mgarring's Journey with Skin Cancer - Melanoma

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.

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!

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!