drew. I haven't been in a long time, but there are lots of good resources there including some info on the types of surgery. I also found this part http://mrf.findmytreatmentcenter.com/ which shows the melanoma centers in and around NJ. I am sure you are fine with where you're going but should you need additional resources it's a good link.
    
    I grew up on Route 22 outside of newark – i hope you're in a more attractive part of NJ
  - May 16, 2014 at 6:41 pm
    
    Quote
    Fen
    Participant
    
    Wander around the MRF site a little bit, Drew. I haven't been in a long time, but there are lots of good resources there including some info on the types of surgery. I also found this part http://mrf.findmytreatmentcenter.com/ which shows the melanoma centers in and around NJ. I am sure you are fine with where you're going but should you need additional resources it's a good link.
    
    I grew up on Route 22 outside of newark – i hope you're in a more attractive part of NJ
  - May 16, 2014 at 12:06 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Thanks, I will be treated at the Cancer Institute of NJ.Meeting with the Surgical Oncologist Monday. I am glad to hear it does get easier, the not knowing and worry are almost as unerving as the diagnosis. I expect to know next steps after my oncologist appointment but wont know the full impact of the cancer. Appreciate the well wishes.
- - May 16, 2014 at 11:23 am
  - Quote
  Fen
  Participant
  Where are you being treated, Drew? It really is important to be with a melanoma specialist.
  
  At your next appt you will probably discuss a wide local excision (WLE) and a sentinel node biopsy (SNB). The surgical oncologist will do these.
  
  In my opinion you are at the worst part of the journey – not knowing a lot and not having a lot of specific information. It honestly does get easier.
  
  Good luck in your appointments and please post an update after you meet with the surgical oncologist.
  
  fen
- - May 20, 2014 at 11:45 am
  - Quote
  Drew.E
  Participant
  My appointment went well and was as expected. The oncologist confirmed the diagnosis and will be performing the WLE and SNB. Updside is he said 85% of patients like me need no additional treatment as long as the SNB comes back negative. So for now I will just wait for the surgery to be scheduled and completed in the next few weeks. Thanks.
- - May 20, 2014 at 11:45 am
  - Quote
  Drew.E
  Participant
  My appointment went well and was as expected. The oncologist confirmed the diagnosis and will be performing the WLE and SNB. Updside is he said 85% of patients like me need no additional treatment as long as the SNB comes back negative. So for now I will just wait for the surgery to be scheduled and completed in the next few weeks. Thanks.
  - May 20, 2014 at 12:43 pm
    
    Quote
    JC
    Participant
    
    where do they get these numbers like 85%? seems like you can get different numbers depending on where you look
  - May 20, 2014 at 12:43 pm
    
    Quote
    JC
    Participant
    
    where do they get these numbers like 85%? seems like you can get different numbers depending on where you look
  - May 20, 2014 at 1:47 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Statistics compiled from patient results and I'll hope I'm not in the 15%. Anyway wont know anything for sure until a few weeks after SNB and WLE. Never thought I would be looking forward to surgery.
  - May 21, 2014 at 2:39 am
    
    Quote
    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    Hi Drew. Look over your shoulder. I’m in your boat also. Recently diagnosed and looking forward to survey for answers, no matter what they may be. I’m scheduled 6/12/14 and the waiting and not knowing are weighing me down. Best of luck to you! 🙂
  - May 21, 2014 at 2:39 am
    
    Quote
    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    Hi Drew. Look over your shoulder. I’m in your boat also. Recently diagnosed and looking forward to survey for answers, no matter what they may be. I’m scheduled 6/12/14 and the waiting and not knowing are weighing me down. Best of luck to you! 🙂
  - May 21, 2014 at 12:42 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Good Luck Jewels! Let us know how you make out.
  - May 21, 2014 at 12:42 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Good Luck Jewels! Let us know how you make out.
  - May 23, 2014 at 11:27 pm
    
