Bria12lane

I know this post is a bit older but in case anyone else comes across it…

The Oncologist I saw at Cleveland Clinic (Dr. Tarhini- head of melanoma and skin onc) and both oncologists I have at The James in Columbus have told me that new research points to the fact that melanoma in pregnancy is not related to anything hormonal. It seems that the correlation is actually related to the immune system. The immune system is suppressed during pregnancy so the suppression of the immune system allows the melanoma cells that are are already there, rather new or left over from a previous occurence, to grow and/or spread.

This complicated things for me and I just thought was interesting to share. It is definitely newer research so I see that many doctors aren’t fully up to date on that!

So happy for you!!!! I always look when I see a post from
You on here as we were both diagnosed at OSU at about the same time and during/right after pregnancy. So glad to see you are doing well!!

Hi there! I’m 2 months post 13 doses of immunotherapy and every doctor I see reminds me to use 2 types of birth control and avoid getting pregnant at all costs until at least 6 months post treatment (if ever- but it’s very different for women in regards to deciding to have more kids after melanoma), but 2 oncologists and an oncofertility specialist have all said that personally they would wait 1 year. There have been extremely limited numbers of women getting pregnant during or shortly after treatment (like single digits) and all have went on to have healthy pregnancies but I personally couldn’t risk it. I believe the recommendations are the same for men receiving treatment currently but I would definitely consult his doc! They are also very unclear on how treatment effects fertility as well and seem to be thinking it’s a low risk but can’t be sure yet.

Also just a reminder that side effects can show up anytime during treatment as well and can be brutal. I landed in the hospital 3 separate times during treatment for extended stays. I was diagnosed during pregnancy and have a 15 month old now and at times it was difficult for my husband to manage the care of both of us so I can’t imagine juggling 2 little ones and a cancer patient!

I am acutely aware of how frustrating this particular topic is and feel for you!

Hi There-

Hearing the word Melanoma really can have a devestating effect and it comes with so many unknowns so your fears are totally founded and natural. That being said- Many of us would throw a party and cry tears of joy at a pathology report like that. Having Melanoma is of course awful not matter the circumstance, but if it truly is 1A as your pathology suggests, that is as close to the best case scenario.

The extremely low mitotic count, thickness and lack of ulceration are all incredibly promising. I'm not sure where it is located but the fact it is amelonotic just means it doesnt look like a "normal" melanoma but it's not necessarily cause for greater concern. 

Who is the oncologist you will be seeing at The James? It is very likely they will just want to have a little more taken from around the area to ensure clean margins. Because of the thickness and because there is no ulceration present it is very unlikely you will even need a sentinal node biopsy. It is also likely you will require no further treatment at all. That is my hope for you! Your dermatologist will then probably do very thorough full body skin checks every 3-6 months for the next few years to watch for new Melanomas but the risk of a local reoccurence if very unlikely.

Best of Luck!

 

Just to clarify- hopefully you will not need a medical oncologist, but they really prefer to have one oversee everything at The James in my experience and follow you for a while after surgery. If this is the case with you those are my recommendations for Medical Oncologists there.

Both of my original biopsies were shave biopsies as well but luckily fairly indicative of the later pathology so I hope the same for you! 

Dr. Howard is also my Surgical Oncologist. From my research he is well regarded, confident and very well versed in current research and treatment. After our first appointment my husband did not like him very much but after 2 surgeries, an additional biopsy and numerous complications/appointments we have both come to realize that the man is very good at his job! He also has been very acomodating in working with The Cleveland Clinic. His nurse, Lisa, is also wonderful. She’s maternal but a straight shooter and an advocate for you! During my most recent diagnosis I saw him on a Tuesday and he got me in for my surgery the following Monday! 

Ohio State has had its issues with scheduling scans and multiple times I’ve been a bit more pushy than I would have liked to have been but they have normally been able to accommodate my requests- don’t be afraid to speak up! 

You will also be assigned to a medical oncologist most likely and if you can request Dr. Kendra or Dr. Shah. I see Dr. Olencki and adore him but he’s retiring soon. 

And yes- please stay off the internet!!! Even data that seems recent, normally isn’t. In the last few years, and even months advancements have been made and become available that there is no easily available information out there. 

Just last week a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic gave me some information that was presented at a conference the week before and was so contradictory to a few things I had read. Things are constantly changing and everyone is so unique in their specific situation.