Melanoma Stages: Before and After Surgery, Biopsy & Recovery | Rich’s Story (2 of 5)

[@ThePatientStory]

What was your experience with preparing for a surgical biopsy or a surgery of any kind?

[@thrivermedias1880]

My second experience with cancer of two different types, the second being melanoma, I went through a few drs before choosing a surgeon and he turned out to be the surgeon other drs in Santa Barbara (almost 3 decades ago) went to. And on the surgical table after being given some pill to relax and feeling quite relaxed and still very conscious the dr said to nurse and anesthesiologist, I think just so focused he forgot I could hear as I hadn’t had the general anesthesia yet “well let’s hope this goes better than yesterday” the anesthesiologist’s eyes widened as did mine and he quickly put the general anesthesia thing over my nose and mouth and I was out so quick. Now I think it funny, at least compared to other things with first cancer bout I still find disturbing. Surgeon who removed my ovary in my first cancer experience later lost their license. Also YES do not go it alone. There wasn’t google back then and I was so very alone I now see in my old age. I survived but thriving is a better goal if you can find the resources.

[@debswall]

What a terrifying thing to hear! 😮❤

[@marjonwhite2854]

Thanks for sharing your story. I got diagnosed with melanoma a week and a half ago. Four days ago I had it cut out of my arm. They went deep and wide. Dang I still can't really fathom it, it was such a small spot. I'm anxiously waiting for the result and the next step. I'm not an anxious person by nature but jeez I'm scared at this point.

[@ThePatientStory]

Marjon, so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis... and of course you are anxious, you've been through so much. Sending you big hugs. Glad you are getting care. 🙏 Stephanie

[@lolaottinger3038]

@Rodney Hamilton I was diagnosed with melanoma at age 33, had surgery about 3 weeks later, was left with a huge scar, the surgeon had just returned from a seminar where they learned to the new method of removing the melanoma, which is similar to this… so that there was no puckering on the ends of the wound. That was 46 years ago, I’ve battled skin cancer for 46 years now, but no more melanomas.

[@kittikovacsova7458]

​@@lolaottinger3038I was recently diagnosed with stage 1a, had already surgery the exact way you described they cut it off, I'm 33 years old and praying that it won't never return, 🙏❤️

[@tranceholic8384]

I will be getting the results of my biopsy for what appears like Melanoma in 2 hours and a half and my heart is pounding like crazy. I hope for the best.

[@debswall]

I’m in the same boat! I hope your results were good!

[@tranceholic8384]

@@debswall It was not Melanoma! and there was nothing to worry about. I really hope your results will be good as well 👍

[@anneoconnor8741]

So, I live in Turkey for 8 years and Irish skin, and never sunbarhe, I love this country, I lived in UK for most of my !life. It would be kind of sad, I have a mark on my leg, it is worrying me. I actively seek shade and always have done.I will ask a health professional to look. Thank you, hopefully it is nothing, I want many more years and I wish them for you too xx

[@michaelriggs6436]

Thank you so much for doing this. I was just diagnosed at Stage 1 and have an SLNB scheduled.

[@marjonwhite2854]

What is a SLNB please? How did you go? Are you ok?

[@stephaniewalsh67]

Rich...Your story is very powerful

[@sundoesshine8583]

Don't know if it's intuition or optimism, but I've never been overly nervous about biopsies which is weird since I'm kind of a hypochondriac. After biopsies of cervix and breast, each time learned there are many false positives, so try not to worry until there's something to worry about.

[@ThePatientStory]

Definitely have tried the "don't worry until there's something to worry about" :). Not quite successful yet, but I think I'm getting there! -Stephanie

[@richardwalters5629]

How long from prep,surgery and recovery?

[@Rene-uz3eb]

So a minor side note the surgeon telling you it was cancer without a an actual lymph node biopsy? I swear about three doctors told us that my father had cancer and the fam almost was not going to do a biopsy because they were so sure based on imaging I presume (also I assume these biopsies are the real deal not just some expert looking at it under a microscope like they do for melanoma skin samples), so anyhow the biopsy finally came back negative no trace of cancer, though he’s not doing well.