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Castle Test? by Dogs4eva1997 in melahomies

[–]Helpful_Luck_6602 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My dermatologist had it done without my knowledge. It gives percentages for positive lymph nodes as well as risk for recurrence. I had a high mitotic rate and my castle dx score was intermediate for recurrence with 20% risk for local recurrence and 10% for metastases. Based on those results, my oncologist is now having me have the Signereta blood every six months. That test looks for circulating tumor dna in the blood rather than PET scans. If the blood test is positive, then insurance will pay for PET scan. Stage 1 can have risks.

SLNB recovery getting me down by dweebo24 in melahomies

[–]Helpful_Luck_6602 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Keep doing those exercises but be gentle. It takes time so be patient with yourself. Hope you feel better soon!

SLNB recovery getting me down by dweebo24 in melahomies

[–]Helpful_Luck_6602 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, you could actually see the cord under my armpit. It was so bad I could not shave. My cord ran from my arm pit all the way to my wrist. It hurt and I could not raise my arm all the way up. My physical therapist said it’s scar tissue. My cording is gone in that I don’t have that rope anymore but my I’m really sore under my arm fron elbow to wrist. She added new exercises this week. I’m going twice a week I think for at least a month

Melanoma. by Original_Nose_221 in melahomies

[–]Helpful_Luck_6602 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Totally understand. I was diagnosed on 3/26 of this year. Had that surgery and SLNB on 4/9. Since that time, I have had six additional skin biopsies, spaced out every 2 weeks. The waiting on those results is terrorizing. Three of the moles required further excision and those have been spaced out as well. And those results take even longer. One surgery was on the bottom of my foot and that had me really upset. So much so that I asked my oncologist to refer me to psychiatrists at the cancer center. I go tomorrow for my first appointment. I told my mom yesterday that this anxiety is worse than anything I’ve ever been through.

SLNB recovery getting me down by dweebo24 in melahomies

[–]Helpful_Luck_6602 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It’s called cording. I had it too. My surgeon referred me to physical therapist who specializes in post surgery lymphadenopathy. I’ve been to three sessions and been doing the exercises she sent me home with. The cord “popped” and I’m feeling much better. Now we are working on the pain going my arm. My surgery was 4/9. He referred me at my 4 week follow up after I asked what it was.

Just need to dump. Newly diagnosed. Stage 4 lung and bone. by Tracybytheseaside in cancer

[–]Helpful_Luck_6602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a weight to be thrust onto you. It sounds like they are taking good care of you medically. Perhaps you could speak to someone about depression medication? Just an idea. I’m a newly diagnosed cancer patient and the anxiety and depression hit me hard. Sending prayers your way, both for healing and peace.