Beautiful Wife had a mole that she didn't think looked normal. She went to the doctor's office a couple of weeks ago and he pretty much laughed it off. He wanted to just freeze it and remove it that way. She insisted that it be removed and sent to the lab.
Last Friday she got a notice in the mail that said an appointment had been made for her at a dermatologist. Today, the doctor's office called (one of the nurses) to let her know that the lab report came back positive for melanoma.
Right now it looks like she won't get into the dermatologist until September 2nd. We're going to try to get in someplace sooner.
Until we know the "stage" it is impossible to think about treatment or know what we should do. Best case is that he got all the cancer when he removed the mole. This isn't likely since he obviously didn't know what the hell he was doing at the time. I'm guessing that the minimum will be that she has to have further surgery to make sure it all has been removed. I can't think any further than that right now.
Next on our list...find a new primary care physician.
Posted by bbarton at August 9, 2004 01:45 PMThanks! Your support means a lot to us. :)
Posted by: Bob on August 10, 2004 11:00 AMBob - I am so sorry that your family is going through this right now. Thank god she insisted on having it tested. You mentioned you were looking for a new primary care doctor, I ***HIGHLY*** recommend Dr. Mark Blackwood at Durham Health Center - he is DA BOMB and honestly, he's the best doctor I've ever had. He almost always sends me for a 2nd opinion to a specialist "just to make sure" everything is fine. I've been through more tests than most people have but I would gladly go through these tests and know I am alright than just hope the doctor was right the first time, end of story.
I know this must be a very unnerving time for you and your wife. My aunt had a mole removed that came back positive for melanoma and had another minor surgery after that, and then they watched her for a long time - all is well now - full recovery. I will be hoping your wife gets in to see a dermatologist sooner also. again - you are in Brian and I's thoughts.
Good luck
Leigh
I think I can honestly say I know what you must be going through right now. The waiting and worrying sucks...having to fight for your care with the doctors sucks. My heart sank when I read this because I know what it feels like and don't wish the feeling on anyone else (ESPECIALLY YOU GUYS!). And what is with having to wait for a dermatology appointment??? My oncologist is worried about a mole I have and wants me to go to the dermatologist to have it checked out for skin cancer. I called and was told there were no openings until November. The fact that an ONCOLOGIST was worried about it, didn't sway them as far as moving the appointment up. Are dermatologists really that high of a demand?
Posted by: Ashley on August 10, 2004 11:26 PMThanks for your supportive comments and advice about a PCP, Leigh!
Posted by: Bob on August 11, 2004 09:29 AMYou're right, Ashley, the whole waiting and worry thing does suck. My guess is that either a lot of people have skin cancer, or there's a real run on acne patients that have to be seen first and that's why it is so hard to get a dermatology appointment!
Posted by: Bob on August 11, 2004 09:31 AM
Good for her that she didn't let the PCP intimidate her and fought to have it analyzed. It is so important for all of us to remember that ultimately we are responsible for our own healthcare.
Last year, my mother had a spot (early stage) on her nose that she had removed. She is now very careful about wearing a hat and applying suntan lotion every time she goes outside.
Please know that you, Beautiful Wife and the kids are in my thoughts.
Posted by: You Who's wife on August 9, 2004 05:29 PM