Just a quick update, the pathology from the biopsy Steve had at his last appointment came back clear. No melanoma and not atypical. Nothing further will need to be done. Just another battle scar :)
Wear sunscreen. Wear sunglasses. Wear a hat. Do monthly self exams. See a dermatologist annually. Don't use tanning beds. LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN!
My husband Steve was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in January of 2012. When he was diagnosed, we immediately began reading melanoma blogs to help get an idea on what to expect with treatment, treatment options, to have some hope, etc. We are hoping that our blog will offer these things to others in return. Please follow sun safety! Use your sunscreen! DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS! Check your skin, and see a dermatologist annually.
Showing posts with label scar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scar. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Wide Excision Recovery
Many have asked how Steve's wounds from his wide excision surgery were healing, so I thought I would post a few pictures. Also, I thought it would be good to have the pics on the blog for anyone that may be seeking information on the surgery and recovery process.
The first few days Steve experienced mild pain. He took a weak pain pill, but probably could have gotten by on Advil or Tylenol.
P.S. Remember, I already know he is a hairy beast ;)
Remember folks....love the skin you're in, see a dermatologist at least once a year, do monthly skin checks, wear sunscreen, seek shade, wear sunglasses, don't tan, take care of your skin!!!
I will try and remember to take pictures again in a week or two to show the final scars.
The first few days Steve experienced mild pain. He took a weak pain pill, but probably could have gotten by on Advil or Tylenol.
P.S. Remember, I already know he is a hairy beast ;)
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| 1 week post surgery - view of both cuts |
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| View of lower cut - 1 week post surgery |
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| Top cut - 1 week post surgery (this is the superglue they used starting to fall off) |
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| 9 days post surgery |
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| Upper cut - 9 days post surgery |
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| Lower cut - 9 days post surgery |
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| Both cuts - 16 days post surgery |
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| 16 days post surgery - bottom cut |
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| 16 days post surgery - upper cut |
Remember folks....love the skin you're in, see a dermatologist at least once a year, do monthly skin checks, wear sunscreen, seek shade, wear sunglasses, don't tan, take care of your skin!!!
I will try and remember to take pictures again in a week or two to show the final scars.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Biopsies, surgeries, clear margins........rinse and repeat
Steve had 2 biopsies on his back last Monday, September 16, 2013. He had one via the "punch" method and one via the "shave" method. Steve was called with the results today. Both biopsies came back free of melanoma but were classified as "severely atypical". According to his dermatologist, "severely atypical" moles have a high chance of developing into melanoma.
On November 14, 2013 at 2:15 pm, Steve will have a surgery commonly referred to as "wide margin excision" to be sure that they have clear margins on both of the moles. Even though the moles are not melanoma, MD Anderson is very proactive in severely atypical moles since they carry such a high risk of turning into melanoma. The procedure is typically an inpatient surgery and takes 1-2 weeks to recover from. Steve will be left with a 4-5 cm scar in each area. But what a small price to pay to keep the melanoma at bay!
Info regarding the surgery:
"The procedure is called wide excision.
The surgeon removes the rest of the tumor, including the biopsy site, as well as a surgical margin, (a surrounding area of normal-appearing skin), and the underlying subcutaneous tissue, to make certain the whole tumor has been removed.
The width of the margin taken depends upon the thickness of the primary tumor.
Most surgeons today follow the guidelines adopted and recommended by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization Melanoma Program:
When Steve met with the dermatologist last week, they diagnosed him with atypical dysplastic nevus syndrome. People with this diagnoses are anywhere from 10 to 12 times more likely to develop melanoma.
I will keep everyone updated on Steve's surgery in November. Until then, we are happy that Steve is NED. Yesterday, Steve started the Livestrong program at the YMCA. The program aims to aid cancer patients that are recovering from treatment in rebuilding their strength, agility, and stamina. He will probably end up missing a few classes due to the surgery, but hopefully that will not affect the effectiveness of this class.
On November 14, 2013 at 2:15 pm, Steve will have a surgery commonly referred to as "wide margin excision" to be sure that they have clear margins on both of the moles. Even though the moles are not melanoma, MD Anderson is very proactive in severely atypical moles since they carry such a high risk of turning into melanoma. The procedure is typically an inpatient surgery and takes 1-2 weeks to recover from. Steve will be left with a 4-5 cm scar in each area. But what a small price to pay to keep the melanoma at bay!
Info regarding the surgery:
"The procedure is called wide excision.
The surgeon removes the rest of the tumor, including the biopsy site, as well as a surgical margin, (a surrounding area of normal-appearing skin), and the underlying subcutaneous tissue, to make certain the whole tumor has been removed.
The width of the margin taken depends upon the thickness of the primary tumor.
Most surgeons today follow the guidelines adopted and recommended by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization Melanoma Program:
-
At least 0.5 centimeter margin in all directions (less than 0.25 inch)
When Steve met with the dermatologist last week, they diagnosed him with atypical dysplastic nevus syndrome. People with this diagnoses are anywhere from 10 to 12 times more likely to develop melanoma.
I will keep everyone updated on Steve's surgery in November. Until then, we are happy that Steve is NED. Yesterday, Steve started the Livestrong program at the YMCA. The program aims to aid cancer patients that are recovering from treatment in rebuilding their strength, agility, and stamina. He will probably end up missing a few classes due to the surgery, but hopefully that will not affect the effectiveness of this class.
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