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My History of Melanoma & Currently Very Sick
Cancer | Last Active: Feb 17 9:25am | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
thank you so much for your kind words and advice, i really appreciate it. i’ll make sure to check out the link you gave me about the C Diff, once i’m calm enough to do so. i did my telehealth appointment with the doctor from Mayo today and it was very emotional. she didn’t have all of my records so she asked me to send her copies of my first stool sample when the appointment is over. she’s not exactly sure what she can do for me because i didn’t test positive for the C Diff in the 2nd stool sample and i’m having some symptoms that aren’t even part of my GI issues. so. because of my medical history with the Melanoma and all of the symptoms i’m having she’s referring me to Internal Medicine at Mayo but it doesn’t mean i’ll definitely get an appointment (i forgot the reason for why, but hopefully i get one), and she has also ordered a PET CT Scan for me to do at Mayo. the scan is already scheduled for 01/30/24, so in just a few days. i’ve had PET Scans done before, back when i had the Melanoma, but i’m definitely very nervous and i have a lot of anxiety. Also, reading the Visit Summary & Notes was sad. the Notes mentioned how she is concerned about a possible recurrence of the Melanoma because of the symptoms i’m having like the severe weight loss, night sweats, etc.
I try my best to “not worry until you know for a fact that you have something to worry about”, but it’s a little easier said than done.
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I didn’t have melanoma but I had my own crazy cancer odyessy with leukemia. So I know exactly what you mean with your comment of trying ‘not worry until you know for a fact that you have something to worry about’? So we’ll be having fingers crossed for good news so you can exhale!
There can be some lingering side-effects after having C-diff that take a little extra time to recover from, even after you no longer test positive. So that article may at least give you an idea what is happening. I do hope you can get in to see an internist at Mayo soon. I know there are often more demands for appointments than there is availability so that may be what your doctor mentioned. But it may help your cause by the fact that she is a Mayo doctor making an inside referral. Things can happen pretty quickly in the clinic.
I know this seems to be all coming at you quickly but honestly, getting this next scan out of the way so you know what you’re dealing with is the best way to wrap your head around a future plan. Not know is always like being in limbo. You can’t make plans, your head is filled with all this uncertainty and the body reacts to this stress. Knowledge is power…and armed with that, you’ll be able move forward again.
In terms of the PET scan, are you claustrophobic? It can be helpful to use an anti anxiety med. If you don’t have any on hand, you can contact your Mayo doctor through the portal and get a small prescription of lorazipam (Ativan) for the procedure. It’s really convenient to pick it up at the Mayo pharmacy.
I’ll be thinking of you on the 30th and hoping for only good news! Sending a hug! Keep in touch, ok?