Newly diagnosed : I’m 32, with two boys... - Young Adults with...

Young Adults with Melanoma

434 members127 posts

Newly diagnosed

Dmar85 profile image
5 Replies

I’m 32, with two boys age 5 and 3. I was just diagnosed with melanoma and I’m seeing the plastic surgeon this week for wide margin incision. My mom has the gene and went through this process but it was 15 years ago. Any info on what to expect would be great! Thank you!

Written by
Dmar85 profile image
Dmar85
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
5 Replies
Robynfine profile image
Robynfine

Glad you’re taking care of the Melanoma. You will have to wait and see what the result are before you determine your next course of action. Hoping for clear margins and all the good things!

PaigeGill profile image
PaigeGill

So sorry to hear you are going through this. I'm 35, also a mom to a 4 year old and 1 month old. Last year I was diagnosed with a stage 1b melanoma and had a wide incision surgery just above my knee and 2 lymph nodes removed from my hip. Advice on what to expect - I was sore for longer than I expected (about a month or so moving pretty slowly) but a lot was related to lymph node removal. Your scar will look very severe at first, probably pretty deep. In a matter of months mine filled in nicely and is substantially better 1 year out. Be ready to use pain medicine or stay on ibuprofen regularly in the days/weeks after surgery. You will also need to keep it covered for about 6 weeks. My skin became SO irritated from the harsh bandage tape. Invest in some nice "sensitive skin" tape. I picked it up at RiteAid. Can't remember the brand but the tape itself is light blue. You're going to need a lot of it! That's about all I can think of. Just stay positive. Most of these are very treatable but it's easy to make yourself paranoid about it. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Dmar85 profile image
Dmar85 in reply toPaigeGill

Thank you so much! I️ saw the surgeon today he is doing a deeper punch biopsy to make sure he doesn’t have to go deeper with the wide margin.

sarah13089 profile image
sarah13089

Ice and rest were my best friend (mine was on my shin, about an inch below my knee). My biggest lifestyle change from the surgery was exercise. Exercise other than walking was uncomfortable for about ~6 weeks, I never realized how much pressure gets put in that spot!

The scar is intense but better than the alternative (at least that’s what I say when people stare!). I’ll still sometimes get pain in the area ~5months out (all those nerves healing!).

Staying positive and reaching out are all part of healing, too.

Sending warm wishes your way!

Richras7 profile image
Richras7

Hi! I’m 35 and have a 3 year old and 1 year old. I was just diagnosed this week - stage 1. I have surgery on tuesday. How are you doing?

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Newly diagnosed after pregnancy

Hi everyone. I wanted to share my story and hear from some of you who have gone through similar...
Ch256706 profile image

Newly diagnosed stage one

Hi, my name is Sarah I'm a 27 year old from Minnesota. I was diagnosed with stage one melanoma on...
Sarah2508 profile image

Newly diagnosed melonoma. Scared!

Hi, I am just looking for some extra support and information from people in a similar boat to...
Lbrown88 profile image

UPDATED: Newly Diagnosed and Lost

UPDATE: I wanted to update everyone. I had my WLE this week. The incision is just over 3" long and...
JackieTX profile image

Trying to find out what to expect?

Hello, I’m 31 and a little over a week ago I received a call that a biopsy taken from my right leg...
AmNic17 profile image

Moderation team

CassieMRF profile image
CassieMRFPartner
AdamMRF profile image
AdamMRFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.