Waiting between diagnosis call and any follow up?

Is the follow-up appointment you're talking about for a wide local excision (WLE) and possible sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)?

If so I had my melanoma diagnosis at the end of November, met the plastic surgeon who was going to do my WLE and SLNB in January and had the operations in February. I think I received the appointment letter to see the surgeon probably end of December/beginning of January. 

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Hi, that’s right. So far I’ve only had a phone call, just over three weeks ago.

I haven’t told my mum yet, I’m her carer... in between being a teacher and a mum to two teenage boys. When she gets any bad news she goes into massive panic attacks which can stop her walking for weeks so I’m delaying telling her until I really have to.... but I also feel dishonest.

im doing fine... mostly but every now and then I get a big wave of cold sickness wash over me for a few seconds before I can tel myself to get it together. Not a chance I could share my fears with my husband. He’s beyond amazing but I just don’t want to put that on him. If the wait was shorter I’m sure this would be easier 

spanielmumma, did you not think of using your private insurance? I think you mentioned in a previous post you had private medical insurance. x

I haven’t yet. We’ve been away and I was hoping to come home to a letter in the mat but I know waiting times are long.

That must be very hard not being able to share how you feel with your husband Spanielmumma. I know my husband gave me a lot of support while I was waiting between diagnosis and having the WLE and SLNB and it was a great help having someone close to me that I could confide in. However, you can always confide in us.

Unfortunately the nature of cancer and it's treatment and follow-up appointments is always going to be the cause of unknown waiting time  I guess after 5 years I've got used to it but it took a while.

((hugs))

He would be gutted if he knew I was more worried that I’m letting on. Despite choosing the positive each day in definitely having my moments. 
Unfortunately he’s had a tough few weeks with his uncle dying from covid despite being double jabbed. He and the boys don’t need my worries too.... so positive it is, for as much of the time as I can manage it. I’ll call the nurse tomorrow and see what’s happening with dates. 
Thank you all

I was told my diagnosis on 22nd July. I had a telephone consult with the plastic surgeon just over 2 weeks ago who told me I'd have my surgery within 4 weeks. Found out two days ago that they're only doing 2 SLNBs per week here so I won't get my surgery until the end of October now.

Hi Spanielmama,

I am on the same boat as you. Had my diagnosis 2 weeks ago and was told that they should contact me for WLE and SLNB within 3-4 weeks but nothing yet.

I didn't tell anyone apart from my best friend and hubby. I won't tell my parents as we had many losses last year in our family and there is not much they can do atm as they live abroad. Decision to tell hubby was difficult as he has a chronic health condition and has very difficult days at times,so naturally I didn't want to add to his existing burden. But I did, as:

1. He asked me straight away why I am being weird recently, 

2. I decided I need his support on this. Yes it will be upsetting for him but he will deal with it, we all do eventually. 

I've done some talking therapy last year due to losses in my family and Covid pandemic that engulfed me at work. It was a very enlightening and interesting process,helped me to re-center myself.

I am starting again tomorrow with talking therapy, although I am dealing with melanoma news OK, I'd like to make sure that my mental health is looked after as much as my body is during this process.

I just wanted to share it here and to encourage others who might want to try.

Take care,

X

Spanielmumma its very hard to be positive everyday xx sending you best wishes xx 

Hi Spanielmama,

Did you try contacting your nurse via email or phone?

After seeing your thread I emailed my specialist nurse to ask if MDT reviewed my case yet and if there are any updates, they replied today to say that I'll be contacted in the next 10 days for an appointment. 

Hope this helps

X