    Quote
    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    Thanks Drew. 🙂 Hope your results come back clean also. I’m not a very patient, patient. Lol. Tired of waiting.
  - May 23, 2014 at 11:27 pm
    
    Quote
    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    Thanks Drew. 🙂 Hope your results come back clean also. I’m not a very patient, patient. Lol. Tired of waiting.
  - May 23, 2014 at 11:27 pm
    
    Quote
    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    Thanks Drew. 🙂 Hope your results come back clean also. I’m not a very patient, patient. Lol. Tired of waiting.
  - May 21, 2014 at 12:42 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Good Luck Jewels! Let us know how you make out.
  - May 21, 2014 at 2:39 am
    
    Quote
    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    Hi Drew. Look over your shoulder. I’m in your boat also. Recently diagnosed and looking forward to survey for answers, no matter what they may be. I’m scheduled 6/12/14 and the waiting and not knowing are weighing me down. Best of luck to you! 🙂
  - May 20, 2014 at 1:47 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Statistics compiled from patient results and I'll hope I'm not in the 15%. Anyway wont know anything for sure until a few weeks after SNB and WLE. Never thought I would be looking forward to surgery.
  - May 20, 2014 at 1:47 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Statistics compiled from patient results and I'll hope I'm not in the 15%. Anyway wont know anything for sure until a few weeks after SNB and WLE. Never thought I would be looking forward to surgery.
  - May 21, 2014 at 3:07 pm
    
    Quote
    JerryfromFauq
    Participant
    
    I would love to see a complete breakdown table of the numbers. I know they vary greatly dependant upon the depth of the primary and the mitotic rate. For Stage 1A. Some Stage 2 statistics are worse than some stage 3 statistics. Just remember YOU are not a statistic, You are an INDIVIDUAL. Statistsically speaking I would say you are in a fair position, the depth and mitotic rate are not great, but could be much worse.
    
    BE vigilant, Not Paranoid AND learn all you can. Check out (Verify in Peer-reviewed publications) everything Technical/Treatment procedure and side effects you read posted in support groups. Determine what applies to you as an individual.
  - May 21, 2014 at 3:07 pm
    
    Quote
    JerryfromFauq
    Participant
    
    I would love to see a complete breakdown table of the numbers. I know they vary greatly dependant upon the depth of the primary and the mitotic rate. For Stage 1A. Some Stage 2 statistics are worse than some stage 3 statistics. Just remember YOU are not a statistic, You are an INDIVIDUAL. Statistsically speaking I would say you are in a fair position, the depth and mitotic rate are not great, but could be much worse.
    
    BE vigilant, Not Paranoid AND learn all you can. Check out (Verify in Peer-reviewed publications) everything Technical/Treatment procedure and side effects you read posted in support groups. Determine what applies to you as an individual.
  - May 21, 2014 at 3:07 pm
    
    Quote
    JerryfromFauq
    Participant
    
    I would love to see a complete breakdown table of the numbers. I know they vary greatly dependant upon the depth of the primary and the mitotic rate. For Stage 1A. Some Stage 2 statistics are worse than some stage 3 statistics. Just remember YOU are not a statistic, You are an INDIVIDUAL. Statistsically speaking I would say you are in a fair position, the depth and mitotic rate are not great, but could be much worse.
    
    BE vigilant, Not Paranoid AND learn all you can. Check out (Verify in Peer-reviewed publications) everything Technical/Treatment procedure and side effects you read posted in support groups. Determine what applies to you as an individual.
  - May 20, 2014 at 12:43 pm
    
