18 months later, turns out it is cancer
Posted Aug 25, 2020, 10:30 PM UTC
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1
Scary part is this just looks like a rash.
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Yup, 3 really good doctors, one dermatologist and one who specializes in this were stumped. They had no idea.
I actually mentioned it to a few other doctors at urgent care etc. for unrelated things and they had no clue but also didn’t seem concerned as if it was something totally harmless.
2
If i set up an appointment to get myself checked for melanoma or skin cancer. Do they check all of me or do I have to point out concern areas?
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I can’t say for sure, but I believe they’ll check out all of you. I went in and pointed at one spot and the first thing they wanted to check was my entire body. I pointed out other moles and weird looking stuff as they went and they would explain what it is and why it’s not dangerous. It was very informative.
Don’t be afraid to tell them exactly what you want and expect from the appointment. If you want them to check all of you, you may need to speak up if they try to speed through it. I always feel rushed and anxious so I try to take notes and lay out everything I need to ask before I go in.
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Just thought I’d post a follow up for those interested. Be careful what advice you take from here, not saying anyone is at fault or saying i was fine. I did see a doctor shortly after but it took over a year to diagnose after several biopsies. My primary doctor had no idea what it was, one of the best dermatologist at my cities university had no idea, and the oncologist who specializes in this area was stumped at first.
My diagnosis is B-Cell Lymphoma MZL Type. So not exactly fitting for this sub, but still found it interesting.
I’m still waiting on what treatment to pursue.
Very sorry to hear this was the eventual diagnosis, but glad you found out what was going on conclusively. Wishing you well and appreciate the education.
Very sorry to hear this. I'm sure you will recover from it.
I have some questions:
Did you experience any of the symptoms mentioned on the internet?
Has it spread to other parts of the body?
How old are you and is it common for your gender to have this ?
How many biopsies did it take for the doctor to conclude?
How is it now? Does it look the same as the one shown the picture?
What stage is it?
Thanks
1- I did not experience any symptoms at all, aside from the red rash looking thing. Even then, nothing really. Like if it was on my back I would have never known.
2 - Yes, after getting diagnosed it suddenly spread as if it knew it was found. I got similar spots on the same arm, one on my face by my sideburns and also on my calf and thigh. It seems to only stick to the extremities.
3- I was 28 when it first appeared. I’m male and no, from what I hear this isn’t too common for anyone my age.
4 - it took 3 biopsies. The first was a small punch and didn’t conclude anything, they actually said it probably isn’t cancer. They were still stumped though. They were asking if I went to Europe and was bit by a tick, as that would have fit perfectly.
The 2nd biopsy was on my leg, the 3rd was the same spot as the first on my arm, but this time they cut a lot deeper and took out a big chunk as it started to grow back after the first punch took away most of it.
5- it’s noticeably gotten worse and sped up. Probably double in size and darker and more lumpy-ish. And now I “feel” it there, it’s a bit irritating and somewhat itchy. Not always, but feels like I have a sticker on me or something. Pic from a couple months ago that line is scar tissue though, but everything is re-growth as it was “all” cut away for the biopsy.
6- I honestly don’t know what stage it is. I had to move across the country before I started treatment so now it’s almost like getting a second opinion and see what these doctors say.
And it’s all good! Thank you! I think I’ll be fine, I feel like I always have, can do everyday things etc. I don’t actually feel like I have cancer and feel guilty saying that, as I know others are FAR worse off than I am. I don’t think I’m going to die or suffer or anything. I don’t care about the scars on my arm, I just don’t want to biopsy my face :( The Dr. wanted to but I talked him out of it and he agreed it wasn’t 100% necessary.