Hi, I have just had my first surgery for suspected nodular malignant melanoma. The full lesion was removed from my neck - it was large. I now have a 4 to 6 week wait for the histology results. I’m beside myself with fear and anxiety. I just feel like every moment there could be secondaries growing that should be treated.
I would really welcome and appreciate advice and experience on how to get from here to the results day without imploding or from anyone with nodular melanoma on treatments as I feel like if that’s what it is then that’s it for me. I just feel overwhelmed and under informed and don’t want to google anymore as I’m finding it petrifying. Thank you so much.
Hi Lottie10 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.
I have a completely different cancer, my cancer is incurable and I have lived with it and been treated for it for over 25 years. The main thing I can say from my long experience is that you can throw all the stress in the world at this but in the end it will make no difference to outcomes….. look for things to do that takes up your time and distracts you….. and find people to ‘talk’ with.
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)……. but I do see that you have already joined and put up a post in our dedicated Melanoma group as this will be a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 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.