    Quote
    JC
    Participant
    
    where do they get these numbers like 85%? seems like you can get different numbers depending on where you look
- - May 20, 2014 at 11:45 am
  - Quote
  Drew.E
  Participant
  My appointment went well and was as expected. The oncologist confirmed the diagnosis and will be performing the WLE and SNB. Updside is he said 85% of patients like me need no additional treatment as long as the SNB comes back negative. So for now I will just wait for the surgery to be scheduled and completed in the next few weeks. Thanks.
- - May 27, 2014 at 4:57 am
  - Quote
  brittanyx
  Participant
  I was diagnosed with melanoma recently as well, a little over a month ago stage lll. I had my first surgery 2 weeks ago and have my next one in about 2 weeks. I also have a pet scan and brain scan in a couple days. Your doctor will go over everything with you. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you need anyone to talk to, you can message me on fb or email if you want! Just stay positive. Attitude is everything. You will get through this 🙂
- - May 27, 2014 at 4:57 am
  - Quote
  brittanyx
  Participant
  I was diagnosed with melanoma recently as well, a little over a month ago stage lll. I had my first surgery 2 weeks ago and have my next one in about 2 weeks. I also have a pet scan and brain scan in a couple days. Your doctor will go over everything with you. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you need anyone to talk to, you can message me on fb or email if you want! Just stay positive. Attitude is everything. You will get through this 🙂
  - May 27, 2014 at 12:35 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Surgery is scheduled for June 26th. Looking forward to getting some answers. Thanks for offer to talk, I may just take you up on it! Life as usual until I know something!! 🙂
  - May 27, 2014 at 12:35 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Surgery is scheduled for June 26th. Looking forward to getting some answers. Thanks for offer to talk, I may just take you up on it! Life as usual until I know something!! 🙂
  - May 27, 2014 at 12:35 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Surgery is scheduled for June 26th. Looking forward to getting some answers. Thanks for offer to talk, I may just take you up on it! Life as usual until I know something!! 🙂
- - May 27, 2014 at 4:57 am
  - Quote
  brittanyx
  Participant
  I was diagnosed with melanoma recently as well, a little over a month ago stage lll. I had my first surgery 2 weeks ago and have my next one in about 2 weeks. I also have a pet scan and brain scan in a couple days. Your doctor will go over everything with you. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you need anyone to talk to, you can message me on fb or email if you want! Just stay positive. Attitude is everything. You will get through this 🙂
- - June 16, 2014 at 10:29 pm
  - Quote
  5dives
  Participant
  Hi Drew,
  
  Just wanted to say "hello" and add my voice to the list of those recently diagnosed and suffering through the waiting.
  
  My original biopsy happened on June 3rd, results June 10th, surgical oncologist consultation happens on June 24th, and then I'll have to wait for surgery….it's torture, isn't it?
  
  My lesion was .96, mitotic rate 2, Clark's level IV. They're going to do the SNB since my lesion was so close to 1mm and they consider me "young"…I'm 45, lol, so I'm no spring chicken.
  
  Trying not to drive myself crazy with reading the entire internet, but I do believe that knowledge is power and all that. Trying to stay positive.
  
  Good luck with your surgery on the 26th. I'll be not too far behind you!
  
  Best,
  
  Elaine
- - June 16, 2014 at 10:29 pm
  - Quote
  5dives
  Participant
  Hi Drew,
  
  Just wanted to say "hello" and add my voice to the list of those recently diagnosed and suffering through the waiting.
  
  My original biopsy happened on June 3rd, results June 10th, surgical oncologist consultation happens on June 24th, and then I'll have to wait for surgery….it's torture, isn't it?
  
  My lesion was .96, mitotic rate 2, Clark's level IV. They're going to do the SNB since my lesion was so close to 1mm and they consider me "young"…I'm 45, lol, so I'm no spring chicken.
  
  Trying not to drive myself crazy with reading the entire internet, but I do believe that knowledge is power and all that. Trying to stay positive.
  
  Good luck with your surgery on the 26th. I'll be not too far behind you!
  
  Best,
  
  Elaine
- - June 16, 2014 at 10:29 pm
  - Quote
  5dives
  Participant
  Hi Drew,
  
  Just wanted to say "hello" and add my voice to the list of those recently diagnosed and suffering through the waiting.
  
