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Post by pierkiss on Aug 9, 2014 1:33:55 GMT
Title says it all!  I literally just found out that a very dear friend has been diagnosed with this. She said that they caught it early, and that so far the spots they've removed have been stage 0 or 1. I don't know what that means! I don't want to start googling because I know if I do I will get even more worked up, and I won't sleep and not sleeping tonight isn't an option because we have to get up early and do some stuff and then we have to start loading our moving truck! I am freaking out!! I don't want this to be happening to my friend and her husband! They are the best, and they don't deserve the giant shitball that life has thrown them over the past 5 years. . |
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Aug 9, 2014 1:53:47 GMT
I think it means her prognosis is good and you can relax a bit.
Eta. I googled for you. Stage 1 contained. No spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. Low risk for recurrence. Sounds like you really can relax.
Eta again. Stage 0 even better. Just epidermis.
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Post by pierkiss on Aug 9, 2014 2:17:22 GMT
Thank you!  |
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Post by traceys on Aug 9, 2014 2:38:50 GMT
My sister had a Stage 1 melanoma removed about twenty five years ago or so, and several other pre-cancerous moles. Long story short, she has been fine with no recurrence of any cancer since then.
It is definitely something to take seriously, but can have a good outcome. We are all very diligent in our use of sunscreen now and nobody in my family will use a tanning bed. Prayers and good thoughts for your friend that she has caught this early and will have no further problems.
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Post by AussieMeg on Aug 9, 2014 2:41:38 GMT
Stage 4 you can worry. Stage 0 or 1 you can relax.
And use this as a reminder for you and your loved ones to always wear sunscreen!
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scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,306 
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Post by scrappinghappy on Aug 9, 2014 2:56:04 GMT
I had 2 stage 1 malignant melanoma areas removed almost 30 years ago and haven't had a recurrence. I do get an annual computerized scan to check for changes. A full body scan is also done which includes careful examination of the scalp.
My dad had stage 2 malignant melanoma on his scalp - he was bald so it was easy to notice the changes. Also removed with clean margins. He never had a recurrence either.
Removal is usually enough to contain it when caught this early. There's an excellent chance she's going to be fine.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 22:21:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2014 3:42:27 GMT
I was diagnosed stage I level II in Jan 2000. I had a wide excision done and no further treatment necessary.
I do visit the dermatologist twice a year for full body exams. This is so very important and I wish more people did this because even melanoma...when caught early...is very much treatable.
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Post by pierkiss on Aug 9, 2014 3:52:04 GMT
Thank you all for making me feel better! |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
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Post by scrapnnana on Aug 9, 2014 4:14:36 GMT
I was diagnosed stage I level II in Jan 2000. I had a wide excision done and no further treatment necessary. I do visit the dermatologist twice a year for full body exams. This is so very important and I wish more people did this because even melanoma...when caught early...is very much treatable. Malignant Melanoma seems to run in my family. My grandfather had it and would have died from it, but his heart gave out first. My brother had it, but they caught it just barely in time before it had spread. Several in my family have had to have atypical moles removed. I have been carved on at least seven times, but it is preferable to the alternative, and I was thankful that none were to the malignant stage, although a couple of them were definitely changing and working their way into that direction. I am now a lot better about wearing sunscreen, long clothing, and hats than I used to be! |
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Post by megop on Aug 9, 2014 4:18:54 GMT
Most excellent it was found early! It is recoverable most certainly!
Even for more advanced stages, there have been some amazing, amazing strides made within the last five years, with even more on the near horizon!
It's a scary diagnosis for sure, but early detection, such as what your friend has received, long term prognosis is pretty great.
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Post by happyOCgirl on Aug 9, 2014 4:21:25 GMT
My Dad had it two years ago and has had zero re-occurrence.  We've always been vigilant about derm skin checks. He found his on the underside of his arm while putting on deodorant. Appeared in 1 day, in to see the doctor in 48 hours, surgery within 72 hours. It looked like a blue dot from a ball point pen. It has been a reminder to everyone to always be aware of changes on your skin. My Dad's was considered stage 0, but it is the rarest and deadliest form. It meant he got to live because it was caught early. I'm sorry your friend has to go through this...but be so grateful it was such and early stage! |
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Post by MichyM on Aug 9, 2014 15:30:01 GMT
I had Stage 2 melanoma 22 years ago. No recurrence of melanoma, though I've had basal cell and squamous cell since, as well as numerous pre-cancerous spots removed (freckle faced, fair skinned redhead here). Hopefully your friend will have the same outcome!
