Hello everyone, I was recently diagnosed with a stage 2 melanoma on my nose. I was at the dental hospital when the doctor noticed an unusual growth on my eyebrow. I then met with my local doctor who made me aware of this form of cancer and said that I had early-stage melanoma on my eyebrow, which is 99% curable. At the hospital appointment with the dermatologist, the doctor said she did not think the mole on my eyebrow was malignant even though 2 other doctors said that it was. At this same appointment the dermatologist confirmed that I had a malignant mole with colour on my nose, which was surprise as I was there to see about my eyebrow. My Time treatment guarantee started last week and I am waiting for the appointment with a plastic surgeon whom may remove the 2 moles. As I do not want to worry my friends or family, I have not spoken to anyone about this other than the doctors, which has made this a very lonely journey and I now need to speak to someone about this.
I am not really worried about the melanoma as they said it is 99% curable. I am very worried about when I go for the operation on how I am going to tell my mum and my friends. I going to say that I fell into a bush and hurt my face, but I don’t want to lie and they will find out sooner or later and they may be more hurt that I did not speak to them about this. I really don’t know what to do.
The reason that I was at the dental hospital is that, in 2014 I was diagnosed with very rare condition, of a recurring Benign Osteoid Osteoma of the Mandible. This boney lump has been removed 3 times and re-grow back very fast and is now back for the fourth time; I now have 6 large boney lumps on my jaw. As the lumps are benign, I was not really that worried.
I recently had another cone scan which highlighted a new growth and in November 15th 2021 I went for a genetic test for a condition called “AFAP” even though I do not have any problems with my bowls. I am really worried about this and I am waiting on the results of this test. If it is not AFAP then it may be caused by a trauma I received as child aged 6 when I had all my teeth taken out due to poison in the blood stream and this may have caused a genetic mutation. I had a long chat with the doctor about my family's health history, which brought back some bad memories. Now that the melanoma has come into focus, we are also concerned that this could have spread to my bone which is very serious.
The waiting is horrible and I am becoming increasingly stressed, which is affecting my work and I am always trying to make practical jokes, so that, when I am with my friends and family I don’t breakdown. I can’t get it out of my head and I am driving myself crazy.
Thank you for this forum and for giving me the opportunity to air my concerns. I wish everyone a positive future and don’t give up the fight.
Kind Regards
Hi Hope4us2 and welcome to the Online Community although so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, this is such a hard time for you but I do hope you will find lots of comfort and support here on the Online Community.
The New to Community area is like our reception where we can signpost our many dedicated support groups and services so can I recommend you start by joining our Melanoma group. This is a safe place to talk to other people who may have a similar diagnosis or treatment experiences.
If you'd like to connect in with a group, you need to join the group. First click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’ and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via web chat. This service provides cancer information, emotional support, benefits and financial guidance or just a listening ear.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face can indeed help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
Thank you Mike 
