Melanoma Diagnosis
I was referred to a Consultant Dermatologist last July 2019. I had a mole on my neck which was changing. I finally got a call on 23rd December for a consultation on 2nd January 2020. I had the entire mole removed on 15th January 2020. I thought it was okay, it was removed so I really didn't give it much thought until I got my results on 25th February 2020. I did not expect to be given a diagnosis of melanoma. The thickness was 1.5mm and the stage is 1B which is early but I had to wait 6 weeks for results which really threw me. Initially, my form was good, at the time I remember thinking why am I so upbeat. This didn't last. This turned into furious anger. Why me? I always wear high factor protection, I am not a sun worshiper, I don't use sunbeds. I am having a WLE and SNB done this week. I am terrified, I won't tell a lie. I am a single Mom to an almost 16 year old daughter. I had to tell her last night, she is still in shock, I am still to be honest, I haven't really gotten my head around it because I was not expecting the diagnosis. I am just hoping that it hasn't spread any further. It has been so upsetting and stressful so far, if I have to face another bit of bad news, I don't know how I will cope.
Comments
A melanoma diagnosis can be really scary. I was firstdiagnosed 13 years ago now. I have a lot of year old daughter she's happy and healthy. I would just like to extend my thoughts and say that the knowledge around melanoma and the advances they have made in treatment options are amazing. Most of what's available now wasn't when I was first diagnosed. It has returned for me and we've just dealt with it and 13 years later I'm still kicking onwards. Keep believing you can take on anythingnd you absolutely will. 😍
Dear Marzipan,
I am very sorry to read of your diagnosis of Melanoma. It is a very distressing time for you and your daughter. It’s such a terrible shock when you first heard the diagnosis and the plan for further treatment. As time goes on this shock wears off a little allowing other emotions to emerge such as the anger you have described but also sadness worry and anxiety. These are perfectly normal responses in an abnormal situation. As time goes on and and you adapt to the situation your distress will lessen. Here is a link to the booklet of coping with the impact of a cancer Diagnosis Here It may also help to talk with one of the nurses here on the cancer Nurseline 18002007000.
I hope this helps a little. Please don’t hesitate to call us.
Cancer Nurse