New diagnosis of melanoma

SallyAlter
SallyAlter Member Posts: 3 Member
in Skin Cancer #1

I just got a diagnosis of melanoma and am up to my neck in tests and appointments with oncology surgeon and oncologist. I have had the mole removed and the lab report, which took 11 weeks, is very upsetting. It seems I have an aggressive cancer with a very poor survival rate of 8 to 13 months. I am still in denial at the moment.

Comments

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #2

    Hi SallyAlter,

    I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma and feel I am also in denial. I think I am coming around to putting my bucket list into high gear. Do you have a bucket list? If so, tell me a few of them…

    A couple of mine are; Watch a space capsule blast-off and another is visiting the Azores off Portugal (where my wife's family is from). I am a SCUBA diver and I want to try a dive there.

    Look forward to hearing from you-

  • SallyAlter
    SallyAlter Member Posts: 3 Member
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719774#Comment_1719774

    Hello Will, thanks so much for writing. You have it worse than me for sure, so I hope you can find some good treatment. I don't really have a bucket list as I have done so many things in my life. I have traveled a great deal and lived in many different countries. I am no longer fit to travel and can't think of anything else I want to do. I once wanted to write a book but have now written 14 books. I am now on a novel. So I wish you well. Take good care of yourself. Sally

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #4
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719776#Comment_1719776

    Hi Sally, Wow- you are quite well known for your Bipolar books and others, I will have to check them out. I can't imagine the energy it took to write 14 books plus promoting them!

    Be good to yourself- Will

  • SallyAlter
    SallyAlter Member Posts: 3 Member
    #5
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719796#Comment_1719796

    Hi Will, how are you today? I know you have a lot to process with your diagnosis. Do you know where it has metastasized to? And what treatment are you receiving. They told me I would get immunotherapy if the cancer is in the lymph nodes. I am only just starting on this adventure.

    Thanks for checking out my books. I have written another book on bipolar and it is getting ready for publication. I think five books are enough, although I do have an idea for another one! Writing is no problem as I am retired and have nothing else to do to fill my time. What do you do to pass the day? Do you have any hobbies?

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #6
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719797#Comment_1719797

    Hi Sally, I have been on Nivolumab immunotherapy since January of this year, the tumor is by my ankle and the latest MRI shows it has become smaller. Aside from the cancer stuff I have 2 prosthetic heart valves. Also, I was diagnosed with bipolar years ago but it seems like my PC doctor and I have it under control. I am very grateful for modern medicine.

    I am a Navy Vietnam Veteran and I own a successful plastic company with my wife and work Monday thru Fridays. I am semi-active and our employees no nothing of my issues. We manufacture displays for the cannabis industry under our trade name; Bud Bar Displays. Since we sell internationally, there is a tradeshow in Portugal in early 2025 so this will be the perfect opportunity to extend the trip and go to the Azores! I plan to also go SCUBA diving while there.

    Does your nursing background give you a leg-up on what is going on with your health? How active are you?

    Have a beautiful day. Will

Discussion Boards