Just Diagnosed with Melanoma - I have had it for 2-3 Years at least.

LoyalRam

I showed my general practitioner during an office visit this large black area behind my left ear. He said, "don't worry about it." This was 2-3 years ago and I had pointed it out three other times with the same response. The result of a biopsy was that it was melanoma and that I needed to have a surgery very soon, but I arrived home yesterday 15 minutes after the office closed so I couldn't call them to make sure I had an office visit planned (this is a referral) .

I am trying not to panic. Have any of you discovered that you've had an undiagnosed melanoma for years and when it was examined, what stage was it? I was an interstate tour bus driver for 17 years and I understand from a friend that had a melanoma on his nose that truck drivers and farmers often have skin cancer on their left side, which I never thought of before…

willsmith

Hi LoyalRam,

Getting a diagnosis of melanoma is gut wrenching and scary as it is with any cancers. I got my diagnosis in December 2023 and I am now on immunotherapy once a month, my tumor has shrunk. It seems like immunotherapy is an effective alternative to chemotherapy nowadays.

I'm sending you prayers that yours is quickly and successfully handled.

LoyalRam

Thanks Will.

rwkaren

How did things turn out for you? My dermatologist also said the spot looked normal during several yearly skin checks so by the time it was diagnosed it's been quite awhile. I am still waiting on testing to find out what "stage" it's at.