I went to my primary care doctor for a rash on my side, which would not go away. She gave me some hydrocortisone cream and recommended that I see a dermatologist if the rash did not resolve after this treatment. The rash did not go away, so I went to see my dermatologist, and he knew right away what it was. He gave me a new prescription and said the rash should clear up soon. However, while I was there, he suggested a full body exam. He proceeded to check me and found one slightly darker freckle he thought should be reviewed more closely. He took a biopsy and sent it to the lab.
One week later, I found out it was a very aggressive melanoma. I was rushed into surgery for a full resection, where they discovered it had spread to three out of four nearby sentinel nodes.
Finding out I had cancer wasn't as overwhelming as the shock, while on the gurney, that it was metastatic. If not for the sedative I was already on prior to heading into surgery I would have had a full breakdown right then and there.
Thanks for sharing Shally. I didn't know. Thankfully your doctor followed up so closely. Sadly, many doctors would have waited to see if the prescription worked. Who knows how bad it would have been had you waited.
Yes.
I went to my primary care doctor for a rash on my side, which would not go away. She gave me some hydrocortisone cream and recommended that I see a dermatologist if the rash did not resolve after this treatment. The rash did not go away, so I went to see my dermatologist, and he knew right away what it was. He gave me a new prescription and said the rash should clear up soon. However, while I was there, he suggested a full body exam. He proceeded to check me and found one slightly darker freckle he thought should be reviewed more closely. He took a biopsy and sent it to the lab.
One week later, I found out it was a very aggressive melanoma. I was rushed into surgery for a full resection, where they discovered it had spread to three out of four nearby sentinel nodes.
Finding out I had cancer wasn't as overwhelming as the shock, while on the gurney, that it was metastatic. If not for the sedative I was already on prior to heading into surgery I would have had a full breakdown right then and there.
This is my story:
https://www.northside.com/about/news-center/patient-stories/shally-s-story-talk-to-others-about-your-cancer-diagnosis
Thanks for sharing Shally. I didn't know. Thankfully your doctor followed up so closely. Sadly, many doctors would have waited to see if the prescription worked. Who knows how bad it would have been had you waited.