Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

@mlb66: Hi Mike. I'm usually more punctual with my welcomes to this board but I was side-tracked with treatment myself yesterday - I've been getting immunotherapy and related interventions at Mayo/Phoenix for a year now due to Stage IV metastatic melanoma following a stage 1B melanoma 5 years earlier. I totally get the scattered thoughts that accompany the diagnosis and as more weigh in here I'm sure you'll find many have shared such feelings.

First things first: It helps to understand your course of immunotherapy. I've found infomation put out by AIM Melanoma Foundation to be particularly helpful in this regard as they have publications for each specicic protocol. For ipo/nivo: https://aimwithimmunotherapy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IO-Ipi-Nivo-Combo-PAP-2024_082525_mk-1.pdf
This explains how/why it is given, potential side-effects to be aware of and discuss with your medical provider as well as helpful resources.

Another group you may find beneficial is one to which I belong, a monthly Zoom meeting on Tuesdays (late in the day, time depending on where you live) for individuals - whether they are Mayo patients or not - who have had or are actively treating for melanoma, led by a Mayo LCSW: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/melanoma-support-group-meeting-2-660c8948/

Mayo's patient portal makes it very easy to stay on top of your records and in touch with your care team. I've found they take an integrative approach to care so whatever interventions you feel you may need to assist with this diagnosis, from massage to mental health support.

Let me know how your first infusion goes after 10/8 - I'll be thinking of you!

Hi Mike. Wishing you the best of luck and outcomes on October 8. There are many resources - even in a common public library - that offer life planning advice. Through a financial planner I acquired a little system of folders where I filed important documents to begin the process of putting all the important stuff in one place. Keeping a small notebook helped me initially as my thoughts were scattered. When I thought of something 'important,' I jotted it down to be dealt with in due course. I hope you come back to this space and let us know how it's all going. Peace and strength!

Hi. I was diagnosed with superficial invasive squamous carcinoma a 2 weeks ago. I noticed a wart like growth on my chin. It came on very suddenly as a small pimple but then grew into what looked like a wart or cyst and luckily I had my yearly skin check up so I was able to get the biopsy done. I have a history of melanoma in situ on my toe. I do have a Mohs surgery coming up in 3 weeks I am relieved to have it soon. My question is this typical to show up so quickly? Once the tumor is biopsied, can it change much over 6 weeks? My dermatologist says squamous is slow growing but it all happened so quickly. With the melanoma, my mole it was being followed for a few years before it started changing (My mother had melanoma when I was a child and I knew I was at higher risk)
I know others have so much more serious cancers and I feel funny asking these questions but it helps to write this post . Thank you MB

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect @mfb123: all of us on this forum have had - and continue to have- many questions, experiences and recommendations as we have ongoing skin checks and interventions so please express yourself freely! As for “serious” cancers, I have to say any type of cancer is considered serious when it affects any one of us on a personal level.

I commend you for being so diligent in your skin checks - early detection is often key for the most successful treatment. In the case of SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) this is generally slow growing, although growth is dependent upon a few factors that your medical provider is most proficient in assessing. Your doctor likely took this into consideration when scheduling the Mohs procedure, however, if you have concerns it’s best to discuss this directly with him or her.

Here is some information specifically on SCC: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352480

Does this information help to have that conversation with your dermatology team?

thank you. yes. appreciate your helpful and warm feedback and the link. i've been researching this trying to accept and understand the next steps. . I think i am okay and have to be patient and will find out more during the Mohs surgery. thank you!

@mlb66 I'm glad you've found this forum and posted. Sounds like you've been on a roller coaster with consultations, surgeries and new immune therapy. Feel free to say this all sucks because it does. We hold you close as you begin the therapy today.
Beth

@grammato3: Hi Susan. You are not alone, as getting sidetracked seems to be a hobby of mine! I hope your treatment went well and you are feeling good. My first go around with Keytruda was full of side effects, so hope you are having minimal impact after treatment.

Thank you for the information, and coupled with the information I received during my consultation, feel like I have a solid understanding of this next journey I am embarking on. But of course, time will tell.

I am at Mayo now, and will update you on how this first treatment goes, and the effects I may encounter.

Thanks agin!

@bwl8585: Hi Beth. It has been a roller coaster for sure, and my daughter has been a rock for me to lean on with all this. You know, this does suck...that feels good to say sometimes, so thanks for giving me the green light here!! haha!!

Thank you for the kind words, and I am glad I found this forum, as it is nice to hear from all the great people and hearing their encouragement.

Mike

@bluelizard: Hi, and thanks for your wishes for today. I have began digging into the resources, and will hit up the library soon. I was able to pick up a filing system you described and have began to fill each labeled folder with the noted information. As crazy as it sounds, it seems to sooth my thoughts as I am able to focus on each specific topic. Now, the notebook tip you provided is definitely going to be in my tool box of things for this battle, so thanks for that!!

Thanks for reaching out and providing your tips and thoughts, greatly appreciated. I will be back for sure, as this also helps sooth my mind.

Mike

I'm glad you checked back in. I, along with many others I'm sure, have been thinking of you as October 8th approached. Best of luck today and congrats on grabbing the bull by the horns and beginning to 'organize' yourself. Hang tough!