MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Stage 1b 19 months out from dx
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Stage 1b 19 months out from dx

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Stage 1b 19 months out from dx

  • Post
    • July 18, 2018 at 2:31 am
    Dreaf01
    Participant

      Hi all, 

      First of all I wanted to say that my situation doesn’t compare to most of yours and how strong you all seem to be during these times. I appreciate any advice/encouragement that can be given. In Dec. 2016 I was dx with 1.5mm MM on my right upper thigh, negative SLNB. Fast forward to now I have had several biopsies and a major one being right next to my WLE/original melanoma scar. When the biopsy near my scar was done it was a deep excision and the area has been swollen since (bx done 12/2017). There is a hard square shaped lump in that same area that feels hard, but is painful and seems to increase in size with irritation. The area is very tender to touch and is warm. I had an appointment today with my dermatologist and he is recommending an oncology  referral and was asking me if I had any scans done, etc. He scheduled me for an excision at the end of August. 1), if he is suspecting a recurrence why is he waiting so long to excise/bx it? 2). Is a referral to an oncologist jumping the gun before a biopsy is done? 

    Viewing 0 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 27, 2018 at 5:12 am
        AN8
        Participant

          Hello, I am a newly diagnosed 1b, so I am no expert at all but wanted to share some things with you. First my excission was on my calf.  I have had a bought with cellulitis since then…tender to touch, redness, swelling and fever around excission.  A round of antibiotics helped.  Secondly..i found a small tender hard lump that appeared to increase in size with irritation.  Oncologist told me cancer tumors don't 'hurt'. They  only cause pain when they press on a nerve etc.  Having an ultrasound just to ck it out but his opinion is it's probably a cyst.  My lump is not located near my excission but thought I'd share the info anyway.  

          The referral to the oncologist is probably precautionary..it's a 'lump' and you've had cancer.  That's the go to person to have it checked out.  If it were me, I would go to the oncologist.  They can examine it, biopsy it themselves or ck it via CT or ultrasound.  Waiting is very hard and in some instances proven dangerous.  Peace of mind is very important.   Wishing you the best.  

           

      Viewing 0 reply threads
      • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
      About the MRF Patient Forum

      The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

      The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.