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melanoma and scared! What is this ?

 
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stacieklaus
New User


Joined: 27 Jul 2008
Posts: 4
PostPosted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:15 am    Post subject: melanoma and scared! Reply with quote
Hello everyone! I just found out I have level 4 malignant melanoma. As you all know who have experienced hearing the words, "you have cancer" for the first time, my husband and i were in shock. We have 5 smaller children and trying to grasp on to the fact mom has cancer and trying to embrace it and be positive but still difficult. I understand it will take time. My depth of melanoma is .82. I go next week to meet with the plastic surgeon and I guess at that time he consults with us what he will do according to results of the first biopsy. Can anyone relate to similar situation and what we might expect? We are all learning together and trying to be educated.
All of your stories are touching and encouraging. Bless you all and thank you for your help.
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brainman
Site Admin


Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 4202
Location: Tennessee
PostPosted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:00 am    Post subject: Re: melanoma and scared! Reply with quote
Hi stacieklaus. I am very sorry about your cancer. I can imagine the shock you must still be in at this time. I know because I have been there twice for myself and the once for each of my parents.

If it is stage IV, it must have spread to other organs. Where?

Cancer is so unfair!

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/
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stacieklaus
New User


Joined: 27 Jul 2008
Posts: 4
PostPosted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:18 pm    Post subject: melanoma with 5 children Reply with quote
thnks so much for the kind words. I am considered at level 4 which I believe is a stage 2. Praying it is early enough to be treatable. I am still learning but pretty sure this is correct. I'm sorry to hear about what all you have encountered with cancer, but way to fight! The hardest part is telling the kids and husband is angry. I am trying to find my peace with the disease and move forward to beat it. Mind over matter, right?

Thank you!!!!
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brainman
Site Admin


Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 4202
Location: Tennessee
PostPosted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:36 pm    Post subject: Re: melanoma and scared! Reply with quote
The "level 4" way of describing a melanoma may be an older system with which I am not familiar... but then there is a lot about cancer that I do not know. I too hope that it is Stage II. Keep us informed.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/
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erickclaytor
New User


Joined: 04 Apr 2008
Posts: 9
Location: Troutdale, OR
PostPosted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:50 am    Post subject: Re: melanoma and scared! Reply with quote
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis... it was a shock for me and my family as well when I was first diagnosed. Please know that I will be praying for you and please let us know how your consultation goes. Take care and God bless.

In His Service,
Erick Claytor

"God knows and sustains the workings of each and every part of your body, how it connect and what it needs. Every atom of every molecule of every cell of every tissue of every organ in your body is accounted for and upheld by His command."
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HaoleBoy
Regular


Joined: 19 Aug 2008
Posts: 32
PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 1:25 am    Post subject: Re: melanoma and scared! Reply with quote
If your tumor is .82mm thick (Breslow), then you are likely Stage IA if it is non-ulcerated or stage IB if it is ulcerated...... You probably know this already given that I'm posting this on 10 September (you had your WLE on 3 September ?), but don't confuse Clark's level with "Stage".....

Clark's level refers to the skin level where the tumor has penetrated... which is a prognostic marker for metatastis ...... Clark's level is not used much these days except for thin melanomas (i.e., < 1MM).....

I know this is shock to you but Stage IA is a pretty good place to sit if you have melanoma......Did the docs perform a Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy to check spread to the regional lymph nodes which drain the area where your primary tumor is located ?

Prayers and best wishs,

Bob aka "HaoleBoy"
Stage IIA
2.4MM on a middle toe since amputated 21 August 08
Diagnosed 1 August 08
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