Hi Community,
Never thought I'd find myself here. But yesterday I was diagnosed following my ultrasound and biopsy. Seemed very strange hearing the words from the consultant, almost unreal. The nurse was very lovely as she sent me off to get some bloodwork done for my CT scan.
I'm just feeling a little lost and in limbo land and I confused. I'm a 49 year old man, who is in the gym 5 nights a week and very good diet.
I presented at the Breast Cancer Unit, because of large lump in my armpit, behind my pec, which was getting bigger. The result stated in the letter that I had a 6cm vascular mass lesion and they were awaiting the biopsy results.
Well yesterday the consultant told me it wasn't breast cancer but I had a melanoma and also cells found in my lymph glands. This confused the hell out of me because I thought melanoma was skin cancer and was on the surface ?
Turns out. and forgive me if I'm wrong, but is it a cancer that attacks the skin and can also be internal.
Anyway, this is me just waiting now to understand the stage etc and what treatment is needed.
I'm in no way in victim mode and not even saying why me ... I'm just a bit lost and unsure what happens next or what I need to do.
Thanks for reading
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your Melanoma diagnosis.
This is such a stressful and challenging time for you, but when it comes to getting support and asking questions there is nothing better than talking with others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer and treatment journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) and I do see you have already joined and posted in our dedicated Melanoma support group. This will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
Macmillan have many support services so do check out the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
When it comes to getting support and asking questions there is nothing better than talking with others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer and treatment journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) so can I recommend you join our supportive Breast cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Once the group 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 or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go. You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
