I'm so scared and confused

StormieWeather
StormieWeather Member Posts: 8 Member
in Skin Cancer #1

I just found out at the end of October that I have Melanoma Skin Cancer. A few days ago I had surgery to have the spot removed, a week before surgery I was told that it was bigger and deeper than they first thought......how much bigger? I don't even know? But the also removed 3 lymph nodes on the same day as the surgery

Comments

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #2
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/328791/im-so-scared-and-confused

    Hi Stormie, I know how you feel after getting that initial call or discussion with the doctor. Once the ball gets rolling on a plan for treatment it starts to put things in place for your mind even though things will probably still suck. I can only suggest to take it minute by minute until then. I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma in January of this year and after initially asking the oncologist what my prognosis was I got a standard 'semi-answer' that made me feel better but still terrible at the same time-lol. I am 68 and have lived a full life so I have now put my mind on auto-pilot that what ever happens from here on out is up to myself, God and the Universe.

    Stormie, you posted December 16, what has happened with your treatment since then?

    Wishing you peace of mind and sending prayers- Will

  • StormieWeather
    StormieWeather Member Posts: 8 Member
    #3

    Well I went for post op surgery the day after Christmas and my stitches were removed But still nothing as far as the pathology report, I seen the doctors notes from the day I had surgery and it said “Clark’s level 4”….. whatever that means. But I have not heard anything back other wise, I am just waiting in limbo

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #4

    Hoping for the best outcome when you get your results.

  • StormieWeather
    StormieWeather Member Posts: 8 Member
    #5
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719843#Comment_1719843

    it also doesn’t help that I have iron deficiency anemia

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #6

    Geez- I had that too! I had to get Iron infusions until my iron level got back to normal. Hope you get your results really soon and that it is good news!

  • StormieWeather
    StormieWeather Member Posts: 8 Member
    #7
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719887#Comment_1719887

    ApparentlyApparently i've had this Going on my whole life I've always taken iron pills.Nobody's ever investigated As to why my iron is always low.It was up to fifteen , but it's already dropped since the last It's fusion and I do have a copy of the pathology report But I have yet to hear from the doctors about what it means

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #8

    Having to wait for the meetings with your doctors to tell you what's going on always sucks…I'm sure your family and friends have already said it but…try to keep your mind busy-

    Have a Great New Years!

    Message if you need to vent!

  • StormieWeather
    StormieWeather Member Posts: 8 Member
    #9
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719910#Comment_1719910

    Well I have gotten my results today & they removed all that was there, and there were NO CANCER CELLS in the lymph nodes! So I guess I'm okay for now. But I NEED to get into see the dermatologist in the next few weeks, which I'm having trouble finding a new that takes my new insurance.

  • StormieWeather
    StormieWeather Member Posts: 8 Member
    #10

    Happy New Year!!!!

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #11

    WOW- Great news Stormie! I am soo happy for you!

    I hope you find a good dermatologist that takes your insurance. I have been fortunate that my wife retired from the State of California so we have good coverage and I own my own business.

    Where do you live?

  • StormieWeather
    StormieWeather Member Posts: 8 Member
    #12
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719957#Comment_1719957

    I am currently residing in Southeastern MO....I am not going to lie but I am not understanding whatsoever how the first pathology (10/17/24) report says cutaneous melanoma breslow.0.4mm and positive with all the markers & the biopsy after the surgery says incidental benign & negative for all markers. Also when I went to see the surgeon before the surgery he said that it was bigger and deeper than they had thought. I'm BEYOND confused.

  • willsmith
    willsmith Member Posts: 10 Member
    #13

    That's soo frustrating-

    Have you tried calling the surgeon or doctor and ask them to explain the results?

    I did see that there are some 'nurses on call' help line on the internet, perhaps they can explain the results.

    Wow-you get up early, you wrote your email at about 3:00 am, is that your normal time to get up?

    Hoping you get your answers soon-

  • StormieWeather
    StormieWeather Member Posts: 8 Member
    #14
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1720005#Comment_1720005

    I haveI have called but no call back yet. We seem to be playing a game of phone tag, lol. And really I don't think I have a sleeping schedule anymore, I seem to have managed to get it all turned around since October because I was dreading the bone marrow biopsy that was scheduled at the time. And then the specialist said she wanted to try and "fix me" first. And of course I thought it was a good, lol.

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