Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

@wrightvillebeach
I know when I asked my primary care doctor about a suspicious thing on my skin he referrs me to dermatology. He is my Mayo PCP and of course Mayo Jacksonville has an oustanding dermatology department.

I have not had melanoma but about 8-9 BCC. I only had 1 SCC until now. I just had dermatology appointment on 18th. Two biopsies taken and now have 2 new SCCs.

What I have found is that SCC seem to appear out of wounds, sores, that do not heal. The BCC appear to be pimple type look. I know these last 2 SCCs had a gray crust on top. I have a habit on scratching raised things (unconsciously) on my body so did not think much about them except one on back of arm by elbow that would not heal and hurt to put arm down.

Both are in sitro (still in skin) and will probably have MOHS as that is what all rests were treated.

A mole can appear to be normal and then grow/change into cancer. I know every time I asked about a mole they say something like mature spot, or not an issue unless causing discomfort. But I see a dermatologist at Mayo Jacksonville every year for complete body inspection. If I had melanoma diagnosis the seeing would be much more often per my dermatologist.

Good luck. You have a lot of options on treating it with great sucess rate since is stage 1.

I am 74 years old have had an ugly dark mole on my shoulder for years that looked suspicious. My husband , a retired primary care doctor felt like it should be taken seriously and even referred to it as my “ melanoma” as he kept an eye on it. When I asked my primary care doctor, a dermatologist, my oncologist ( uterine cancer “cured” three years ago ) , the oncologist PA —- all said “ No, that mole is fine”. Well finally a new dermatologist removed it and biopsy came back melanoma - stage 1 superficial.3. I am waiting for the next step. Praying that it had been “fine” and just now turned into cancer. My husband was right all along. Anyone else had similar experiences?

I had Merkel cell carcinoma removed from my shoulder 10 years ago. I didn't realize there is a 40 % recurrance rate and now im feeling scared and rather foolish that ive not stayed on top of this! Im 82 and in super health, living in Greece many years now swimming in the sea many times each week. I can find no photos of how merkel looks except for a pimple looking bump. Mine never looked that. Are there other photos to help me check my arms?

@grammato3
I'm on day 3 of the meds, so far just tired . Hope it stays that way

@wgv: I can empathize with your journey - I've been on pembrolizamub for nearly a year and for the past month have been struggling with significant colon issues. It's very possible I may wind up along the same treatment path as you.

Here's some information I've located: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/wp-content/uploads/PAP-Dabrafenib-Trametinib-2024.pdf

Does that look helpful? Best of luck to you!

I had Merkel cell carcinoma removed from my shoulder 10 years ago. I didn't realize there is a 40 % recurrance rate and now im feeling scared and rather foolish that ive not stayed on top of this! Im 82 and in super health, living in Greece many years now swimming in the sea many times each week. I can find no photos of how merkel looks except for a pimple looking bump. Mine never looked that. Are there other photos to help me check my arms?

My name is Robert, I've been battling stage 4 melanoma since last April. Immunotherapy w yervoy and opdivo. It was going well but then had a small bowel blockage in Aug. That set me back about 6 weeks. Last pet scan showed everything clear from my head to stomach but new lesions showed up in the incision area of the bowel resection. Dr then took me off the 2 meds and putting me on oral meds
The 2 meds r dabrafenib and trametlnib. Does anyone know about these meds. Thanks Robert

@donnahall
Can you access web sites for Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, etc. They proably have a section on skin cancers.

I am not familiar with Merkel cell carcinoma. Is it a type of skin cancer? I have had SCC and a lot BCC skin cancers. I do find pictures for them on the web sites I mentioned.

Maybe the mentors will read your post and can cite a specific web site for you.

You are living in Greece. I know if I suspect something I can take a picture of it and send to Mayo Clinic portal and get a message back from dermatology. Most of time they insist I come in to visual see the suspected area.