Stage IIIA at 28

[Allie-kattus]

Hello, I was diagnosed with stage IIIA melanoma in March of this year. It originated on my outer right thigh in a mole. I had the wide skin excision and SNB early April. The one node they tested came back positive so I had the LND later in April. All 17 inguinal nodes were negative. I traveled to MD Anderson in May to see what kind of treatment options were available. The melanoma specialist was on the fence about any systematic treatments. I needed no radiation, and was not eligible for clinical trials. She was against interferon, both full dose and pregylated. She even stated that there is no significant percentage decrease of melanoma coming back after taking Yervoy(ipilimumad) for my staging. After going over all possible side effects I decided I will not be taking any systematic treatments. I will be keeping the observation schedule for the next few years. Which will be fun since my household is a military family.

The dissection surgery was tough. I had the muscle moved over the area. The pain medication I was given (tramadol) gave me muscle twitches and even had me jumping out of my skin from the smallest of noises. It did not help that the muscle they moved would be one that would twitch while I had my leg propped up. It was very painful. I stopped taking the meds quickly, and just started taking the over the counter pain meds. Within a few days the twitches and the jumpiness went away.

The funny thing is I tend to worry more about the possibility of lymphedema than I do about the cancer. I've slowly been getting back into the gym. I've bought different types of compression stockings. I was even lucky enough to obtain the flexitouch air compressor machine. I'm also dealing with numbness in my inner and upper thigh from the dissection. I just hope I get some feeling back in the next few months.

This experience has been a real eye opener, and my stress levels jumped to new heights. But I'm feeling more confident than ever now. I have a CT scan this Thursday so hopefully it comes back negative. The next 5 years are going to be a long one.

[ohdot50]

Hi Allie,

My 42 year old son was diagnosed in June, 2016 with Stage II-A melanoma on his right shoulder. It was a very long and anxious summer for all of us last year as we waited for the pathology report confirming the melanoma, then the surgery in mid-July, and the excruciating 17 days waiting for the lymph node results. Until his diagnosis, I never realized the seriousness of this disease. I truly understand your feelings. As a family, we also live in 3 month intervals of my son's skin checks, blood work, and chest x-rays. It does seem as we are passing the year mark of his NED we are able to take tiny breaths of relief, but realize just the same that there is still a long way to go. I have discovered this to be a wonderful support group for survivors and their family members. I want you to know that your are not alone in this fight.

[SaltyBae]

Hi! I hope your CT scan came back with good news. I also have trouble with lymphedema, it’s been a real pain in the butt for me. I had sentinel node biopsies done in my left armpit and left groin. Which, 4 months later, still leaves me with almost total numbness in my thigh, and lots of funny feeling tingles when I try to go for runs. Have you been able to find any lymphedema clinics near you? I know there are lots of places that do “cancer massages”, I would think lymphedema massages would be included in that same category.

Sending good vibes your way 😊

Haley