Anyone have experience with melanoma?

[Jenzebelle]

My Aunt's a nurse and she took a look at the moles on my face by my chin and jawline because I was concerned they were some sort of weird skin condition (they start off looking like black heads and then turn into blackish colored scab-like things). She thinks it looks like stage 1 melanoma, even though I meet none of the lifestyle or hereditary criteria.

I haven't seen my new Dr yet and with the holiday and all it's going to be a while before I can see a new dr for a new patient exam and then get a dermatologist referral. I'm calling Monday to set it all up.

In the meantime, in case it is what she thinks it is, I was hoping to get more info about what to expect in order to calm me down a bit.

 

[palmtreegirl]

If it's stage one it's VERY treatable. Just make sure you do get to the doctors soon and get it checked out, even if it takes a month or so it'll still be OK, please don't stress out! Your smart and doing the right thing and when it's caught so early it's highly treatable, I'm sure you'll be fine!

(((HUGS)))) and I'll send good thoughts your way even though it sounds like you'll be OK! Update after you visit the doctors!

 

[Adrianna]

I'd just do some research on the "net," try webmd or ivillage or something like that. Get to the doc's as quick as possible, good luck.

 

[Mamu]

I also would say see a Doctor soon. I had some pre-melanoma moles removed years ago. It done as an out patient and they are sent to the lab. They removed 2 medium and 20 small moles from my face, neck and back.

You feel relieved once they have been removed. Make that appointment.

 

[DVC-Don]

Get it checked and be firm. I survived stage 2 melanoma in 1996. My family dr. told me it was nothing, a dermatologist laughed at me and the surgeon also said it was nothing, but he'd take it off if I insisted. Well, I was right and they were all wrong. I needed a second surgery and had to undergo several tests to make sure it had not spread. It did not. Yours may not be melanoma, but lab tests are the only true way to find out.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hoping you get in soon, Jenn, always nothing to delay on. My very best for you.

Dan

 

[marlasmom]

It is highly treatable in the beginning stages, but I urge you to get it looked at RIGHT AWAY. DON'T WAIT A MONTH. DO IT NOW. Keep us posted.

 

[Spinning]

Please insist they see you right away and if they can't make them give you a referral to see a derm.
My dear friend is now fighting for her life. I don't want to scare you but she had a mole on her leg and asked repeated if it was something and they said no. She then went in for a cold and got an on call DR ask her and she immediately sent her to a derm to have it removed. It was cancer. She was checked and cancer free now less than 3 years later she is in stage 4. and in for the fight of her life.
I don't want to scare you but see some one ASAP and don't just take their word have it removed.

 

[CathyCanada]

Ok, Spinning, now you have me scared. I have one on my leg that was supposed to have been removed.......last year! Doctor keeps putting it off, I'm calling on Monday!

Jenn, hoping and praying that all is well with yours!
CC

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

{{hugs}} Jenn, I hope it isn't what you're thinking it might be. I find info on drkoop.com to be helpful. let us know how things go with the doctor.

 

[hercamore]

You need a referral to see a derm doctor? Not the way it works at our clinics here.

Good luck and keep us posted.

herc.

 

[Spinning]

I'm sorry CC I am sure it is nothing. But seeing what my friend is now going through it is a very scary and sad time. Prayers to you to that is is nothing!