Newly Diagnosed

@carolcat: Welcome to Mayo Connect, I'm glad you found us to ask your questions and concerns as I know this can be a very confusing and frightening time.

Many of us in this age category had unprotected sun exposure as children and find ourselves now being diagnosed with skin cancers as we simply didn't know the cumulative effects and dangers of ultraviolet light. These can range from basal cell (BCC), squamous cell (SCC) or melanoma. Personally, I've had all three so unfortunately I've become quire familar with them.

In the case of Stage 0, or what is referred to as melanoma in situ: this is reassuring as it means it is confined to the uppermost layer of the skin and has not spread beyond it. You caught this early and is generally amenable to a variety of treatments that your dermatologist can discuss with you, most commonly Moh's where thin layers of tissue are removed, examined under a microscope until it is determined that no cancerous cells are seen.

This helps to explain a more about it: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-2034888

As far as what to do in the future: try to limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, and stay in the shade when possible and perform regular skin self-exams as well as professional exams as directed.

Has your dermatologist recommended a next step for treatment?

Thanks for the great information! More of the spot will be removed (deeper cut) and then everything will proceed as you have suggested.
Carol 😀

Like you I had lots of sun exposure as a child growing up on a farm. I'm a few years older at 74 but when my 1A melanoma was diagnosed at my throat/neckline in 2019, it rocked my world. 6 years later, while I've had little scares, nothing has resurfaced. Vigilance is key and trust in your dermatologist is essential. You and I grew up in the time before sunscreens and sun-protective clothing so don't waste time thinking about what you could have done differently in terms of protecting your skin. Just try to do your best now. You're off to a grand start, having come to a wonderfully supportive, knowledgable place for support. Best luck possible!

I just turned 54 and got results today that I have melanoma in situ, stage 0 on my chest. I go tomorrow for the excision. Of course I am still quite nervous, as I just got the news 3.5 hours ago and doubt I'll sleep at all tonight. I'm feeling a bit better that some of you have not had any recurrence. It's just hard to hear those words, melanoma cancer. I've only shared the news with my husband and oldest son at this point, just need to settle in to this...

@lelandmomof3 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

How are you feeling this morning? Did you get any rest last night? I'm glad they were able to get you in so quickly. Getting any kind of negative news can certainly be such a hit on us, and our emotions. My melanoma procedure was 12/31/2008, with no reoccurrence.

Please let me know how you do today.
Ginger

Thank you Ginger,
I am nervous about the procedure and healing process, as well as the potential to find anything more.
I definitely did not sleep much last night, woke up panicking on multiple occasions.
What makes me feel better is hearing the journey of other folks, and the positive news I see many sharing.
Really appreciate those who reached out so quickly.

@lelandmomof3: of course it's unsettling (to say the least) to hear you have melanoma. We hear the word and instantly think it's associated with a dire prognosis. But the exceptionally good news is treatment for these types of skin cancers have advanced remarkably in recent years, especially in your case. Why do I say that? Because as you pointed out you have Stage 0, in situ - it has not spread beyond the outer layer of skin. AND you're having it removed promptly.

This may help to explain in greater detail: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/stages-of-melanoma/stage-0-in-situ-melanoma/

As @gingerw has assured you, many people can undergo excissions for melanoma without further incidence, particularly when caught at such an early stage.

How did your procedure go today and are you feeling more settled now?

@lelandmomof3 Sincerest wishes all went well yesterday. We live in an incredible age when so very much can be done with an early diagnosis. I try to rest in that place with a good dose of vigilance. I was diagnosed Stage 1a in 2019 and have made peace with the notion that if I'm to remain healthy, a lot depends on my attention to my body. You'll find your 'sea legs!'

I appreciate the shared experiences and well wishes. I've been just exhausted since the procedure. I am hopeful with my plan to wear clothing with SPF (any recommendations?) and keep a full stock of sunscreen (any recommendations for the least amount of chemicals, but not zinc that makes me white? I'm mostly organic). Time to stay under an umbrella and in the shade.

I went in yesterday to have my sutures removed on my chest. Nurse said it is healing well and read the pathology report that said I had all clear margins. It brought tears to my eyes. I've been a teen counselor my whole life and not a crier in order to stay strong for my clients. I was surprised by my tears and the sigh of relief I felt to my core. I have 3 adult children. Our 2 oldest live and work with us, they have been a rock of support to me, as well as my husband. Our youngest plays Ju Co basketball. She's been "off" on the court lately. Last night when we surprised her by attending her game a few hours away, she teared up during half time. After the game she cried with us-this has been an emotional roller coaster for her, I think especially because she doesn't live near by. She said it's just all been so overwhelming and stressful. We feel for her. She gave us permission to share the news with her coach, she's been holding it all inside. Now it's time to take care of her.