Just found out I have stage 1b melanoma and feel a bit overwhelmed but guilty for feeling overwhelmed .

Hi!  I also found out I have stage 1b a few weeks ago.  I totally relate to the overwhelm v guilty.  On one level it's supposed to be very manageable and not life threatening, on another level it's cancer and also involves further (not very pleasant sounding) surgery.  I've found it really helpful to talk about it here.  The empathy and knowledge here is good.  

My husband hasn't handled it brilliantly, keeps on saying 'well this is a warning and you must wear sunscreen in the future - I will be nagging you' and I've had a mixed response from others with people trying to look on the positive of it being caught early etc.  I think people genuinely don't know what to say and in fairness them getting it right sometimes depends on where I'm at with it all anyway.

I've finally managed to have open conversations with both my grown up children one of whom said she was more concerned about by mental health which is a fair point tbh and my son who wasn't worried.

I hope this is helpful and good luck with your journey. x

Thank you so much for your kind reply.  I’m so sorry you are going through this too.  I’m so glad to hv found this space to even just realise that we are not alone in our feelings and emotions.  I h thyroid cancer a few years back and I think it’s just reawakened all those emotions about how life can feel so fragile and when we are going through things like this how alone a person can feel.  Rding other people’s responses on how to deal with things have helped.  Yr reply was helpful to hv someone’s story that resonates, thank you.  We will come through this, good luck with your journey. X

You are so very welcome.  I can't imagine what it must be like finding this out when you've already experienced cancer.  I can totally understand why you don't want to worry your family.  Yes it can feel a lonely journey so I've really valued finding people here who are going through the same thing esp with the ups and downs of it all.  Just to have the overwhelm validated when in some people's minds it's 'only stage 1b' is really helpful. And I've found reading people's experience has given me a better picture of what's coming up.  SO helpful. Hang on in there. x

Hi, there if it helps I had my sentinel op and wide excision done at Addenbrooke's on the 28th September. If you want to ask me anything I will try and give you my experience of the Op and recovery. Nick

Thank you Nick for your kind message.  I have completely got my head around around getting the wide excision (just want the cancer gotten rid of) but I’m worried about the risks I’d gen sentinel op.  Also, if I’m being honest I’m petrified they will find something and I think k deep in my I keep thinking if I don’t have it it they won’t find anything (I know it’s a stupid view/ bury head in sand view). and that the monitoring will be enough.  It think if I knew it changed the prognosis I would feel more positive about it.  Sorry for my ramble.  Hope you are ok and healing well. Best Michelle 

I completely understand your feelings as I felt the same way too, I had stage 1b and had WLE and SLNB in August, fortunately all was well for me, I had the SLNB as I was told that if there were cancer cells in the lymph node then they could treat it, I felt that the sooner I knew the better chance of recovery. Wishing you all the best. 

I've just had the scans required for the lymph node removal which will happen tomorrow with the removal of the "thing" on my face. I've been in a real mental mess since I was given the diagnosis (please see my profile) but I'm going for it. I've improved my mental attitude to all this SO much that all I want is to have the op tomorrow ... I had a good chat with professionals at Christies hospital and I've decided to have the surgery offered as mine is point 1 mm beyond the "cut off" 1 mm which would have meant I was not offered it. This is because I know I'd be mithering SO much about it all and I'd rather find out ASAP and have treatment if necessary ...

Thank you so much,  I would not wish anyone to be going through but I think it helps knowing that people can relate/ resonates. It has made me think I will have a proper think about the SNLB, I think I’m scared if it is bad news.  I am so pleased it all went well for yours.  Wishing wishing all the best and speedy recovery.  X

M heart out to you, you have been throngs so much.  I read your profile and so sorry you have had such a n awful time but so glad they finally diagnosed you properly in the end.  Good luck for tomorrow, you have got this!! Sending you the best wishes for a speedy recovery and you will be cruise on that well deserved happy time! X

I had mine done on the 28th September. You'll be just fine believe me and then you'll be on your way to full recovery. Wishing you well for tomorrow, nice positive thoughts! x