Terrified about results and I don't know what to do

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this!

I went through a similar situation 5 years ago. They need to discuss the results of his biopsy with you either way. Having an appointment booked isn't something to be concerned about specifically, especially if you don't attend you'd be discharged to the GP - GPs don't really manage cancer patients.

Even if the results do show melanoma, that isn't necessarily a death sentence. They might need to do a bit wider surgery around the area, and that would still leave your husband with chances in the 90%s or higher that he wouldn't have trouble from it ever again. And if it has been too long and there is spread - there are cutting edge treatments that have significantly improved outcomes with few and minimal side effects. Unfortunately, we can't predict the future, but do try to distract yourselves and stay positive. No news yet! You got this!

Sending hugs!

Thank you for your reply because I am going mental. 

The letter definately says if you don't attend you will be referred back to the GP, we can go or rearrange. But then I thought maybe they all say that! 

Also it doesn't say anything about discussing results just saying a follow up but I guess that is implied

I was hoping for a phone call out of the blue not waiting for an appointment! It is mentally horrific. 

I'd say the referral back to GP is promising actually!

As someone who's had 8 or so biopsies already I really don't think that having an actual appointment vs phone call means much in the way of results. In fact, I've even had follow up in person appointments without even the results being out yet! And they turned out to be just fine a couple of weeks later :) I've also had I believe almost all my bad news results over the phone, including for a stage IV diagnosis. Really, I wouldn't worry about whether there is an appointment or just a phone call - I really don't think it means something (just sometimes how they "do things"). Also an appointment 6 weeks after the biopsy is actually very standard non-concern timeline and not the 2-week pathway in my experience. You got this!

Stay strong, stay distracted and try to tell yourself a positive version of what is worrying you to try and keep calm! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you both!