CancerCompass message board discussion started by Mohssx2007 on 6/30/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,13937,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I was diagnosed with melanoma insuti on my left cheek April 2007. I devoloped a dark mark on my left cheek, actually a freckle For a few yrs back in 2004 , that after a while did not fade but got darker and bigger in color,  I being the vain person that I am did go to my derm,  in the spring of 2005  ( April) who told me that this was from the freckle family, that it was not cancerous , told me that a chemical burn would fix it , unfortunately health insurance would not cover it. I trusted him. TO ALL GET A SECOND OPINION!!  April 2007 freckle was bigger spreading down my cheek, called and said I wanted procedure done, was told it cost $1200.00. Was agressive and said does he know that it is not cancer  or could turn into cancer? Come in and ask Doc your questions. Went in on 4/19/07 OH it did get bigger I see two small dark marks. Did a shave punch excision , Told not to worry about biospy. 4/24/07 He stood there and told  me  it was melamona, but thank you for coming to me when you did???  You are Lucky??? May 22nd 07 had Mohs sx, had first procedure , and all was neg. The margin was large and as a result  required flap reconstruction sx and that is what I am left dealing with , A  greater than sign is what I call it on my lt cheek. I look like a freak!! I have to daily look @ it , I  go to work , and come home that is it. I would have rather kept the dark mark on my cheek than deal with what I am going through. I am having a very hard time dealing with all of this , I try to be strong , I cannot look @ my self , my cheek feels like an alien, I used to be pretty. The derm who made the diagnosis said Oh 6 wks from now you1ll never know you had anything on your cheek! I wonder why ? Cause now I am this  freak? I would greatly appreciate anyones support  or anyone who has been through this procedure. And the scary part is that this is not over, it can happen again to me , And I honestly don`t know what I will do. Mohssx2007 Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT