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Worried my doctor thinks I’m paranoid
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Worried my doctor thinks I’m paranoid

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Worried my doctor thinks I’m paranoid

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    • February 16, 2018 at 1:30 am
    Jac1211
    Participant

      I was diagnosed in situ at age 29, only 7 months ago. My mole was a small change that seemed to happen over night. I had been for a mole check only 4 months prior and everything went well. The change prompted me to go back in and I’m glad I did.

      Fast forward till now. I go every 3-4 months for full body checks which is normal but I’m noticing some small changes in between that time and have scheduled a visit to get that one spot checked. So far so good. Today I got another spot removed (1 month away from my full body check) because I took pictures and saw the change. My doctor told me that she wants me to see the nurse practitioner for a new set of eyes for my next full body check. She also said they’ve been seeing me a lot and want to see me every 3-4 months not 2. I asked her straight up, if she thought I was just being paranoid and she didn’t say anything. Of course I feel paranoid, my melanoma presented as a minor change. Has anyone had a doctor say they need to see another doctor / NP in the practice? And has anyone felt that their doctor made them feel overly paranoid? I feel like an annoying patient by her attitude and that is the WORST feeling ever.  But if it wasn’t for my hypersensitivity, i could’ve had a worst outcome.

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        • February 16, 2018 at 12:15 pm
        bjeans
        Participant

          I'm new to melanoma – my husband was only recently diagnosed – so can't speak to that, other than saying you want a melanoma specialist once you've been diagnosed. I can't tell from your post if your doctor is one.

          But I can speak to how you need to feel comfortable bringing up any change, and that noticing changes is terribly important. The "WORST feeling ever?" The doctor not addressing your question and anxiety? I'd be outta there. And was angry on your behalf. 

          Look, a surgeon can be outstanding and have a crapola bedside manner. If we need to deal with that we can. But an ongoing relationship needs to work. Just my take. YMMV.

          • February 16, 2018 at 3:47 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            It's normal to feel paranoid.  Also unlikely that your diagnosis would have changed at all if you waited for 3 months instead of 2.  For most melanomas, they just don't grow that fast.  I know I waited over 3 months when I noticed change in my second primary.  I had insurance issues and waited until the new year to avoid issues. My changing lesion was still in situ.  If your previous was superficial spreading, slower growth is typical.  Multiple primaries aren't.   Do you have dysplastic Nevus syndrome?  Lots of atypical moles?  A strong family history of melanoma?   

            You have to do what makes you comfortable.  Work something out with your doc or find a new one.

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