  My original biopsy happened on June 3rd, results June 10th, surgical oncologist consultation happens on June 24th, and then I'll have to wait for surgery….it's torture, isn't it?
  
  My lesion was .96, mitotic rate 2, Clark's level IV. They're going to do the SNB since my lesion was so close to 1mm and they consider me "young"…I'm 45, lol, so I'm no spring chicken.
  
  Trying not to drive myself crazy with reading the entire internet, but I do believe that knowledge is power and all that. Trying to stay positive.
  
  Good luck with your surgery on the 26th. I'll be not too far behind you!
  
  Best,
  
  Elaine
  - June 18, 2014 at 7:53 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Thanks Elaine, I'm counting down the days 8. I turn 45 2 days prior so same age 😉
    
    Definitely stay away form anything but Melanoma.org or the American Cancer Society. There are a lot of scary stories and misleading info, but I understand as i did it despite warnings from others. I stopped after about a week since we wont know anything more until post sugery.
    
    The pre-surgery appointment took a few hours. X-ray, blood test, EKG, nurse consult, anesthesiologist consult…so be prepared.
    
    Good luck and let me know how you make out.
  - June 18, 2014 at 7:53 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Thanks Elaine, I'm counting down the days 8. I turn 45 2 days prior so same age 😉
    
    Definitely stay away form anything but Melanoma.org or the American Cancer Society. There are a lot of scary stories and misleading info, but I understand as i did it despite warnings from others. I stopped after about a week since we wont know anything more until post sugery.
    
    The pre-surgery appointment took a few hours. X-ray, blood test, EKG, nurse consult, anesthesiologist consult…so be prepared.
    
    Good luck and let me know how you make out.
  - June 20, 2014 at 2:16 pm
    
    Quote
    5dives
    Participant
    
    Drew,
    
    Thank you for being the one to boldly march into surgery before me. it was kind of you to volunteer to go first so I can learn from your experience! 😉
    
    I am very nervous about the surgery as I have never had surgery before. I am a high school teacher, and I'm concerned about getting the surgery done so I can get back into the classroom for fall. Judging from your experience…it seems like you had a month between your surgical oncologist visit and your surgery! The waiting is very difficult, isn't it?
    
    Thank you for the warning about the pre-op visit. So many unknowns in this process, it's good to get first-hand answers.
    
    Drew, did your surgeon tell you what to expect in the way of recovery, or does that have to remain a mystery? Did he give you any hints about the size of your incision(s)? I know we're going to have shark bites to show off after this surgery, but I guess I never considered in the past how long it might take to heal from a shark bite!
    
    I am going to watch your progress very closely and I am pulling for you. Please let us know how you do. Stay calm and fight that shark head on!
    
    Best,
    
    Elaine
  - June 20, 2014 at 2:16 pm
    
    Quote
    5dives
    Participant
    
    Drew,
    
    Thank you for being the one to boldly march into surgery before me. it was kind of you to volunteer to go first so I can learn from your experience! 😉
    
    I am very nervous about the surgery as I have never had surgery before. I am a high school teacher, and I'm concerned about getting the surgery done so I can get back into the classroom for fall. Judging from your experience…it seems like you had a month between your surgical oncologist visit and your surgery! The waiting is very difficult, isn't it?
    
    Thank you for the warning about the pre-op visit. So many unknowns in this process, it's good to get first-hand answers.
    
    Drew, did your surgeon tell you what to expect in the way of recovery, or does that have to remain a mystery? Did he give you any hints about the size of your incision(s)? I know we're going to have shark bites to show off after this surgery, but I guess I never considered in the past how long it might take to heal from a shark bite!
    
    I am going to watch your progress very closely and I am pulling for you. Please let us know how you do. Stay calm and fight that shark head on!
    
