Just Diagnosed With Melanoma

How do you navigate cancer treatment without insurance?

I was diagnosed on January 15 after being checked out for a car accident. I have all my car accident injuries head trauma, sprains and such. I have had my PET scan and last weekend my MRI. I don’t know the results of the MRI yet which will determine if I’m still stage 3 or 4. I practice holistic therapeutic methods most of my life. So I haven’t carried health insurance. I have paid cash for all this cancer diagnosis and my injuries from the car accident was being covered under my auto insurance. I can’t get answers as to how much the immune therapy will cost because of my staging. It’s been months since my 2 biopsies came back both positive. My friends and family are frustrated with me and think I should have more answers by now. It seems I’m at the back of the list since I don’t have insurance and money is tight. I don’t qualify for Medicaid and since being diagnosed I have a preexisting condition. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has ever had to navigate through this. Holistic clinics are also way more than I could ever afford not to mention nothing is located where I live. So I have been going the cancer hospital in my area. I feel all I do is wait. I’m in so much pain especially on my left side. The melanoma is also on my left arm a site on the front of my arm and the back of my arm. Both were cut for biopsies and have been growing back since waiting. It burns and itches all the time. I’m praying and feeling like no one understands. I haven’t really processed that I have cancer since most people say it’s just skin cancer you’ll be fine. Thanks for anyone who reads this. I’m just alone and it’s fine. Needed to get it off my chest. 🤍✝️🙏🏻

How to stop throwing up during radiation and chemo treatment?

Rang the bell for radiation. Chemo is next. Still throwing up with the radiation and opiates though 😞 Any help with the throwing up would be awesome.

How do I cope with waiting to start melanoma immunotherapy after stage 3b diagnosis?

Hello, I’m 58 years old and was diagnosed with melanoma stage 3b. What started as a pesky mole has now turned my life upside down. I had that removed and much more removed to clear the margins in my low back. Had a PET scan done and it lit up on my left groin lymph node. Had surgery to removed the sentinel lymph node. Now I am waiting to start immunotherapy. I still don’t know what I am up against as it’s so overwhelming and confusing. As I wait for the call to start all I think about is are there cells migrating to form more cancer. I am trying though to remain positive and hopeful but still at times it’s hard.

Just diagnosed with melanoma at 45 - what should I know first?

Hello, I am 45 years old and was just diagnosed with Melonoma today.. urghh. I do not know which type it is yet or what stage. It started with a black spot behind my ear and formed into what looked like a blackish mole. I am just starting to read about it and want to learn as much as possible to hopefully nip it in the butt asap.

What to expect after large Mohs surgery with skin graft on forehead?

I had mohs surgery on forehead the size of a golf ball Plastic surgeon preformed the operation had to graft skin to cover area. 6 weeks post op. Now biospy timer and headed for a pet scan. Such a shock all of this

How do you feel after finishing radiation treatment?

Just finished radiation

What should I expect from Mohs surgery consultation for nevoid melanoma?

Diagnosed with a nevoid melanoma .7 mm at the bottom . 4 mm in another area at the bottom . I see a plastic surgeon tomorrow . For consult to have mohs surgery . I don’t really understand any of it .

Coping with a Stage 3 Melanoma Diagnosis

I was just diagnosed stage 3 melanoma too. Was in good health until my annual skin check in May found arm lesion. Tested positive. Had wide excision of arm which tested negative but sentinel node biopsy was positive. Scheduled to start immunotherapy next week. It’s fitting like a ton of bricks. So fast and I feel too good Beverly in NH

How Do You Cope with Melanoma Treatment?

Hello my name is Marnie and I received diagnosis of Melanoma stage 3. I've been through PET scan, 2 MRIs and this week go in for lymph node surgery to determine if I have to do immunotherapy or go straight to surgery. I was scared at first and my family very worried but I feel ok now. I know there is more to come w worry n concern and just wanted to know how others were dealing with all this.