Waiting On A Biopsy

Hello, I was diagnosed with a Stage IB melanoma when I was 25. I'm now 33, and everything has been good with the initial cancer. I have had many recurrences of precancerous moles, but no melanomas since. I recently had a biopsy and the doctor found that it is atypical, but can't tell if it's melanoma. He's sent out the tissue for a second opinion which is scaring me. I'm wondering if others out there get scared when waiting for biopsies. I feel that since I've heard, "You have melanoma," I'm always waiting for it to happen again. I'm just feeling very scared and alone waiting for the results. My friends don't seem to understand that this is serious and tell me that I'll be fine and it's probably nothing. I guess that I'm using this as a forum to get these feelings out of my head, but I just feel that there are only a few people out there who truly understand what this feels like. My thoughts are with anyone who is going through melanoma themselves or with anyone they know and love.

 You are not alone in feeling scared and nervous.  I am not the patient but the patients mom.  If it is was so  hard for me, can't imagine what it would be like for you - You are so good to be keeping on top of everything with your condition.  I know it is nervewracking to have to wait for these things, but take heart in the fact you got it biopsied early.  Most people have no idea of the potential problems of melanoma and can't identify with it.  Especially young people like yourself, feel they are invincible and cannot relate to what you are going through.  They don't want to alarm you any more than necessary either.  My heart goes out to you as you wait and my prayers are with you for a negative result of the biopsy.  I know it is always on your mind.  Try to do something you enjoy as much as possible as you wait. 

Best Wishes

Mrs. C

On 2/10/2007 Teacherlb wrote:

Hello, I was diagnosed with a Stage IB melanoma when I was 25. I'm now 33, and everything has been good with the initial cancer. I have had many recurrences of precancerous moles, but no melanomas since. I recently had a biopsy and the doctor found that it is atypical, but can't tell if it's melanoma. He's sent out the tissue for a second opinion which is scaring me. I'm wondering if others out there get scared when waiting for biopsies. I feel that since I've heard, "You have melanoma," I'm always waiting for it to happen again. I'm just feeling very scared and alone waiting for the results. My friends don't seem to understand that this is serious and tell me that I'll be fine and it's probably nothing. I guess that I'm using this as a forum to get these feelings out of my head, but I just feel that there are only a few people out there who truly understand what this feels like. My thoughts are with anyone who is going through melanoma themselves or with anyone they know and love.

 

I am Stage1b also. ANY kind of test I have worries me. From blood work to mammograms, to just blood pressure checking. Stupid? No...It's because we have been faced with this. We KNOW the fear. I work for a dermatologist. I see the fear and KNOW the fear. But it's almost been 2 years now, and I dont get over whelmed with it like I once did. I try to help others who are facing it..or who have questions. And you are right, no one understands the TRUE meaning of melanoma unless they have read about it. They think, "Ahh it's just a skin cancer!" I plan on staying a Stage 1b. By the way ...what was your Clark and Breslow Levels? Mine was .80 in Breslow, but the Clark was IV. That was where the "b" came in on mine. I did not have a SNB (Sentinal Node Biopsy) I chose not too. I do have my derm look at "oddities" if they seem odd to me. So far we haven't taking anything off since the first one. Good luck and I hope all goes well with good results! God Bless!

As a new forum member I just read your comment.  Are you comfortable with posting an update?  I'd love to hear what the biopsy revealed and how you are proceeding.

NanaGlo's daughter,

amy