Mark's story in Michigan..

sartor · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 11:23 am Post subject: Mark's story in Michigan..

Hi All,

Well, my annual trip to the Dermatologist, came back bad on one of two spots that were removed and biopsied. Melanoma on my right calf. Found 'early' though, so that's good, but I don't know what stage exactly. I was sent to a plastic Surgeon to have more skin removed for safety, and then sewn up with 9 stitches. I realize now what they mean when it's said that melanoma is a 'disfiguring' disease. Looks like a battlefield scar, though not even close to what my brother came out of Vietnam with when he served there with honor.

Actually, I am thankful that I am allowed to even go to a derm, as I have no 'real' med insurance, just a low level county health insurance here in michigan, as I am a single male, 60 and retired, and am below the poverty level. I had a large round weirdly colored spot on my shoulder 5 years ago or so, that got me first sent to the derm.. it was basal cell carcinoma. So recently, when the Dr said, I needed to go to a plastic surgeon for more surgery, I said I am not sure the insurance will cover that , she said she had already talked to my main practitioner, and it would be covered! Lucky. I am also a veteran (Navy), and go to the local VA clinic, but the local clinic here won't send me to a dermatologist at the VA hospital out of town. (I only served 4 years, and again, qualify only due to my financial status) I'll now get them the biopsy report of my current diagnosis so maybe they'll help me if things get worse.

I am now worried about exposing myself to the sun. Should I wear long pants everywhere now? (even while biking for exercise?) Should I just commit to a low cost gym membership to get my exercise? I have been eating Splenda daily - hoped to cut back on calories... did that cause it? Was it the sun? (I bike daily in shorts, and hadn't been applying sunscreen to them..) Sorry, I'm scared, frustrated, and panicking.
It's such a scary deadly disease. I did read today, that found early there is a > 90 pct chance of surviving more than 5 years, and I may only have a 5pct chance of getting it again.

The Derm Dr. said I would be going to see here 4 times per year now for checkups. Needless to say, I am NOT enjoying the holiday! Maybe I should be very thankful though.. what being caught early and all, and even having health care at my income, that at least covers the basics...

I am one of the many Many Americans without 'normal' health care. (I doubt that either the county or VA health coverage I have would cover a stint/bypass operation/cancer radiation? etc... ) I sure hope we get some sort of National health care system in place soon!

Thanks for reading my story folks!

Red13 · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:31 pm Post subject: Re: Mark's story in Michigan..

Hi Mark,

I also recently had a melanoma removed that was caught relatively early. I'm by no means an expert, but I have done a lot of reading on the subject and asked a lot of questions to my derm, surgeon, and oncologist. I think my melanoma had a lot to do with genetics, sunburns, and a couple stupid tanning bed sessions when I was younger. However, I also think the sun is even stronger now than it was back then, so wearing long sleeves and pants is ideal if you're going to be outside for a while. I have found that's not always practical/enjoyable if it's really hot, so I wear sunscreen with at least spf 30 and carry it with me for reapplying. And usually a wide brimmed hat. Also, I avoid extended exposure when the sun is at peak intensity, so I go for walks and bike rides before 10am or after 4pm.

I've never heard of Splenda being connected to melanoma, but I don't use it since it's a chemical sweetener (chlorinated sugar I believe?). All artificial sweeteners worry me in general, so I've cut them out and use honey, agave nectar, organic sugar, or Stevia instead.

I agree that melanoma is scary and frustrating, but it sounds like you caught it early, which is a very good thing and definitely something to be thankful for!

sartor · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:01 am Post subject: thanks red13..

Thanks for your thoughtful, and calm reply Red13.

I realize now that if the experts knew what caused MM,
this forum wouldn't exist! Thanks for not laying into me for
some of my more naive comments. I guess now it's
just a wait and see type thing.

I have calmed down a bit, but really, it has caused
me to look at my life from a different perspective.

Thanks again.

sartor · Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2009 6:45 pm Post subject: followup

Hello All

3-4 months ago, I asked my local VA dr. If I could talk to an oncologist regarding my melanoma, and he finally got me in to see two doctors at the UM medical cancer center Melanoma Clinic a month ago. They had seen the slides of my biopsy, and said that my melanoma was .2mm thick.

They entered me into their melanoma DB, and gave me a skin check.. and didn't seem too concerned, but I did point out 3 new small black spots on my legs (my original melanoma was on my right calf). I don't usually get black spots, and my melanoma, was in fact round and black, and not irregular in shape.. I did ask one dr., if even though my melanoma was thin, could it spread? He said yes. Later on, I got a call from the VA Dermatology at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor, and they said come on down, and we'll check out those black spots, and remove/biopsy them.

So 2 weeks ago, I went there, and they did remove the largest of the 3 spots, and found a basal cell carcinoma on my back that needed to be shaved... so they did that also..

So tonight, I got a call, and the biopsy showed that the spot removed was an Atypical Junctional Nevus with slight atypia. The nurse said that this could have grown further and become a cancer.. another melanoma..
I suggested that it was a good thing it had been removed then.
I guess I was at a loss to inquire further.. but now I am wondering..
Is this what a spreading melanoma could create?

I later thought of another question...
What percentage of melanoma patients eventually die from it? I know they say if caught early it's curable.. sorry I can't help but worry.

Good hope to all, and thanks in advance for any thoughts / answers
you might have.

sartor · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 2:50 pm Post subject: Did a self scan of skin..

Today, I did what the Dr. suggest, and did another self skin exam with mirror. I found a few more small/tiny black dots. One on my foot, and two larger on the calf - behind where my melanoma was found on my right shin. (My original mel was round, and black - not irregular in shape or color)

So of course, I'm worried. AGAIN! LOL - yes, I guess, it's funny, as I can't see the Dr. at the VA until summer, for the 6 month followup. so why worry?

I still wonder if this is evident of a spreading melanoma. Is this what it looks like? And if it spreads on the skin surface, then does that suggest that it also spreads/is spreading similarly internally?

I wish there was a Melanoma Dr. who frequented this site, and could answer questions with some certainty and expert opinion - even though it's the internet, and Doctors aren't supposed to consult online....

Sigh...

I'd like them to just freeze them ALL off.. and hope nothing has spread internally!

Spring is approaching, and as a gardener/bike rider, I worry about wiseness of being outdoors - even with SPF 30 on...

What do others here do?

Peace!!

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