MRI

I’m so glad to hear that you are starting treatment in January.  At least you are tackling the cancer and giving yourself the best possible chance.  
It’s completely natural to feel angry about mistakes that have been made. In my case, I also feel guilt - firstly, that I didn’t go to my GP with a mole when I first noticed it (I waited about three months). Secondly, I was offered an excision/biopsy in early September, but had a pre-booked family holiday a couple of days later and put it off for another month. Then when I had the diagnosis, of course my predominant thoughts  were, how much has this mole increased in size because I’ve made two bad decisions already?  Of course, if I’d known that the mole was a melanoma, I would have  prioritised that over the holiday, but I didn’t realise at the time.

As the weeks have gone by, I have come to terms with the fact that I can’t change the past, and thinking that way is just adding to my stress levels.  I’m focusing on the present, trying to make sure that I make the most of each day.  I’m really nervous about my surgery, but I’m lucky that it’s taking place at the end of this month, and I’m that much closer to knowing whether or not it has spread to the lymph nodes.  I’m trying really hard not to project too far beyond that!

I really hope your treatment goes well.  The fact that you get on with your oncologist is a huge help.  

If you get a good doctor that really seems too help. Mine is T1A , as was only 0.95mm however N1C as its gone 0.03mm further into cell next to it. Had the lot removed when went for initial biopsy the invasive disease was 2mm and he removed 5mm.

I am going Wednesday to plastics to discuss the WLE , and if they wan to do SLN I'm told he will make the decision, thank god he cannot feel that any of my lymph nodes are swollen. Which he said is great. My anxiety is absolutely through the roof due to me having the CT scan on Thursday , I could be physically sick  

1. How do people  get to see oncologist and get scans . I only ever seen GP and dermatology  and plastics and nurse specialist  . 

Hi it depends on  what stage your melanoma  is

All these hospital appointments are enough to make us very anxious. I remember when I initially went to my GP surgery to show them the moles, and they sent the photos off to Dermatology.  I had a phone call next day saying that they wanted to see me as quickly as possible, which sent me into a complete panic!  I was shaking as I sat in the waiting room.  The next few months passed fairly quietly, as the dermatologist believed I had a basal cell carcinoma, and whilst I wanted it to be removed obviously, I didn’t feel there was a need for urgency. However, it turned out to be a 1.8 mm melanoma, which was really bad news.  At least things have moved more quickly since my diagnosis And I am lucky enough to have been offered a date for the SLNB and WLE in two weeks time.  

You are right about having a good doctor.  The plastics surgeon is really approachable and competent, and I have every faith in his advice. Although I have to travel a long way to go to the hospital for surgery, I do feel that I am going to be in good hands.

Good luck with your appointment on Wednesday.