    Best,
    
    Elaine
  - June 20, 2014 at 2:16 pm
    
    Quote
    5dives
    Participant
    
    Drew,
    
    Thank you for being the one to boldly march into surgery before me. it was kind of you to volunteer to go first so I can learn from your experience! 😉
    
    I am very nervous about the surgery as I have never had surgery before. I am a high school teacher, and I'm concerned about getting the surgery done so I can get back into the classroom for fall. Judging from your experience…it seems like you had a month between your surgical oncologist visit and your surgery! The waiting is very difficult, isn't it?
    
    Thank you for the warning about the pre-op visit. So many unknowns in this process, it's good to get first-hand answers.
    
    Drew, did your surgeon tell you what to expect in the way of recovery, or does that have to remain a mystery? Did he give you any hints about the size of your incision(s)? I know we're going to have shark bites to show off after this surgery, but I guess I never considered in the past how long it might take to heal from a shark bite!
    
    I am going to watch your progress very closely and I am pulling for you. Please let us know how you do. Stay calm and fight that shark head on!
    
    Best,
    
    Elaine
  - June 20, 2014 at 3:43 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Elaine, Happy to be the pioneer for you. The wait was partially my fault as I declined the first available slot as it was my daughters HS Graduation and then Dr. was on vacation, otherwise I would be able to share the results. At your pre-op visit they should go through all your questions on incision size from the WLE and recovery amd also how long you will be at the hospital on the surgery day (8-10 hours start – finish). I'm expecting a 4 inch scar on the back of my upper arm from the WLE and minor stiches from the SNB. Recovery they recommended a week. 3 full days before trying activities and then up to me if I wanted to get back to my commute, depending on pain. Since its my arm, no lifting over 10lbs for 30 days which for me is just in time to take my troop to Boy Scout Camp. They say if you punch a shark in the nose it will retreat …. Drew
  - June 20, 2014 at 3:43 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Elaine, Happy to be the pioneer for you. The wait was partially my fault as I declined the first available slot as it was my daughters HS Graduation and then Dr. was on vacation, otherwise I would be able to share the results. At your pre-op visit they should go through all your questions on incision size from the WLE and recovery amd also how long you will be at the hospital on the surgery day (8-10 hours start – finish). I'm expecting a 4 inch scar on the back of my upper arm from the WLE and minor stiches from the SNB. Recovery they recommended a week. 3 full days before trying activities and then up to me if I wanted to get back to my commute, depending on pain. Since its my arm, no lifting over 10lbs for 30 days which for me is just in time to take my troop to Boy Scout Camp. They say if you punch a shark in the nose it will retreat …. Drew
  - June 20, 2014 at 3:43 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Elaine, Happy to be the pioneer for you. The wait was partially my fault as I declined the first available slot as it was my daughters HS Graduation and then Dr. was on vacation, otherwise I would be able to share the results. At your pre-op visit they should go through all your questions on incision size from the WLE and recovery amd also how long you will be at the hospital on the surgery day (8-10 hours start – finish). I'm expecting a 4 inch scar on the back of my upper arm from the WLE and minor stiches from the SNB. Recovery they recommended a week. 3 full days before trying activities and then up to me if I wanted to get back to my commute, depending on pain. Since its my arm, no lifting over 10lbs for 30 days which for me is just in time to take my troop to Boy Scout Camp. They say if you punch a shark in the nose it will retreat …. Drew
  - June 27, 2014 at 5:12 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    So surgery is done, WLB and 2 lymph nodes removed and all went well as I am up & about with minimal pain from the WLE, although it is starting to increase with activity (so I'll stop). Slept most of the day & night after the surgery and today I am feeling good. I havent taken any drugs yet but have Tylenol and Percocet are standing by of needed. The bandage will stay on until tomorrow. Toughest part of the surgery was the 4 injections for the nuclear tracing shots. 3 weeks until follow up for the results.
  - July 2, 2014 at 7:32 pm
    
    Quote
    5dives
    Participant
    
    Drew,
    
    I'm so glad to hear your surgery went well and you're feeling okay. My surgery has been moved up to July 10th (with the nuclear tracer on the 9th) so I finally feel like I'm starting to get close!
    
