melanoma worry
Hello, I'm hoping for some advice and help. yesterday I attended the hospital to get a mole checked. I've had this odd looking mole for years and have shown it to my GP several times and they have always said it was fine.
The only reason I was sent to get it checked as my doctor thinks I have health anxiety. I had my second baby 10 months ago and my body just hasn't settled down. in the past 5 months I've had a chest MRI (due to a routine chest xray saying there was a shadow) which was clear. I've had an MRI to check for MS as I went to the doc with a burning above my knee. that was clear. I had a routine breast check while at the GP and she said she felt a lump under my arm pit so 2 weeks ago I went to the breast clinic. the doctor examined me and couldn't find anything but sent me for a mammogram anyway. still waiting for results.
I went to the GP as felt a lump in my abdomen. He said it was a harmless lipoma but sent me for an ultrasound and they couldn't see any lump or lipoma. I asked again about my mole and he agreed to send me to get it checked. I think just to get me out of his office.
The nurse used a dermoscope and a while later the consultant came in, took a 2 second look at it and told me she was very worried about it and wanted it out immediately and she booked me in for her next day of surgery on Tuesday.
I asked her if it looked bad and she said she believes there is something very nasty there but that she is hopeful to have caught it early.
I'm in such a state. I have a 3 year old and a 10 month old. I'm 42. I don't want to die. I know to expect melanoma after what she said but I'm terrified after leaving it all these years that its advanced to stage 3 or stage 4. the nurse told me I would be waiting 2 to 3 weeks aswell to find out.
I'm terrified and distraught and just wondered if anyone was contacted quicker if they were in stage 3 or 4 or if anyone was stupid like me to leave it years.
I'm so sorry for the long post but I don't know what to do.
thank you xx
Comments
Hi I am hoping by now you will have got your results. I just want to say I know how your feeling, I had a mole removed a grade one melonoma 4 years ago. You did everything you could you didn't leave the mole you checked it with the doctors and you kept an eye on it. You were not stupid!!!! It took me years to get myself back after having my second child your hormones are all over the place you are doing a great job please don't be hard on yourself you are a great mum and you will deal with this terrifying time the medical staff are amazing....i was a public patient and was dealt with really swiftly even from time I was referred to. Hope all has gone well don't want to over load you but just wanted to tell you it's normal to feel like you do and be kind to yourself and you are not stupid it's not your fault.
Hi Annette, thank you so much for reaching out.
It been 2 weeks and 2 days since they removed the mole and I still have no news.
I am trying to stay positive but terrified of getting that dreaded phonecall and jumping every time the phone rings. They told me it could be a 3 to 4 week wait and all I can think of is that is such a long time for anyone who may need urgent treatment. I know it probably sounds crazy but I'm terrified they will tell me I have Stage 3 or even worse.
Trying to focus on work and my family.
I'm so glad to hear you are ok and that it had not progressed further. I hope I will be as lucky as you.
Thank you so much again. Reading such a supportive message has really helped me today.
Sending you a hug of thanks x
Hi Mommaof2,
Just wondering if you have had any news. The waiting is really tough and it is nigh on impossible to avoid worry. You are right to focus on your work and family.
I had a stage 2B desmoplastic melanoma just over 3 years ago and so far so good. I had three surgeries to fully get rid of it but since then I have had no further signs of melanoma or any signs of progression. In the vast majority of cases there is no progression.
When I first got the diagnosis I was devastated. I knew very little about melanoma and was sure that my days were numbered. Since then I have met lots of people who have had successful treatment for melanoma.
I hope that in a few months you will have put all of this behind you and be back to full health. Whatever result you get, you will probably be advised to cover up in the sun and always have sun cream to hand. (Which, when you think about it, is good advice for everyone.)
Take care
Kath
Hi Kathleen,
thank you so much for reaching out to me. I got a call on Monday to see the consultant today...4.5 weeks after removal.
Unfortunately it was melanoma...superficial spreading was what she called it...still not sure entirely what that means.
However I'm very lucky as it was only 0.6mm in depth so stage 1A. she said they got it all in the first surgery but I am being booked in for a wider excision in the next week or two. I'm hoping like you everything will be ok. it's still quite overwhelming. this has been the hardest month of my life as I was imagining it far worse but talking to people like yourself definitely helps so much and I'm hoping all will be ok.
I'm delighted to hear you are well and no more melanoma.
I can't quite bring myself to accept I had cancer in my body. it's so overwhelming.
but for now I'm extremely grateful to be ok and that the Outlook is positive and please God I get to cuddle my 2 little girls for many years to come.
take care and thank you so so much for your message. I really appreciate your kindness
wishing you health x
Hi Mommaof2,
You have had a difficult few months with hospital tests. It may help you anxiety at this time to phone our support line and speak to a cancer nurse. Our number is 1800 200 700 and we are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm
Kind regards
Cancer nurse