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purplebee
Drama Llama
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Post by purplebee on Aug 9, 2014 16:06:46 GMT
Had a small melanoma removed from my neck over 35 years ago (I'm a fair skinned redhead, so sun exposure was likely the culprit). Not sure what stage, but I caught it early, they excised with wide margins, and I just have a tiny line of a scar. No recurrence since. Early detection is the key, and it sounds like your friend will be just fine.
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Post by Monica* on Aug 9, 2014 18:55:29 GMT
Given the diagnosis, I'll agree with previous posters that she is in good shape.
My little sister survived Stage 3 Melanoma. It was a tough treatment that almost killed her, but she got through it and has been cancer-free for over 10 years. I have been going for skin checks every 6 months since she was first diagnosed. I have had over 20 biopsies done with two coming back atypical and requiring larger margins being taken. We're all very careful in our family and I even make my teens go for annual skin checks, much to their embarrassment. Skin cancer is on the rise in young people, so don't forget the kids!!
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by melissa on Aug 10, 2014 2:34:12 GMT
scrapnnana and anyone else who thinks melanoma runs in the family: There is a genetic mutation linked with familial cases of melanoma. A mutation in the p16K gene gives a person a 50 times the normal risk of melanoma by age 50! Obviously, the risk level continues after 50 as well. This mutation is also associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. If anyone suspects they are from a family like this, PLEASE get genetic counseling and look into this test. Ideally, family members who have had melanoma would be tested first. The life you save may be your own!
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Post by paigewh on Jun 24, 2020 6:01:10 GMT
scrapnnana and anyone else who thinks melanoma runs in the family: There is a genetic mutation linked with familial cases of melanoma. A mutation in the p16K gene gives a person a 50 times the normal risk of melanoma by age 50! Obviously, the risk level continues after 50 as well. This mutation is also associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. If anyone suspects they are from a family like this, PLEASE get genetic counseling and look into this test. Ideally, family members who have had melanoma would be tested first. The life you save may be your own! I was just searching for any Peas who have had Melanoma and found this thread. I actually was diagnosed with p16 (Melanoma/Pancreatic Cancer Syndrome) back in 2016. I get twice yearly skin checks and Pancreatic screenings yearly. I have had 10+ atypical moles, but just had one come back as severely atypical. I will be going in July for a wide excision, so was searching to see if anyone else had gone through this. I just wanted to reply to this thread and say GET GENETIC TESTING DONE! It could save your life. I met with genetics counselors at our largest teaching hospital and have been under their care as well as my dermatologist. I also have the MUTHY colon cancer gene as well, but the risk isn't nearly as high as with p16. I was tested using the MyRisk test from Myriad genetics and would highly recommend it! * I also should add - I was only tested because my aunt had ovarian and breast cancer and I was having a hysterectomy. That was the only family cancer history I have, so it was a total shock. (My maternal grandfather had melanoma, but that was back in the 30s) I am so glad I had it done! |
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Post by destined2bmom on Jun 24, 2020 13:08:46 GMT
paigewh I am so sorry for your diagnosis. I am keeping you in my prayers. Could you please start a new thread with what you wrote? Peas tend to wonder why old threads are brought up and some don’t read it. You will have more read and you will get more support and more answers.
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Post by paigewh on Jun 24, 2020 19:08:13 GMT
paigewh I am so sorry for your diagnosis. I am keeping you in my prayers. Could you please start a new thread with what you wrote? Peas tend to wonder why old threads are brought up and some don’t read it. You will have more read and you will get more support and more answers. Yes! I will for sure! Thank you very much |
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I literally just found out that a very dear friend has been diagnosed with this. She said that they caught it early, and that so far the spots they've removed have been stage 0 or 1. I don't know what that means! I don't want to start googling because I know if I do I will get even more worked up, and I won't sleep and not sleeping tonight isn't an option because we have to get up early and do some stuff and then we have to start loading our moving truck!
We've always been vigilant about derm skin checks. He found his on the underside of his arm while putting on deodorant. Appeared in 1 day, in to see the doctor in 48 hours, surgery within 72 hours. It looked like a blue dot from a ball point pen. It has been a reminder to everyone to always be aware of changes on your skin. My Dad's was considered stage 0, but it is the rarest and deadliest form. It meant he got to live because it was caught early. 