    Fingers crossed for good news on your results!
    
    Best,
    
    Elaine
  - July 2, 2014 at 7:32 pm
    
    Quote
    5dives
    Participant
    
    Drew,
    
    I'm so glad to hear your surgery went well and you're feeling okay. My surgery has been moved up to July 10th (with the nuclear tracer on the 9th) so I finally feel like I'm starting to get close!
    
    Fingers crossed for good news on your results!
    
    Best,
    
    Elaine
  - July 2, 2014 at 7:32 pm
    
    Quote
    5dives
    Participant
    
    Drew,
    
    I'm so glad to hear your surgery went well and you're feeling okay. My surgery has been moved up to July 10th (with the nuclear tracer on the 9th) so I finally feel like I'm starting to get close!
    
    Fingers crossed for good news on your results!
    
    Best,
    
    Elaine
  - June 27, 2014 at 5:12 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    So surgery is done, WLB and 2 lymph nodes removed and all went well as I am up & about with minimal pain from the WLE, although it is starting to increase with activity (so I'll stop). Slept most of the day & night after the surgery and today I am feeling good. I havent taken any drugs yet but have Tylenol and Percocet are standing by of needed. The bandage will stay on until tomorrow. Toughest part of the surgery was the 4 injections for the nuclear tracing shots. 3 weeks until follow up for the results.
  - June 27, 2014 at 5:12 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    So surgery is done, WLB and 2 lymph nodes removed and all went well as I am up & about with minimal pain from the WLE, although it is starting to increase with activity (so I'll stop). Slept most of the day & night after the surgery and today I am feeling good. I havent taken any drugs yet but have Tylenol and Percocet are standing by of needed. The bandage will stay on until tomorrow. Toughest part of the surgery was the 4 injections for the nuclear tracing shots. 3 weeks until follow up for the results.
  - June 18, 2014 at 7:53 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Thanks Elaine, I'm counting down the days 8. I turn 45 2 days prior so same age 😉
    
    Definitely stay away form anything but Melanoma.org or the American Cancer Society. There are a lot of scary stories and misleading info, but I understand as i did it despite warnings from others. I stopped after about a week since we wont know anything more until post sugery.
    
    The pre-surgery appointment took a few hours. X-ray, blood test, EKG, nurse consult, anesthesiologist consult…so be prepared.
    
    Good luck and let me know how you make out.
- - July 21, 2014 at 6:02 pm
  - Quote
  Drew.E
  Participant
  Thanks everyone for all of the information and support. I had my follow up appointment with the oncologist this morning. Nothing was found in the Lympnodes after the SNB. The margins of the WLE were all clear! Now I'll be on to regular followups with the Dermatologist and Oncologist but glad the waiting is over and the news was positive.
- - July 21, 2014 at 6:02 pm
  - Quote
  Drew.E
  Participant
  Thanks everyone for all of the information and support. I had my follow up appointment with the oncologist this morning. Nothing was found in the Lympnodes after the SNB. The margins of the WLE were all clear! Now I'll be on to regular followups with the Dermatologist and Oncologist but glad the waiting is over and the news was positive.
- - July 21, 2014 at 6:02 pm
  - Quote
  Drew.E
  Participant
  Thanks everyone for all of the information and support. I had my follow up appointment with the oncologist this morning. Nothing was found in the Lympnodes after the SNB. The margins of the WLE were all clear! Now I'll be on to regular followups with the Dermatologist and Oncologist but glad the waiting is over and the news was positive.
  - July 24, 2014 at 4:48 pm
    
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    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    That's great news Drew! My surgery (wle and 4 nodes removed) was sucessful too! 😉 I am having difficulties with lymphedema in my upper arm though and had muscle contracture as well. That I will get through. I am wondering though if you or anyone else has been informed, like I was, that I WILL have a recurrance either in the same area or somewhere else? I don't understand this. If they got it all and it wasn't in my nodes, why would my surgeon make this statement? Scares me! Has anyone heard this? I have read stories that people have gone years between recurrance but it seems theirs was more severe to begin with. Mine was/is stage 1b. I'm sorry but I'm so confused……
  - July 24, 2014 at 4:48 pm
    
