Minor Surgery Tomorrow

[lighthouse33]

Tomorrow I will have minor surgery to remove a mole that was biopsied the end of May.  It came back with moderate to severe atypia.  The letter I received, stated that it needed immediate treatment. 

I'm not nervous about the surgery at all, just hope that when she excises it that it doesn't turn out to be melanoma.  Assume that they will biopsy what they cut out.

I thought she made an ominous statement during her last examination stating that "every" mole I have on my back has atypical features.  I have many, many moles everywhere.

I did some research on the Internet and learned that after severe atypia is melanoma. 

Thank you for listening.  I can't talk to anyone in my family about health issues.

[Gayle]

Hi Lighthouse!

My father has had melanoma 2 times. Once was 40 yrs ago and once last year, both times with excellent results... they excised it completely and no other treatment was needed. I am sending up prayers for you! Your family too... you can always talk to us, your adopted family!

Gayle

[Carebear]

Dear lighthouse,

Wishing you good news on your biopsy results.  Please let us know how things turn out for you.

[4Kids]

Good luck to you!

[Carolina]

Dearest Lighthouse:

Hope all goes well.

Somehow having so many that are atypical may mean that they ARE typical for you.......and OK.

Well, that's how my mind works wanting everything to turn out OK!

Do keep us posted.

We will be looking for your update.

Hugs

Elaine

[Cricket]

Lighthouse

My dad had melenoma and he survived 40 years, died from something else.  Do not be nervous would not be possible, That C word scares the crap out of all of us.  Just k now that the Lord has your name written on the palm of His hand.  I will hold you up in prayer my friend.  Please keep us posted!

[eye2dry]

Lighthouse.

We have several pathology reports a week that come back with "atypical" as a diagnosis. The report either says the margins are clear or it may recommend further excision.

You'll be told to have regular skin exams... every 6 months or yearly. You'll get educated on what features you need to look for in your own at home skin exam..the ABCDE's.

If it comes back a melanoma...the report will also state wether further surgery will be needed....a wider excision.  Catching it early is the key.


Good luck...sounds like you have a good derm......

eye2dry

[Meld256]

I'll be thinking of you, lighthouse, as you have your surgery tomorrow.  I know "melanoma" can be a scary word...we'll hope it won't show anything like that. 

However, as said, a small melanoma is easily treated and finding it early is key.  It's good that your doctor is being cautious and checking this out.

Please update us and remember, we will keep you in our prayers.
Melinda

[irish]

lighthouse, I will keep you in my prayers. Hope all goes well and the results are good.

Just to let you know, my DIL has tons of moles on her body and was a sun worshiper in her younger days. It has brought her some excisions of moles and she now has to be seen every 6 months for a full body check. They have photos of her body and are really watching her.

Thankfully, it sounds like your doc is being vigilant with you also. Irish

[WildThing]

Good luck hun!  When went to the dermatologist due to my swelling in my ankles the waiting room was packed to the rafters with peole.  Skin conditions and moles and what not are soooooooooooooooooooooooo common...but they didn't all have cancer.  I do hope it turns out well for you.

[lighthouse33]

The pathology report on the original biopsy came back as a dysplastic nevus with moderate to severe atypia.  It was on the high side of severe close to melanoma (borderline).  The pathologist wasn?t comfortable with leaving it in there.  He wanted it and the bad cells removed. 

The surgery wasn?t bad but I am hurting today.  I have dis solvable stitches on the inside and regular stitches on the outside that will be removed in two weeks.  At that appointment, I will get the final biopsy report of what was cut out. 

No exercise for 48 hours, no heavy lifting, no weight vest until stitches are removed, showers only etc.  The hardest part is trying not to sleep on my back. 

[lighthouse33]

eye2dry,

Yes, my derm is excellent.  She?s already got me on a four month skin check routine.  The nurse commented to me awhile ago about the doctor having me on a short leash and I told her that I had a borderline biopsy ten or more years ago in Ohio. 

The derm even told me that I should be checking down in the genital area along with everywhere else.  I had my gyno do this at my last appointment.  From what I?ve read online melanoma can be hidden and occur in the eyes, mouth, under the breast and in the genital area.  I never knew all that.  If you?ve had a melanoma diagnosis you need to inform your eye doctor, dentist and gyno. 

[lighthouse33]

It?s good to know that people can survive melanoma.  When you read about it, it sounds like a death sentence.  The ex-mayor of our town died from melanoma.  They never could find out where it came from.  By the time he was diagnosed it had spread everywhere.  He was a friend of ours and a great guy.  His wife is very funny and great to be around. 

[Cricket]

Lighthouse

Glad you are doing good!