Melanoma

[sharon812]

I was just diagnosed (biopsy) with Stage 0 melanoma (who knew there was a stage 0?) on June 27. It is dime-sized on my upper back. My dermatologist said it should be surgically removed within a month, and I have a consult on July 21 with a surgeon. Is this taking too long to have it removed, and shouldn't there be more of a sense of urgency? What does the future hold? How likely am I to have more melanoma? What protection should I take from now on? Must I stay completely out of the sun? I'm not getting any advice from the medical community, except not "to lose one second of sleep over this because it is completely treatable." Advice, please?

[sunfest]

i am just done fighting stage 4 Melanoma....i found a mole on my side, had it removed, than had surgery to remove 14 lymph nodes, followed by chemo (interferon).........it took 2 years for it all....i was given a death sentence, i am cancer free, back to work, pt for now, still weak, & working on getting back in shape. i am FEARLESS, & a SURVIVOR.   You will be too!!!!  i am here if you have questions or need to Vent!!!!!!!! prayers & hugs, Sun

[waffenamp]

Have you had sunburns there before? How many?