Hi I was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma stage 2a. Had an excision to remove mole and then referred to plastic surgeons for wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy. While waiting an appointment I had a very scary night of severe chest pains and breathlessness, blue light to hospital to be told I had multiple bilateral pulmonary embolisms probably linked to the cancer! Now taking blood thinners for the next six months and was told follow ups would be with haematologist in local hospital, recieved an appointment for a telephone call in 7 months!
I have had lymphodema for the last 3 years with a yearly check up with a nurse practitioner as no doctors or consultants locally.
I'm off work and my mobility is severely affected. Feeling overwhelmed and as I don't have a cancer nurse I don't know who to turn too :(
Hi Wildpoppies and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses and the challenges you are dealing with..
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) and I can see that you have already joined our dedicated Melanoma support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link> Melanoma then once the group page opens you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides 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.
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 give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Hi Wildpoppies and a second welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
Do follow the link provided by Mike to the melanoma group as you'll then connect directly with those of us who've had a melanoma diagnosis.
You mention that you haven't been allocated a skin cancer nurse specialist (SCNS) yet so don't have anyone to refer to at your hospital. If you ring your consultant's secretary she should be able to put you in touch with the appropriate person. Sometimes they are also referred to as keyworkers or Macmillan nurses.
If you don't have your consultant's secretary's number, just phone the hospital switchboard and ask to be put through to the consultant's secretary.
Anne
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Thank you 
