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

Getting a melanoma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but taking the time to learn about your specific situation is a positive first step. Many people in this community have found it helpful to prepare questions for their medical team about staging, treatment options, and next steps - the more information you have about your particular case, the better you'll be able to work with your doctors on a treatment plan.

I completely agree - preparing questions for your doctors is so important, and you might also want to ask about connecting with a melanoma specialist if you haven't already, as they can really help guide you through the specific nuances of your case.

I echo that. Write any questions you have down on a piece of paper or whatever beforehand; that helps with not forgetting when talking with the doctor. Best of luck

Agree, always write down questions so I don’t forget to ask. I looked up as much as I could when I was first diagnosed but sometimes that sent me into a tail spin because Dr Google sometimes gives the worst case scenarios. Wish you the best Matt, this place is helpful. It’s nice to communicate with others experiencing this. Stay positive!!