Cancer Survivors Network

My partner (43 years old) had an odd looking mole on his back in Oct 2007. He had it looked at and the biopsy showed it was a melanoma (1.4mm deep) - which was removed along with 1 lymph node under his arm.

In May 2008 he had a routine PET scan which showed up totally negative. Then in early June 2008 a lump appeared 2cm along from the scar of the original melanoma. He has just had it removed and it was found to be another melanoma.

We were devastated. At the meeting the oncologist said he thought there was now a 60% chance of a reoccurance - and a 30% chance that any reoccurance would appear in vital organs.

He also said that if the reoccurance did strike the brain or liver - there was very little they could really do in terms of treatment (or does that depend on the severity??)

Today he was called to surgery to have all the remaining lymph nodes removed from under his left arm - and has also taken another PET scan.

We were told that the PET scan could show problems this time - despite it being clear in only May (can this happen?)

So - he is in surgery having his arm sorted and we will get the PET scan results tomorrow.

Can anyone pass on any advice to me? I have to keep this from his parents and family at this time as he has not told them that things have turned for the worse and so I am worrying here on my own.

As we had a clear PET scan in May and the fact that the second melanoma has appeared so very close to the first - should I feel as totally terrified as I do?

Should I also be over-worred about the spread to the organs at this time - given that nothing showed in the May PET?

I feel in a state of shcok and would love to hear from someone who has been thro something similar.

Thank you!

Bob