Nicole Ion received a diagnosis of T3A melanoma on her back on December 23.

What is T3A melanoma?

T3A melanoma is a type of skin cancer that falls within the classification of cutaneous

melanoma. It represents an intermediate stage in the progression of the disease,

characterized by the invasion of the tumor into the reticular dermis. This means that the

cancer cells have grown through the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) and have

reached the deeper layer known as the dermis. T3A melanomas are typically thicker

and have a higher chance of spreading to nearby lymph nodes compared to earlier

stage melanomas.

In terms of the T category system, T3A melanoma is distinguished by tumor thickness

greater than 2.0 mm, but not exceeding 4.0 mm. The thickness of the tumor is an

important factor in determining the stage and prognosis of melanoma. It is commonly

measured by a healthcare professional using a tool called a micrometer, and the

measurement helps guide treatment decisions. T3A melanoma is considered to be an

important threshold in the progression of the disease, indicating a more advanced stage

than T2 melanoma, but not as advanced as T4 melanoma. It is essential for individuals

with a diagnosis of T3A melanoma to consult with a dermatologist or oncologist to

discuss further evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Regular follow-up and skin monitoring are also vital to detect any potential recurrence or

metastasis. Overall, T3A melanoma serves as a crucial juncture in the journey of this

complex disease, requiring comprehensive management and ongoing surveillance to

ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Following the diagnosis, a series of tests were conducted to determine if the cancer had

spread to other parts of her body. In the new year, Nicole underwent a PET scan and

other tests, which showed no signs of cancer anywhere else the body. However, her

bioscience results showed markers requiring a biopsy of the lymph nodes.

Before her surgery, she had an appointment with Nuclear Medicine. There they injected

her tumor, on all four sides, with radioactive materials that highlighted the lymphatic

system attached to the tumor.

She had surgery on February 6 th where the cancer was removed, leaving a 5 in incision

down the middle of her back. She also had a Sentinel node biopsy done on the

lymphatic system identified in the radiology test, leaving a 2 in incision in her left groin.

Diagnosis Change: T3B

The pathology results came back positive for metastatic melanoma.

She has an appointment with her oncologist next week where they will be discussing

the treatment plan.

This has been a frightening journey, but Nicole remains optimistic and determined to

fight through it all.

Some of the costs this will cover are:

1. Medical visits: with her oncologist and various doctors to discuss treatment options

include follow-up visits to monitor progress.

2. Diagnostic Tests: Various diagnostic tests such as biopsies, imaging (such as CT

scans or PET scans), blood tests, and pathology exams to determine the extent and

stage of melanoma. Each of these tests incurs its own cost.

3. Surgical Procedures: to remove the melanoma or perform a lymph node dissection, it

will involve costs associated with the surgical procedure, operating room fees,

anesthesia, and the surgeon's fee.

4. Medications: Costs associated with prescribed medications for T3B melanoma

treatment, including chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy

drugs, or post-surgical medications,

5. Radiation Therapy: If radiation therapy is recommended as part of the treatment plan,

costs associated with radiation sessions, planning, and equipment may be incurred.

6. Additional Treatments: unknown at this time

7. Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up appointments, including check-ups and scans to

monitor post-treatment progress, may involve costs.

8. Transportation and Accommodation: Nicole will have to travel to specialized medical

centers or hospitals for consultations, treatments, and follow-ups. These travel

expenses, including transportation, accommodation, and meals as needed.

Any help would be much appreciated. 

Update per Nicole:

.

Cancer Update: I will be starting targeted therapy on 3/17/25. A reason that my cancer spread to my lymph nodes between my PET scan and my surgery (3 weeks) is because I am BRAF positive. BRAF enables my cancer cells mutate and spread very quickly. Because of this, I will have a brain MRI to make sure that it didn't spread to the brain. I will also have an echo cardiogram to establish a baseline for treatment. All in all, it's the best I could hope for. I would like to say thank you to all of you who are in my corner fighting this with me. The support is incredible and my words can never express how much it means to me. <3

2-26-25 update:

MRI scheduled, with and without contrast, tomorrow morning. Echo cardiogram scheduled next Tuesday.