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Possible Melanoma results

New23418e2ab3
  • 2 replies
  • 42 subscribers
  • 215 views

I recently had a mole removed from my upper right forehead following a referral due to suspicions that it could be melanoma. 

I called the hospital today to see if my results had returned, and the receptionist had advised that they had, and the results were with my clinician, but could not discuss over the phone with me and to wait for a letter. He then said 'Oh let me just check if your appointment has been booked' and then proceeded to back track when I asked does it mean the letter will contain bad news if you are suggesting an appointment needs to be booked, however he could not advise anything. 

My question is, does this mean it is likely to be bad news? Has anyone experienced anything similar? I am going mad with stress and anxiety over the results and just want to know for peace of mind. 

  • Hi New23418e2ab3

    Welcome to the online community.                                 

    My name is Kathryn and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. I hope you’re finding it helpful to share your experience with us.

    I am sorry to read that you have had recent surgery to remove a mole and are still awaiting the results of the procedure. It is not unusual for people to feel stress and anxiety whilst waiting for results.

    The receptionist would be unable to discuss any results over the phone whether they were ‘good or bad news’. They may have been referring to an appointment letter when they advised that you needed to wait for that. Then continued to search the computer system to see if this had already been scheduled for you.

    It does not give any indication whether the news that you will receive is good or bad. Results will always be given to you by the consultant or a member of their team as they are knowledgeable and qualified to answer any questions that you may have regarding your results and explain what follow-up or further treatment is required if necessary.

    The NHS every mind matters website have information on dealing with uncertainty which you may find helpful. You can explore strategies for stress and anxiety management such as progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness and reframing unhelpful thoughts. You may want to try some of these strategies to see what works for you.

    New23418e2ab3 do you have support around you? Maybe it’s a family member or close friend who you can talk to, for some people this can be enough. For others it can be good to talk through what’s happening with someone on our support line. If you think it would help you can call us free on 0808 808 0000. Our line is open seven days a week, 8am – 8pm. You can also contact us by email or Webchat.

    I hope this information has been useful, please contact us whenever we can help. 

    Take care.  

     

    Kathryn

     

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. Ref: KR/IY

  • in reply to Kathryn- Macmillan

    Hi Kathryn, 

    thank you for coming back to me. 

    I spoke with the secretary this afternoon and she advised I was misinformed and the results were definitely not back, nor were they due to be back until mid September. 

    She apologies for being incorrectly informed and re assured me that there is no results so not to worry about bad news for the time being. 

    I will sit back and await the results in the post! 

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