Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

I'm so sorry you're going through this, and I can only imagine how tough that first immunotherapy infusion must be. Can you please share the sites of metastasis and what immunotherapy you are on currently? What are some of the effects you are seeing?

Just been diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. I'm 71 yrs old. Just had my 1st infusion of immunotherapy and it's kicking my but. Any tips on how to get through this is greatly appreciated.

@grammato3 Be gentle on yourself. That is a lesson I had to learn the hard way. When we are used to go-go-go all the time, being set back on our haunches comes as a rude awakening, doesn't it?

I'm glad you were able to navigate around decreased stamina, and finding ways to make it all work for you. You will come home with memories galore! Getting accustomed to new methods to handle daily activities can be looked at as a challenge to yourself, if you want. I had to learn to not be so hard on myself, and understand that if there is a "list", it doesn't all need to be done that day.
Ginger

I would have to travel at least 2 hours snd hope I find a good Dr.

So many of our posts here have been about travel to hospitals and doctors appointments. Finally, 7 months after my initial diagnosis and 5 since starting immunotherapy, I felt brave and stable enough (after 3 ER visits to get to the source of the problem and straighten out my thyroid), my husband and I are currently enjoying a trip to Europe. And while I am definitely enjoying it, I am also definitely feeling my decreased stamina.

What I thought would be a pleasant walk through the botanical gardens in Crete turned out to be more of a hike. Thankfully my daughter-in-law was a helpful guide and led the way back along a shorter path. Today in London, a morning stroll exhausted me necessitating a quick afternoon nap back at the hotel.

I know I shouldn’t be surprised, but I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed in myself. Then again, I need to remind myself (and my husband!) that I’m dealing with a new and somewhat compromised version of myself. I need to remind the two of us my energy is directed at fighting this disease, which is the priority now. I know we’re fortunate to have come this far - quite literally - but I’d be lying to say it hasn’t been an adjustment to my mindset.

I was about 82 when I had a BCC removed from lower right eyelid a couple years ago. One surgeon did the Mohs surgery and another one (different office a few miles away) did reconstructive surgery. The Mohs was a piece of cake and it took most of the eyelid. The reconstructive surgery was very uncomfortable and temporarily made a mess of my face. I've posted pictures previously on this site. You might be able to find them as it was only a short while ago. My eye was sewn shut for six weeks and was very inconvenient. Despite the hassle, the surgeries were a success. Not even my eagle-eyed daughter can tell I had the surgery.

I had Moh’s at a large medical center by a specialist who only does that surgery. He’s quite famous and he did a good job. If I get another one, I’ll go back. He’s about 40 minutes from me. After that diagnosis, I started getting full body skin check annually by my dermatologist.

@delia2250yahoocom My 77 year old sister recently had a MOHS procedure done near her eye, and went the same day to a plastic surgeon for reconstructive work. This was her first experience with such a procedure. She was pleased with the way it all turned out.

On my face I have scars, including one from a horse kicking me, just inside the orbital bone of my left eye. But most of the scars are from different skin cancers. My daily routine is to use sunscreen, and remind myself that I "have character, my face tells a story".

You mentioned you live in a rural area. Are you able to travel to a more experienced dermatologist? I travel 2 hours for most of my specialists, but my derm Dr is about 40 minutes away.
Ginger

Thank you. That was very helpful. Living in a small rural area has its drawbacks. Quality medical resources are almost nil. My dermatologist has never done a whole body exam. I have these things all over my back too. My white blood cell count has been elevated for over a year. I only know this because I read the reports on my portal. They never address that area so I guess it has to get higher than it is to get attention.
I have a Rheumatologist appointment in Springfield today for my PMR. She is trying to get me off of prednisone.
Thank you again for your advice!

@delia2250yahoocom
At Mayo Clinic Jacksonville most of our dermatologists are trained as surgeons. Only a couple area trained to do MOHS surgeries.

I am going to comment on MOHS as I have had around 10 of them. MOHS requires a specially trained surgeon. The procedure happens after a biopsy reveals skin cancer. The surgeon removes the known area of cancer and then margins to make sure it gets all cancer. The removed tissues go to pathology to determine if the margins are clear of any sign of cancer.

If margins are clear surgery is over, and surgeon will come back and close area with either stitches or pressure bandages. All mine got pressure bandage. If the pathology review shows and sign of cancer is left the surgeon will return and take more tissues and the same pathology review goes on until the areas around your skin cancer are clear of any skin cancer.

If you had had this type surgery you would not be coming back for more surgery as you can see. It is why I prefer MOHS. What I see from your post is your dermatologist may not be an experienced and trained surgeon. I would seek out one that is and go over all the types of treatments that can be done for skin cancer.

If you don't do anything per your question what my dermatologist tell me that most skin cancers (not all now) are slow growing and low incidence (not all including melanoma) of metastasis. However, BCC, SCC, will continue to grow and grow and can grow into bones, muscles, etc. which requires more in depth and serious surgery.