Newly diagnosed

[Dmar85]

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!

[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]

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 in reply to PaigeGill]

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]

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]

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?