Where to start? Had melanoma, new tumour and lumps investigated

Sorry to hear you have not been feeling well, and hopefully you bounce back as quickly as possible.

Keep me posted

im pleased to hear you say that even with the side effects you are glad to be on the drugs. I take it that they are doing what they need to do?

yes I hope the appointments start coming through quickly as it feels every day that goes by is a day wasted and a negative day I have to overcome.

any way trying to stay positive and am in London at the moment for a couple of days with my wife trying to take our minds of things.

cheers and speak soon

Fantastic! That's exactly the sort of thing you should be doing, it'll be good for both of you! My husband and I did things like that too and it did help. We were pretty stressed out at the start of this journey, too little information and too much waiting but reading other people's stories and the information on this site did help. I must get round to writing up mine so far. 

You do have lots to be positive about, a clear body scan and lots of very effective treatment options. 

I'm definitely feeling better thanks. So far so good!

Have a great time and cheers! 

Hi Elaine

Just checking in to see if you are keeping well.

im still awaiting my appointment with oncology doctor. Been a couple of weeks now 

I’m hopeful we might get an appointment on 13/3 so another week to wait at least.

As you mentioned before - the waiting is hard.

Trying to stay positive and keeping busy with work etc.

anyway keep well

cheers

Paul

Hi Paul, 

Thank you for the update. I'm sorry for the delay in replying but I've been in hospital with neutropenic sepsis (for the second time). This is as a result of my low neutrophils (white blood cell count) which is a side effect of the targeted therapy. This is a pretty rare side effect so don't worry if you go on the same treatment. 

I'm out now and feeling much better!

I hope you have been able to keep yourself busy and not stress too much. I hope your appointment goes well. I'm thinking of you.

All the best 

Elaine 

Hi Elaine 

good to hear from you.

im sorry to hear that the drugs are making you feel unwell. Hopefully it’s just temporary and you start to feel better soon.

Ive just had confirmation that my first oncology appointment is going to be 20/3 so at least i now have a date

the lumps in my groin I think are starting to press on the nerves etc so they are a bit uncomfortable and I can’t wait to get them removed all being well in the coming weeks. 
Keep me posted about your progress

cheers

paul

I'm definitely on the mend now thanks.

That's good you have confirmation of an appointment but a shame it's still a while away, especially as you were hoping for the 13th.  

I feel for you, the lack of control and the waiting over this period is just hellish. 

Things should move along quicker once you've seen the oncologist.

Yeah, I recall my armpit getting more uncomfortable as time went on. And of course, you're just desperate to get it out! 

Keep yourself busy and do fun things, you've the perfect excuse to treat yourself. Nearly the weekend! 

Please keep me posted too,

Take care 

Cheers 

Elaine 

Thanks Elaine

speak very soon

Hi Elaine

how are you? I hope you are well.

so it’s oncology appointment tomorrow.

letter says to allow 3 hours for it.

im getting quite agitated about it and what to expect from tye appointment.

cheers

paul

I know! I've been thinking about you. 

I'm much better thanks. 

My first oncology appointment was about 2 months after my lymph nodes were removed. Prior to that it was meetings with dermatology (although no primary on skin this time) and the surgeon. Things are obviously in a different order for you. I'm in Scotland so don't know if it's done differently here. Everything did seem particularly slow for me. 

I'm assuming they'll discuss the biopsy results, if it is melanoma then when your surgery will be and whether you'll be offered immunotherapy or targeted therapy. I didn't know about the Braf gene, which meant targeted therapy, until after my surgery. As far as I recall, treatment doesn't begin until up to 12 weeks after surgery. I've started to write up my story so far under my profile but not got it finished yet. It's not the most exciting read! 

Anyway, I hope you (and your wife) sleep tonight and the appointment goes well tomorrow. Please keep me posted. 

Elaine 

Thanks Elaine

glad to hear you are feeling better - that’s fantastic news.

yes not looking forward to trying to sleep tonight tbh.

i would be very interested to read your story when it’s ready.

ill update you tomorrow following appointment.

You are a long way from me being in Scotland. im in Shropshire and going into Birmingham for the appointment tomorrow.

cheers