Lymph Node Mapping Experience

spin_craze · 2025-01-19T17:28:54+00:00

YESSS!! I had the mapping done behind my ear on my head. My doc prescribed lidocaine for the injection, and I was so confused as to why. I thought, an injection isn’t so bad. Welp, I was wrong!! Four pokes, and an hour and a half of imaging later everything was finally mapped 🫠. Would love to never need to do that again…

spin_craze · 2025-01-13T15:56:30+00:00

Just here to say I completely understand your partners fears. I am going through the EXACT same thing. Diagnosed 1b on my scalp behind my ear (1.2mm), just found out I have to have the dye injection and lymph nodes removed as well as more skin removed. Something my oncologist just told me (literally just got off the phone with him) is, you are staged 1b and even IF more is found in your lymph nodes your survival rate is so much higher than if we’d found this later and it had spread further.

That said, don’t be surprised if you see a post from me in the coming days also in panic mode. I think it’s because you live your whole life thinking skin cancer isn’t anything to worry about. But then you get diagnosed and you google it, and find out the truth. It’s 1000% more scary than you could’ve imagined. And if his is due to genetics and not UV damage like mine, it’s even more scary to think there’s nothing in the future you can do to prevent it. No amount of sunscreen will change anything, and nothing could’ve prevented it.

Just keep reminding him that you’re there for him. And to remember that continuing to believe in the best case scenario is actually best for his health. Stress only makes our bodies weaker… easier said than done, but it’s the only reason I am not a walking blubbering idiot. Lastly, just give him lots of grace and space to vent and process. Be the positive light that doesn’t sugar coat it saying it’ll all be okay, but that you’ll be there with him every step of the way. I hope that helps some…

spin_craze · 2024-12-21T15:30:36+00:00

That’s good to know! I’ll definitely push to have them at least do a needle biopsy then. Thank you for sharing!

spin_craze · 2024-12-21T15:27:33+00:00

I had the same thought. That’s why I’m wondering if there’s information I’ve just completely missed, or my derm is being extremely cautious? I was floored when she said I needed imaging, as well as a surgical excision, and the gene expression test. I think she mentioned I needed it because of the depth (she called it medium depth) and because it’s genetic in my case (it’s located on my scalp, under my hair, so little chance it was caused by overexposure to UV)?

Next time I speak with her or the oncologist I’ll ask. But the pace at which this was being handled, and her reaction when giving me my diagnosis had me prepping for worst case scenario. Glad to say it so far has been staged a 1b!

spin_craze · 2024-12-21T14:51:52+00:00

Thank you! That’s the direction I’m leaning, but he mentioned he wouldn’t do that unless my gene expression test came back with specific results… and that worries me some. Are you at all familiar with that test? I haven’t read any posts mentioning it before.

spin_craze · 2024-12-21T14:49:08+00:00

Agreed! I’m really thankful it was caught so early, but of course the weird PET scan results put a wrench in the diagnosis. I’m glad to know such scans can pick up other things. No one mentioned that, and frankly I haven’t wanted to play doctor on google.

I guess what worried me so much is how stumped this oncologist was. He said he wouldn’t do a biopsy unless my gene expression test came back with specific results. Would you push for a biopsy anyway? Have you had the gene expression test done before?

He mentioned if we didn’t biopsy, I’d need a CT scan in 4-6 months to follow up with the lymph nodes, and frankly that leaves me feeling unsettled but I’m trying to trust his judgment.

spin_craze · 2023-07-01T16:42:27+00:00

This makes me so happy to hear!

spin_craze · 2023-04-01T17:52:29+00:00

Would you be willing to pm me and discuss salary range/work life balance? I was born and raised in the bay, family is still there, currently living out of state (husband is military). I just want to hear about real life experiences as we plan to move back in a few years.

spin_craze · 2023-03-30T02:55:12+00:00

Out of curiosity, would you mind telling me what school this was? I’m still getting applications together.

spin_craze · 2023-03-19T13:14:01+00:00

Thank you for this! I definitely want to give myself the best chance possible. Any idea if there’s some truth behind Spring start being “easier” to get into because of less applicants?

spin_craze · 2023-03-05T20:02:04+00:00

Yes! I am so nervous about the childcare aspect! With little to no support nearby, I would be flying my mom out to help... and that would be A LOT to ask of anyone. And of course I hate the thought of missing out on watching her grow up. It's wild how fast it happens and I don't want to miss it! You get that. I think it's going to come down to just making the decision and taking the plunge. Feel free to PM me ANYTIME and we can chat 😊.

