So confused -

[carlsbad317]

Good news is we finally convinced my dad of a second opinion. He is scared to death a new doctor will say something different and he will not know what to believe. We sort of that, but different reasons.

Second combo treatment today after 4 week delay of side effects kicking his butt. Huntsman in Salt Lake is the first stop on April 30th for 2nd ~ now the confusing part is a pathology report came back that states the probability: 90% sarcoma and 6% melanoma, still being treated for melanoma. Anyone have experience with clear cell sarcoma or have both come back? I am doing my best google searches on it, but not much comes back except clear cell. Doctor stated the markers were coming back "overlapping." Granted I am not in the field, but in my world as a math teacher - 90% is highly likely...I just got a copy of my dad' records and saw the report from pathology lab.

Just confused and concerned.

[missyrand Ambassador]

I have not seen a report like you are describing and it would drive me not only to a second opinion but for a full review of the tissue also.

Which our doctors have asked for themselves in the past to get confirmation and clarification.

We have also had several people who have experienced more than one kind of skin cancer, AND more than 1 cancer type. The literature indicates that if you experience any single kind of cancer in a lifetime then you are at increased risk for another, more than the generalized risk in the population for a single cancer. So we all need to keep paying attention to our bodies, #GetNaked, have regular physicals, ask questions, and take action when something feels/ looks odd with our bodies.

This includes educating our siblings and children explicitly about melanoma and having regular dermatologist check ups due to increased familial lifetime risk once a family member has any stage of melanoma.

Good luck. Side effects suck and require monitoring and sometimes intervention. ER docs mostly haven’t been trained in side effects for immunotherapy so if you head there you must call the melanoma doc for consultation to get proper management. And the melanoma clinics would always support you calling them to ask side effect management questions.

Peace,

Missy

[SGHSweethearts]

Carlsbad317,

I am so glad that your dad has agreed to get another opinion from a melanoma specialist, and that you have an appointment in place. I am not familiar with sarcoma and had to google it. I can see the overlap thought process. I also agree with you 90% sounds very likely.

My prayers will be with you and your dad. Let us know what you find out on the 30th.

Wish you and your family a Blessed Easter. EnJOY everyday.

Michele