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Moderator

Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Mar 28 4:33pm

Welcome to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet others living with skin cancer or caring for someone with skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and their treatments. Let's learn from each other and share stories about living well with cancer, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

Take these steps to participate in the group:

  • Follow the group.
  • Browse topics.
  • Use the group search to find answers to your questions.
  • Introduce yourself.

Pull up a chair and chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What is your experience, or your loved one’s experience, living with melanoma or skin cancer (i.e., what type, how long since diagnosis, how it’s managed)?

Do you have a question, tip or story to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.

Profile picture for Susan, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | 6 days ago
In reply to @mlb66 "@grammato3: Hi Susan. You are not alone, as getting sidetracked seems to be a hobby of..." + (show)
Profile picture for mlb66 @mlb66

@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!

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@mlb66: You sound very well
prepared for the road ahead. I’ve admittedly had some bumps and going through a bit of a difficult time right now although a clear line cannot be directly drawn to my immunotherapy. One thing I’ve learned after being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma is to be prepared for the unexpected so this is just one of those times. Another thing I’ve learned even before this is to always be your own health care advocate - use reliable sources to investigate medical issues you may encounter and take an active role in your care, seeking specialty advice when needed.

Let me know how you found your initial infusion at Mayo - I hope you were pleased and have a favorable response to treatment!

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Profile picture for mlb66
mlb66 | @mlb66 | 4 days ago
In reply to @grammato3 "@mlb66: You sound very well prepared for the road ahead. I’ve admittedly had some bumps and..." + (show)
Profile picture for Susan, Volunteer Mentor @grammato3

@mlb66: You sound very well
prepared for the road ahead. I’ve admittedly had some bumps and going through a bit of a difficult time right now although a clear line cannot be directly drawn to my immunotherapy. One thing I’ve learned after being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma is to be prepared for the unexpected so this is just one of those times. Another thing I’ve learned even before this is to always be your own health care advocate - use reliable sources to investigate medical issues you may encounter and take an active role in your care, seeking specialty advice when needed.

Let me know how you found your initial infusion at Mayo - I hope you were pleased and have a favorable response to treatment!

Jump to this post

@grammato3: Sorry to hear you are hitting a rough patch right now, sending you strength and good vibes. Hopefully they can figure out what may be causing your setbacks. We just have to learn from the unknowns going forward, and hopefully with the help from others, be as prepared as one can be; not an easy task though.
My first infusion went very smoothly last week, but what they did say was spot on regarding side effects. With the nausea and fatigue, I was pretty much out of it Thursday and Friday. As you mentioned, still waiting on that unknown that may pop up...as of today, Saturday, I feel pretty good. Not much of an appetite, but do not have that exhausted feeling.
Stay strong!

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Profile picture for donnahall
donnahall | @donnahall | 3 days ago

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?

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