I thought was going to the plastic surgeon today to get my moles re-excised since they came back atypical. I figured it would be a quick in & out deal and this would all be behind me. I was wrong, today was only a consult with the plastic surgeon. Dr B. was a nice older man who came in and reviewed my chart and pathology report. He was very thorough and explained that the mole on my stomach was moderately atypical (which I knew), but then he went more in-depth about the mole on my lower back, which he said was “melanoma in situ.”
Just hearing the word melanoma made me want to puke. He reassured me that melanoma in situ has a 100% cure rate if excised properly. According to melanomacenter.org:
Melanoma in situ (Latin for in place) - Very early stage melanoma where the tumor is limited to the epidermis with no invasion of surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, or distant sites. When melanoma is found and treated early, the chances for long-term, disease-free survival are excellent. With treatment, patients with melanoma in situ have a 5- and 10- year survival rate of 100%.
I scheduled the surgery for 3 weeks from now at the local hospital where he operates. He said the scar on my back will be bad but the one on my stomach should heal well. I told him I didn’t care if my body was covered in horrible scars as long as I was alive– he said that was a great attitude.
I’m so thankful that I saw my primary care physician when one of my moles changed and that she got me into a new dermatologist who immediately removed the suspicious moles for biopsy and scheduled me with a plastic surgeon. I’m not going to even go down the rabbit hole of thinking about the “what-ifs.” Today, I’m grateful for fantastic doctors, health insurance and my health.
Do me a favor though, don’t ever use a tanning bed and please put on sunscreen every day!
PS. Some great blogs & people I found while learning more about melanoma are Chelsea from Adventures with my Enemy Melanoma and Katie from Pretty in Pale- check them out!
So glad that this was caught so early!
Thanks Chrystal
xoxo
Joanna recently wrote Melanoma In Situ
Thank you so much for reminding people to GET CHECKED! I’m so glad to hear your melanoma has such a great cure rate. Stay healthy!
Suzanne recently wrote Wordless Wednesday: Couch Nap Edition
I wish I had done less sun worshiping in my younger days! I was nice and tan but now I worry that I will have to watch my moles very carefully.
Kameron recently wrote First Day: October 2012
Thank you for sharing my blog! I’m bummed to hear that you have to get surgery, but it’s so wonderful that you caught it at such an early stage. Keep us updated!
Katie recently wrote Pinktoberfest
OMG! Thank goodness you caught it early! A lot of people don’t go to the dr, don’t follow up, or just think every mole is normal. Thanks for sharing! You never know if this post might help someone!
LaShawn recently wrote Saturday in Photos…
Oh my! That’s word that turns my stomach too. So glad they caught it early. Thanks for sharing and reminding me that I haven’t been to get all mine checked in a couple of years.
Thank goodness you are okay and it was caught early. I can only imagine the scare you had!! I will be praying for you when you go for your surgery. If you need anything, just ask!
mel recently wrote momAgenda Yearly Planner Review-Giveaway!
I’m so glad for the happy outcome. You’ll always be beautiful your family needs you here. A few scars? Meh. Just happy you’re well. Good for you for sharing your story and spreading awareness.
Veronica recently wrote Sweater Weather.
I would be scared if I heard the word Melanoma too! Eh…it will be a battle scar, right?! Glad you went & got them checked when you did! Thanks you for the great reminder!!
Heather M recently wrote Weekend Away…Kid Free!
Sorry to hear that Joanna! I’m glad you’re catching it early! Makes me want to move my mole appointment up!! YIKES! Scary! You’ll be fine though!!!
Kristin Wheeler (MamaLuvsBooks) recently wrote Wordless Wednesday ~ Jasper Likes Mommy Juice Too!
Thinking of you Joanna!! So glad you got checked out. I really should schedule a “mole patrol” appointment with my dermatologist. My Dad had skin cancer (removed, no reoccurances since) so I have to be careful!! Glad you were so proactive!!
melissa recently wrote Pin to Win with @Mediweightloss and recipes!!
I’m so glad it was caught early– the word is still scary. I believe this is what my dad has on his face as well, that had to be dissolved with a cream that literally burns through that layer of skin. This is a good reminder to make an appointment with my dermatologist! Thinking of you!
Jen recently wrote What Your Child Needs From You: Creating a Connected Family REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!
I’ve had a few moles removed and the scars are worth it! Glad you were proactive!
Such an important reminder, especially nowadays when people seem to love to go tanning. I’m glad you’ve been proactive and have a good team of health care professionals, but am sorry you have had a few scares because I know that’s got to be stressful. *hugs*
Mommy Boots recently wrote BlogHer Book Club Review: Matched