Not sure what to do

Hi Kata31 and a very warm welcome to the melanoma group

Waiting for the biopsy results can be a very stressful time. How long were you told your results would take when you had the biopsy? Hopefully you haven't got too much longer.

When you had the excision biopsy were you given the contact details of a skin cancer nurse specialist (SCNS), sometimes referred to as a keyworker or Macmillan nurse, in case you had any problems before you got your results back? If so, I'd be inclined to give them a call tomorrow to let them know about the new mole that's appeared and how you've been feeling.

If you weren't given any contact details, then phone the hospital and ask to be put through to your consultant's secretary and explain things to them. 

Let me know how you get on

((hugs))

Hi Latchbrook, thank you for your reply. 

I was told it would be a week or two but heard nothing so called the derma secretary and she said it's now an 8 week wait. I wasn't given anyone to contact, not even the dermatologist department and had to hunt down the number for that update as it was different to the hospital I had my surgery at.

I'll call again tomorrow about the new mole, just felt like I'm being a drama queen!  

Thanks again x

No you're not being a drama queen at all. It's important to be your own advocate in matters of health.

I think that a 2 week wait for results was probably a bit optimistic on the part of the person telling you as most people here find that 4-6 weeks is a more realistic time frame.

Hopefully you don't have too much longer to wait.

I agree about the advocacy completely, just been so shaken by the GP being so dismissive to be honest. 

Yes I'd expected 4+ weeks, not even bloods are usually back before 2 weeks lol! 

I feel much better about doing something now and will call them tomorrow, thank you x

Hi! I wanted to reply as I just had my excision biopsy a week ago and have found myself in a similar situation. I've been so unwell for months now, some similar symptoms to yours - rashes on tummy and legs, extreme fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain in my legs, I swear it's a new symptom every day... I was referred to a rheumatologist and a cardiologist for investigative checks before I noticed my mole - it's on the very top of my ear, so it's difficult to see. I know I'd always had a (big-ish) freckle there, but the only reason I looked was because of all these random skin rashes/changes - I was checking everywhere and noticed that it was much bigger, had multiple colours & an irregular border, but I'm not sure how long it has been that way since I wasn't in the habit of checking unfortunately. 

It's weird that you weren't given a number to call for the hospital - when I had my biopsy last week I was given one, I'm sure you're supposed to be. I think advocate for yourself all the way, I'd do what latchbrook suggested, and/or maybe you could go and see a different GP if that's possible at your practice?

My fingers are crossed for you. It's such a scary time - I also feel like I'm being so dramatic, but I keep telling myself it's better to be seen as dramatic than to not advocate for yourself when something is wrong. Where about are you based? It seems like results timelines are different for everyone. I'm in Cambridge and was told 6-8 weeks, but that they've recently caught up on a backlog of results so it should hopefully not take as long as that... so we'll see!

Keep us updated, I'm wishing you the best x 

Hi dreamykiddo, thank you for responding. I'm so sorry to hear you're in the same boat! Yes the symptoms seems to be springing up and it's full body so makes it feel even more imagined. 

I saw 3 GPs in the last 4 months. The first was asking if I'm just very stressed even as he did my tww referral. The second said any lumps are most likely bone and not to worry. The third said I'm clearly anxious and he wasn't worried about anything and to wait on my biopsy. I came out of the last appointment in tears (not my finest moment) because I felt so dismissed and like I was crazy! And he talked to me like I was 5! 

Hence my distress at having to go back to them. I'll call the derma secretary today and go from there. I'm in Scotland and the wait shifted to 8 weeks recently I think.

That must have been so stressful to find it hidden on your ear! But at least there's a direction now for you. Hope you recover well from your excision and get quick results. X

Little update- called the secretary on Monday and she called me back today to say I have to go via GP and get a referral if they think it's an issue. Feeling rough but will make an appointment and just bite the bullet lol

Probably not the answer you were hoping for but at least you've had a reply.

If you are diagnosed with melanoma you should be given the phone number for a dedicated SCNS so that in future you would ring them if you have any skin worries and you're fast tracked rather than seeing your GP first.

I'm guessing that you're having to go via your GP now because you don't yet have a skin cancer diagnosis. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you don't have melanoma.