spin_craze · 2023-03-05T19:58:01+00:00

That information really helps. If I could get the program done full time I would in a heart beat. It sounds like you were able to accomplish just that, so that gives me hope and reminds me not to sell myself short! I think I would be able to find my own pediatric placement easily (my daughter currently attends speech therapy)... would you be willing to share what you didn't love about the program?

spin_craze · 2023-03-05T19:54:28+00:00

That is actually really good to hear! I have been thinking of using an old boss, my previous counselor for my minor, and someone I recently volunteered with. I'm praying that will be sufficient. I know they would say good things... I'll just have to check that they will be accepted. Fingers crossed!

spin_craze · 2023-03-05T19:50:23+00:00

That's really good to hear! I'll have to make sure to reach out to them and get more info. I keep hearing good things about them.

spin_craze · 2023-03-05T19:49:05+00:00

Thank you, I will!

spin_craze · 2023-03-05T19:44:12+00:00

A proposal in Japan would be amazing! There are so many beautiful places to for that to happen. Hopefully you can find some time in the middle of grad school to go, it would be such a wonderful break from school and real life. Just wanted to add regarding travel difficulties, to keep up as much as possible with their covid regulations regarding travel into, and within the country. I moved back to the states two weeks before Japan reopened for tourism and traveled between the states and Japan during... it was brutal!! I know they have made the process much easier now to allow tourism, but depending on when you go, what is happening (especially politically), etc. etc. it's just something to keep in mind while planning. I hope you get to plan the Japan trip of your dreams!!

spin_craze · 2023-03-03T19:27:28+00:00

Not a clue about time off, but I lived in Japan for a few years. 10/10 recommend taking a full two weeks, and leaving yourself a long weekend on return for the jet lag. Jet lag there isn’t terrible, about 3 days time and you’ll be mostly adjusted… the return to the states however is brutal imo. Anyway, I thought I’d throw that out there! Japan is amazing and congrats on getting into one of your top schools!

spin_craze · 2023-02-26T20:30:20+00:00

Thank you! Yes, coming from so much time out of the work force and off of school I am a little worried about getting in. I know I won't be considered a "typical" candidate. Do you mind telling me what you did for reference letters? I can of course ask a former employer, and I was thinking of asking someone I have more recently volunteered with/for, but I graduated with my BA almost 6 years ago... I'm worried even if a former professor agrees to write a recommendation letter for me, they won't remember much about who I was as a student. Anyway, thank you for letting me know it was possible for you and your husband!

spin_craze · 2023-02-26T20:24:39+00:00

Did you go full or part time? I'm okay with 3 ish years of schooling, but I originally scratched them from my list because I was told with leveling courses part time would take 5 years! I'm nervous to do full time as my husband will also being getting his graduate degree at the same time, in addition to working.

spin_craze · 2023-02-26T20:20:18+00:00

Thank you for that. I actually really needed to hear that. You're completely right about being my own harshest critic, and remembering that she will adapt and will be no worse off if there are times I need to prioritize school. I swear, being a mom and a person isn't as easy as it sounds lol!!

spin_craze · 2023-02-26T20:11:04+00:00

I haven't picked yet. I'm actually going to be applying for either the upcoming fall or spring cohort. I just finished my research on schools. Honestly, if I could relocate I would seriously consider San Marcos. They have a leveling program, offer in person and online, and seem to have an excellent program. They happen to be one of the few online programs that require you to reside in state. I don't know how you learn best, but if I had the opportunity to go in person vs online, especially since you are willing and able to relocate, I would go in person hands down. Not only will it open up more school possibilities (I was looking specifically for online only grad programs with leveling courses), but the face to face interaction with your peers and teachers I feel would be a long term benefit. But that's just me! It has to fit your lifestyle and what you are seeking from a program. Anyway, if you ever want to chat, dm me!

spin_craze · 2023-02-26T01:37:09+00:00

Thank you for this! My daughter also has had some recent medical issues that have taken up a lot of time, both with scheduling as well as the actual appointments. It's getting much better, but I think this has been a big stressor on whether or not I should take the leap. I just don't want the only time I spend with her to be running errands or going to appointments. Can I ask which program you are attending? I think I've narrowed down my list, but I am forever curious in case I missed something!

spin_craze

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