Update November 27, 2019
My surgeon followed up this morning with the pathology reports. He said the Melanoma had gone all the way to the bone, which makes me Stage 2, but it was within the margins of the amputation. This means the amputation was absolutely necessary, and successful. The lymph node test shows cancer has not spread, praise the Lord! He figured chemotherapy is likely not necessary at this point, but since it had gone to the bone, the Melanoma is aggressive, so it could reappear somewhere else. He wants me to find an oncologist in our new location and follow whatever treatment plan he recommends, which we will. Thank you so much for your prayers!
Update November 12, 2019
I had surgery on Nov. 7. Thankfully, the tumor was not any larger than the surgeon expected, and I still have at least 1/2 of my thumb. Also the two nearest lymph nodes were removed, with results pending within two weeks. We would appreciate your prayers that the upcoming report will indicate I am now cancer-free. In preparation for my surgery my cardiologist ran several test with my heart and was pleased with the results.
October 23, 2019
On October 17, 2019 a doctor informed me that a pathology report indicates that I am positive for Melanoma cancer. At this time it is only known to be located in a small tumor on my thumb, which will require amputation. Surgery is scheduled for the 7th of November. At the time of the amputation they will check the lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread. The results should be available within two weeks of surgery. Please pray that the lymph node testing will indicate that the cancer has not spread.
A blessing in disguise in all this is that a slight injury to the thumb in question that wouldn’t heal is what led me to seek medical attention. I had noticed a small speck under my thumbnail about four years ago but had ignored it, and I may have continued to ignore it had I not had a small injury recently that wouldn’t heal. It’s amazing how God works. He makes no mistakes!
Thank you for your prayers.