@grammato3 Dear Susan,

Thank you very much for your reply = I just learned about 2 weeks ago I had melanoma and I spoke with a plastic surgeon last week who outlined two options: go in and take a bit more tissue than what they deem necessary and then the flap surgery

Or the MOHs surgery, which, as you know, is less invasive to the face and still requires flap surgery. I will see a MOHs surgeon tomorrow to get more information - but I think that is the most effective for me.

My health is quite good although I had eye radiation for choroidal melanoma about 5 years ago - the 'freckle' has been inactive for about 5 yrs although I still have bi-yearly MRI, CT, and blood work to assure there are no radical cells that could attack liver or lungs.

I walk my dog every day and had been an active hiker while living in NH 20 yrs ago.

I do plan to discuss if age is a factor for me - but from the bit of literature out there, it seems not to be a real concern. I do have moments of concern but I counter with there is a real solution to the problem I now have.

Thank you so much for your own experiences - your note really helps quell those 'oh-no' moments!

April