In January 2021 I had an itchy, swollen, bloody mole on my back. It was during lockdown so I sent a photo to my GP.
i was quickly referred to the skin clinic where it was looked at, photographed. I was told it needed to be removed and biopsied. I had the mole removed 2 weeks later. The biopsy results came back positive for melanoma. 6 weeks later I had wider excision surgery and 2 sentinel lymph nodes removed. 2 weeks later I had a call to say that there was no further spread in surrounding tissue or in the lymph nodes. For 1 1/2 years I was checked every 3 months. Nothing suspicious was noted.
in March 2023 I had a routine blood test to check for rheumatoid arthritis. I didn’t have RA but I had protein in my blood. I had a bone marrow biopsy which came back negative for myeloma. I was diagnosed with non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I had a CT scan to check my spleen. My spleen was clear but they found a tumour on m adrenal gland and multiple nodules in my lungs. It was believed to be melanoma metastasis so I had a PET scan 6 weeks later. There was no take up by the adrenal tumour or the lung nodules in the PET scan. I was told that they were not metastasis so referred me to the adrenal team. The adrenal Radiologists were very suspicious of the tumour so recommended I had my adrenal gland removed. in October I had my Adrenal gland removed. The biopsy results came back positive for melanoma metastasis.
I then started treatment with a single immunotherapy drug as there were no other suspicious tumours in the CT scan done in October.
in January 2024 I had a CT scan and a MRI scan of my brain. The CT scan was clear but they found a 4mm tumour in my left thalamus thought to be a further metastasis. I had to stop driving - makes life very tricky when you live in the countryside! My immunotherapy was changed to combined drugs which started in February.
two weeks ago I found a breast lump (I’d had an ultrasound sound done on the same breast in October 2023 which was clear). I was referred to the breast clinic for a mammogram and ultrasound. The lump was deemed suspicious so they took several samples. The results of the biopsy of the samples was positive for Primary breast cancer!
My immunotherapy has been paused until after my breast surgery later this month.
I am a very active, healthy (apart from being diagnosed with 3 different types of cancer). I eat a healthy diet, avoid alcohol and I have never smoked. I live in the countryside and walk/excercise everyday.
Currently filling in a family history questionnaire for genetic testing.
Hi Mia 123 and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to hear about the journey you have been and are still on....
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from others who are dealing with the ‘exact same' cancer type can help a lot.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms).
But as your case is very complicated you may want to have a look through THIS LIST where you will find all our many dedicated cancer support groups listed as these groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the same journey.
Have a look through the list I have given you above and once you find the group for your cancer type you can join the group by selecting “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready 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.
You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line 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 3 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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
