@silversurfer51 : Welcome to Mayo, both to Connect and to your upcoming appointment. I'm glad you found us here; I'm going to look into seeing whether we can create a new header for your post this was included on one from a few years back for ventricular melanoma.

First of all, let me commend you on your smoking cessation of 15 years and for being so diligent about skin checks. In addition to the critical importance of applying - and reapplying - sunscreen daily esoecially in sunny climates that's one of the best steps to check for early signs of skin cancer - basal cell (BCC), squamous cell (SCC) or melanoma, the most aggressive form most frequently associated with malignancy.

Unfortunately, there are also cases where there is no known primary site that had formerly been detected on the skin when melanoma has been found in a distant site - such as the lymph nodes or distant organs, like the lung which has occurred in your case. Like you, I was found to have a lung nodule when a CT had been performed for another reason; unlike you, I had had a history of skin melanoma although it had been classified as unlikely to metastasize. So I know these results are suprising and very unnerving, to say the least.

To help you understand what you're in for, let me ask you some questions first if I may. You mentioned you live in FL so will you be having your appointment at Mayo in Jacksonville? Will you be meeting with an oncologist? Have you been able to set up your online patient portal at Mayo yet? The portal will allow you to have full access to your medical records, documetation of visits, lab tests and imaging as well as the ability to contact your providers with questions and for them to contact you. This information will help guide you as to how to do that and how to best prepare for your first visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-appointment

This is an overall guide as to what to expect following a melanoma diagnosis in terms of diagnostic testing and possible treatment, and provides a link specifically to care at Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374888

If and when you're ready, there is also an online support group through Mayo, open to anyone who treating for metastatic melanoma. I have been participating in this forum since my own diagnosis going on 2 years ago and have found it very helpful. Here is some information on it: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/melanoma-support-group-meeting-2-8b4043b9/

Wishing you the best with your appointment next Wednesday. I'm anxious to hear how it goes. Can you fill me in here afterward to let me know?