I was just diagnosed and had a PET scan Fri and a biopsy of another spot on the roof of my mouth. I'll get results this week. It's pink melanoma, not dark. They say is extremely rare so I'm just starting to try to lrarn about it and would like to hear from others who have it. I go to my first cancer doctor this Fri, I'm so anxious to get started doing something about it, but scared and very anxious. Appreciated any thoughts or advice.

Welcome to OCF! Yes, your cancer is a very rare one. We have had a few members who have had this over the years. You may or may not find many others with the exact same diagnosis but we can help you with info and support to get you thru the rough times. We do understand what you are going thru, we have been there ourselves and know all too well how difficult it is when you arent sure which way to turn.

Best thing to do right now is eat all your favorite foods. The location of your tumor makes treatments that are focused in your mouth areas so its likely your eating and drinking will be affected, hopefully only for a short time.

Christine,
Do you think this is different from my squamous cell carcinoma which started in my gums but also spread to the roof of my mouth? I know that melanoma begins in the lower cells of the epidermis, but wondered if it might actually be the same diagnosis. I guess she will find out more in her appointment on Friday.
Karen

Sorry, Karen Im not sure of the answer to your question. I dont think its possible for one type of cancer to change like what you described but I really do not know for sure if it can happen or not. I did a quick search and heres a link from a reputable place explaining it more detail. If you want more info Id suggest asking your doctor about your specifics and if theres any relation.

SCC vs Melanoma

Thanks Christine. I was actually asking for the benefit of "Auntziplock" as I was going to offer her some of my experiences but didn't want to share info that might now be pertinent to her specific cancer. We do share the same locations, however, and you are right to inform her of the eating and drinking issues that are very real for treatment in those locations.
Karen

Thank you for the info. I was going through a bad case of nerves last week and couldn't eat cause my stomach was in knots. But got zanax and only need the lowest dose at night to get a good nights sleep. Since then I have been eating good and drinking lots of water. I feel 100% better and my life seems normal again. Hearing all the treatments I'm sure it will be pretty rough but reading these blogs is very encouraging and besides having a large family and friends support group, I feel even more supported here! I'll let you know what plans the docto has for me Friday.

Because you mention the roof of the mouth I was reminded of the book on President Cleveland who, while in office secretly had the cancer in the roof of his mouth operated on while on a friend's yacht over a holiday weekend. It took years for the story to get out and I found it an interesting read. The title is "The President is a sick man" by Matthew Alger.

Very interesting!

I received the results of the PET Scan and
it shoed no abnormal findings elsewhere!
That's good news, right?

What did the cancer doc say? Its hard to interpret "No abnormal finding elsewhere". Was there anything anywhere? Tom