Melanoma diagnosed, age 93

Old-timer
Old-timer Member Posts: 196
in Skin Cancer #1

My wife is in reasonably good health, at age 93. Biopsy of a spot on her arm says she has melanoma. We received this report by phone from a dermatologist two days ago. We have an appointment to see an oncologist Monday. We plan to get a second opinion and talk with other doctors.

We have many questions, such as "How fast is the cancer likely to spread if not treated?" "What treatment do you think my wife should consider?" My wife will make that decision, of course. My role will be to support her.

We welcome your thoughts concerning this.

Dealing with cancer is not a new experience in my family. I am a long-term survivor of prostate cancer. The prostate cancer discussion board has been helpful to me.

Old-timer

 

 

Comments

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    #2
    Hi,Old-timer

    I am from the Uterine Board but have been known to “stray”. Has your 93-year-young wife been evaluated by a plastic surgeon? If not, please, please, please see the experts on skin cancer including melanoma.

    Warm Wishes to you both,

    Cathy

  • Old-timer
    Old-timer Member Posts: 196
    #3
    Melonoma successfully removed

    I am pleased to report that the melanoma was successfully removed about two weeks ago. The "wound" has healed and the scar is concealed by blouse sleeves. Thank you for your concerns and advice.

    Good wishes to you.

    Old-timer

  • WW2vet
    WW2vet Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2021 #4
    Old-timer said:

    Melonoma successfully removed

    I am pleased to report that the melanoma was successfully removed about two weeks ago. The "wound" has healed and the scar is concealed by blouse sleeves. Thank you for your concerns and advice.

    Good wishes to you.

    Old-timer

    Hi Ole-timer. I'm one, too. I had a similar case of melonma.

    I am 97 yrs old & 2 yrs ago I had a stage 4 melonma wound on my r. arm. It was successfully removed with surgery. Also 2 lympth nodes were rmoved.  All tests showed negative. Hoverver about 6 months I wasn't feeling too good & seeing my dermantologist she suggested I get a PET scan. Two oneeologist said I didn't need one. Seeing a third doctor agreed that I needed the scan because my wound had been a stage 4.  Results showed tumor in r. lun & armpit. After 3 chemo doses all disappeared. A reduced  chemo follow follow up was done & 18 months of monthly immune infusion. which was completeed m May, 2021. Had PET, CT & 5 heart scans & over 20 pages of blood work in 2 test.  All very normal & stable with minor out of range items.  Now I am continuing to sauffer from fatigigue & some other minor symptoms. Some times can change very quickly from good to not so good.  I have good strenth but only about 2 minutes long.  I feel much better sitting or lying but moving about is very tiring. Appetite & sleeping are minor problems. Eating ice cream & drinking ginger ale helps.  Wishing you well & very happy to help with any questions I can answer.   

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