Really struggling after diagnosis

Hi 

I had a lump at either end of my scar on my leg and I went to see my dermatologist who said it is called “dog ears “ and very common .if you are worried then maybe go to see your doctor as I know I always think the worse and work myself up by worrying.Sending hugs xx

Hi I've also got a lump at the end of my scar. I blame it on the young junior doctor who did my WLE as she didn't tuck the ends in neatly, the consultant who did the original operation was much better at sewing. 

Ive been diagnosed with melanoma as a 95% likelihood. Since then i am extremely anxious and convinced its not treatable. Cant sleep or eat . Its horrendous awaiting biopsies. The mole looked like nodular and no idea how long it was there for. Im sure its to late for me. 

Hi Dawn, 

I was diagnosed with Stg 3 nodular melanoma in 2020 after an un-noticed mole located on the back of my right shoulder developed a prominent head and became itchy and slightly irritated. After the standard biopsy and WLE/lymph node removal /analysis I was prescribed the one-year immunotherapy program. Two years after my last treatment and I am cancer-free. I can relate to your stress and anxiety, as I had the same feelings early in the process. I just wanted to drop a note to ensure you that it is certainly not too late and that the treatments are viable and effective. Hang in there and I wish you the best!

Dave 11

Dave

Thank you so much and im so pleased to hear you are doing so well. You dont hear the positive stories so i will try to keep your story with me.

Dawn

Hi I had an atypical mole for 50+ years that suddenly turned cancerous. Like you I had no idea how long it had been cancerous for and was scared silly it could be stage 4. It turned out to  be stage 1b. Hope everything goes OK for you. 

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Its so kind and appreciated. The waiting is so difficult

Dawn

Hi Dawn, how did you get on with your diagnosis 

I have just had a lentigo maligno in situ melanoma diagnosis and I am paralysed with fear.

I have had 2 WLEs, the first having margins that were too close and am waiting for results. 

My husband just shouts at me expecting me to get over it, and days I am wallowing in attention seeking behaviour. 

I have a cancer phobia and extreme anxiety and this has just made everything I feared come true. 

I have been told that my life expectancy is the same as normal but the very fact that I am now on the oncology wheel makes me feel sick with panic. I can't eat, sleep, laugh, as all I can think about is it coming back and me dying. 

I have very badly damaged skin..a lifetime in the sun and I live abroad. I actually feel like I'd like to end my life if I had the courage. The uncertainty of my future is killing me. 

I don't know how to manage this bit it's killing me and my wonderful family. 

I get every word your saying this was me last year ! I promise you it gets better !!! Like you I suffer from health anxiety and it was my biggest fear so I was like I told you so !!! I spend money on a private dermatologist now every 6 months to keep ahead as the nhs signed me off ! It’s always on my mind but the sheer panic is better and I feel happy ! But believe me I was in such a bad place !!I also think every mole is going to kill me ! Sending lots of love xc