mgarring's Journey with Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Survivor: Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Patient Info: Finished active treatment more than 5 years ago, Diagnosed: about 22 years ago, Female, Age: 58, Stage IIIB, BRAF mutation positive: Don't Know, c-kit positive: Don't Know
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Side Effect: Drag this icon to show experience with a specific side effect.
Oh No: Drag this icon to show when something bad happened (e.g., cancer’s back, lost job).
Celebration: Drag this icon to show when something good happened (e.g., last treatment, hair is back).
Loss: Drag this icon to show a time of loss (e.g., lost hair, lost loved one).
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Cancer has spread/Metastasized
Oh No
I was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma in Janurary 1999. I had a mole that had turned black on the back of my left thigh and I went to my family doctor and had it biopsied. I was told it was malignant melanoma and would have to have surgery and possibly therapy. I had no idea skin cancer could be so serious. During surgery, they found it had spread to the lymph nodes in the groin and after I met with the oncologist I was told I would have to have therapy for 12 months.
Wide excision surgery
Procedure or Surgery
This person has yet to add any details about this experience.
Finished treatment
Celebration
My sister had wanted to have a party for me when I finished treatment and while I appreciated that, I didn't know if I'd feel well enough to celebrate... The last day of my treatment I was invited to go to my next-door neighbor's for a small get-together and I watched/listened to them singing Karaoke! I was still too worn out to do much, but I still had a great time!
whether or not to still try and have children
Decision Point
I talked to my surgeon, oncologist, dermatologist and OB and no one had a specific answer...My husband and I decided to adopt a child from Guatemala and we've been so happy ever since!