Hey Shannon,
I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Melanoma, Clark's Level II, Breslow .16 so just slightly better than yours but basically same catagory.
However, after all the research I did on the internet and the fear of recurrence, I developed my own strategy for checking and basically leaving no stone unturned.
I went back on my own medical history and obtained all xrays, ct scans, ultrasounds of anything ever done on me within a reasonable time frame (they must keep them for 7 years). If you find the hospital (many were emergency room visits) they will forward to your doctor free of charge rather than you asking for copy (which they usually charge for). I then had all these medical reports sent to an Oncologist for his professional cancer medical opinion (not a surgeon, nor a GP)actually someone that is trained to seek out cancerous spots or tumors. I am happy to report that he did find one (yes happy because it was found) on my adrenal gland. Two other doctors missed this (apparently the ER doctor didn't even feel need to tell me about this tumor even though I was in there for rectal bleeding and stomach pain). They said it was something I ate or a potential blockage in bowel.
I am now having the tumor removed and sent for biopsy. Better safe than sorry and leaving it inside for it to potentially grow into a cancerous tumor.
Be proactive in your care. Don't let doctor's intimidate you, they are there to offer you medical opinion, but YOU are in CHARGE of your own personal life and only you can demand and get the care you want. If you feel uncomfortable about anything, you need to TELL your doctor and if he doesn't agree with your choice of plans or treatment, find one that will.
Email me anytime if you need to ask more questions. I am in Charlotte, NC, where are you
--Message edited by CancerCompass staff. For personal protection, email address removed. Consider private reply. Please review CancerCompass Member Guidelines at
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Hey! I am very new to this just diagnosed in April. Breslow 0.7mm and Clark's 3. I am scared to death. I have twin daughters who are 16 months old and all I can do is look at them and cry. They are doing a wide excision on the 22nd and they (dermatolgist) is going to see me every 3 months. Is this enough? I don't want to miss anything. He insist that it is plenty and he will keep a close eye on me. Every mole on my body I see makes me crazy now. I have over 50-100 moles. I just am so scared!!!!!! Anything will be helpful. I feel so selfish worrying when so many others have much larger and much more dangerous melanoma. I am so sorry to anyone dealing with this monster. I am a nurse which makes things even more scary!!! Thanks for any advice - Shannon - North Carolina