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Has anyone here had experiences with Melanoma? WH was just diagnosed yesterday. We know it’s at least stage 2, but could be a higher stage as the melanoma spanned the depth of the biopsy.

We are heartbroken and so freaking scared right now. He says that he feels this is his "punishment" for the things he did, which breaks my heart more. He doesn’t deserve this. No one does.

So this is a scary diagnosis, but w/ new immunotherapy there are a lot better prognosis, as well.
He needs to see at least 2 oncologists to get a review/plan of tx developed. If you can go to a major health system, that is with a teaching hospital.

Thank you! How do we do that…get a second opinion? This is the first medical issue either of us has ever had, so I feel very inexperienced with this kind of stuff.

On a positive note though, we are so lucky to live in a place with some amazing healthcare systems. The one that is handling his care is one of the top 10 in the country.

Well it sounds like you are in the right place. Wait for that f/u, your dr should be sending a referral, and should give you a number to call to schedule.

My MIL, had it and lived 37 years after the DX. Sending good thoughts, prayers and mojo!

This is the first medical issue either of us has ever had, so I feel very inexperienced with this kind of stuff.

I would highly recommend your keeping a journal of everything, particularly all of your doctor's appointments, phone calls, etc. ie., when you had what test or treatment done, and where; what medications were given and any reactions to them - find out how you can access those results (which platform are they kept on). Ask them which platform they use to share test results with. It will become overwhelming, even if it ends up being just safe 2, and treatment is successful; and as time passes, these are things you'll want to have at a hand's reach - even five or ten years down the road if there is any recurrence or another kind of cancer that arises (not saying it will, but if it does, you'll have the info). You can also write down whatever questions come up in this journal, so you'll have the list in front of you when at a doctor's appt., or a phone call.

Even the most easily treated cancers can throw someone in a tizzy. It's such a shock, and it messes with your brain. Keeping a journal helps to keep everything organized.

Good luck!

The journal is a great idea, I also kept a binder for all my daughter’s visits. I asked one to record his discussion due to me being upset and I w wanted to be clear about was being said.

@PricklePatch, omg 37 years is so reassuring. I’m hoping his is still early and that we caught it in time!

@number4, the journal is such a great idea! I’m going to do that. Luckily, his medical team has an online platform where everything is housed, future appts, past appts, test results, etc. but it will still be nice to have a hard copy I can keep myself.

This week has been a whirlwind. He finally got into the surgical oncologist on Tuesday and had surgery on Thursday. They did a wide local excision, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. We should have the biopsy results within the week to see if it has spread.

Seeing him so down and in so much pain is just heartbreaking. I’m praying so hard that it hasn’t spread to his lymph nodes and that he will be ok.

Thank you all so much for your suggestions, I appreciate them more than you can imagine!

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

@number4, the journal is such a great idea! I’m going to do that. Luckily, his medical team has an online platform where everything is housed, future appts, past appts, test results, etc. but it will still be nice to have a hard copy I can keep myself.

Well, who woulda' thunk that I'd find myself in a very similar situation after posting this over two weeks ago. I got a breast cancer diagnosis on Friday. It has been caught very early on, is slow growing, and very small. We will be moving across the country in about five weeks, so I need to start my own journal of conversations I've had, tests I've had run, etc. When the final pathology comes back, I will need to know the genotype so I can pass this along to my new health care team.

Like you, I am moving from one outstanding health care city to another. This is one of the reasons I could never live out in the middle of nowhere.

Sorry for the diagnosis but glad it is caught early. Your organization skills will be super helpful in navigating your care. Hope the move goes smoothly!