The previous 4 months has been very stressful after hearing my cancer might have returned. I completed a CT scan of my neck on January 19th and received the results the next day. There is no evidence of cancer. In fact, the pathologist used the word "unremarkable" several times in describing the anatomy of my neck. It looks like I dodged another cancer bullet.
The emotional roller coaster ride is over, until the next time an unusual lump or mole is discovered.
Metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread from the part of the body where it started to other parts of the body. When cancer cells break away from a tumor, they can travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or the lymph system.
In my case, the cancer surgeon removed 29 lymph nodes. The pathology report said the thyroid and 4 of the lymph nodes were cancerous. The tissue adjacent to the remaining 25 lymph nodes were clear of cancer.
As a BRCA II positive male, I remain on high alert for changes to my body. To be honest, so should everyone. Early detection is key to increase survive-ability.
I had my semi-annual skin check by the dermatologist last week. She performed a complete exam from head to toe and did not find anything suspicious.
Per https://www.basser.org/resources/brca-and-melanoma
" Less commonly, melanoma can run in families. For example, there is an association between BRCA mutations and melanoma, specifically BRCA2 mutations. While the average man or woman is at 1-2% risk for melanoma, BRCA2 carriers have a 3-5% lifetime risk; though BRCA1 carriers have no specially increased risk. If you have a family history of melanoma, or even non-melanoma skin conditions, you should consider making an appointment with a dermatologist for a skin check exam and to begin annual screenings. It may also worth discussing genetic testing with your physician."
I use an app on my iphone to help me remember the results and to remind me of my next skin check. Check it out here.
The ABCDEs are warning signs for melanoma:
A – Asymmetry: one half does not match the other
B – Border: edges are jagged or blurred
C – Color: more than one color
D – Diameter: larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser
E – Evolution: any changes
Summer is coming. Please use copious amounts of sun block to protect yourself and get a skin check at least annually.
Stay safe everyone!
Charlie Lonidier
charlie@livingwithbrcagene.org
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