    Quote
    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    That's great news Drew! My surgery (wle and 4 nodes removed) was sucessful too! 😉 I am having difficulties with lymphedema in my upper arm though and had muscle contracture as well. That I will get through. I am wondering though if you or anyone else has been informed, like I was, that I WILL have a recurrance either in the same area or somewhere else? I don't understand this. If they got it all and it wasn't in my nodes, why would my surgeon make this statement? Scares me! Has anyone heard this? I have read stories that people have gone years between recurrance but it seems theirs was more severe to begin with. Mine was/is stage 1b. I'm sorry but I'm so confused……
  - July 24, 2014 at 4:48 pm
    
    Quote
    Jewels07
    Participant
    
    That's great news Drew! My surgery (wle and 4 nodes removed) was sucessful too! 😉 I am having difficulties with lymphedema in my upper arm though and had muscle contracture as well. That I will get through. I am wondering though if you or anyone else has been informed, like I was, that I WILL have a recurrance either in the same area or somewhere else? I don't understand this. If they got it all and it wasn't in my nodes, why would my surgeon make this statement? Scares me! Has anyone heard this? I have read stories that people have gone years between recurrance but it seems theirs was more severe to begin with. Mine was/is stage 1b. I'm sorry but I'm so confused……
  - July 25, 2014 at 12:33 pm
    
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    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Jewels, First very glad your surgery was a success and I hope your other issues resolve quickly. So yes I received what I think was similar information and I think they do that so we understand, not to be scared. It's all about the averages.98% of patients like you dont need anything further and wont have a same recurrence in the same spot, but 2% do. Recurrance elsewhere, yes for Stage I like us they say 2.8% after 5 years and 3.6% after 10 years. No it doesnt make you feel good but small percentages and regular visits to the Dermotologist (every 3 months…yay ) will hopefully keep us fromgoing through this again or at least catch any new issues erlier. Stay strong and be well.
  - July 25, 2014 at 1:59 pm
    
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    JC
    Participant
    
    and trying to figure out/predict who those 3% are going to be or who are the higher risk. . is a challenge too
  - July 25, 2014 at 1:59 pm
    
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    JC
    Participant
    
    and trying to figure out/predict who those 3% are going to be or who are the higher risk. . is a challenge too
  - July 25, 2014 at 1:59 pm
    
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    JC
    Participant
    
    and trying to figure out/predict who those 3% are going to be or who are the higher risk. . is a challenge too
  - July 25, 2014 at 12:33 pm
    
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    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Jewels, First very glad your surgery was a success and I hope your other issues resolve quickly. So yes I received what I think was similar information and I think they do that so we understand, not to be scared. It's all about the averages.98% of patients like you dont need anything further and wont have a same recurrence in the same spot, but 2% do. Recurrance elsewhere, yes for Stage I like us they say 2.8% after 5 years and 3.6% after 10 years. No it doesnt make you feel good but small percentages and regular visits to the Dermotologist (every 3 months…yay ) will hopefully keep us fromgoing through this again or at least catch any new issues erlier. Stay strong and be well.
  - July 25, 2014 at 12:33 pm
    
    Quote
    Drew.E
    Participant
    
    Jewels, First very glad your surgery was a success and I hope your other issues resolve quickly. So yes I received what I think was similar information and I think they do that so we understand, not to be scared. It's all about the averages.98% of patients like you dont need anything further and wont have a same recurrence in the same spot, but 2% do. Recurrance elsewhere, yes for Stage I like us they say 2.8% after 5 years and 3.6% after 10 years. No it doesnt make you feel good but small percentages and regular visits to the Dermotologist (every 3 months…yay ) will hopefully keep us fromgoing through this again or at least catch any new issues erlier. Stay strong and be well.