Melanoma diagnosis

Hi  and a warm welcome to the online community

I'm glad to hear that everything has gone well since your melanoma diagnosis. It's always a relief when the SLNB and WLE come back clear.

Sorry to hear though that you've had to have several BCCs removed and you've got a few more that your consultant is keeping an eye on.

I haven't had any skin problems since I was diagnosed with melanoma over 2 years ago and, from memory, only people who are on immunotherapy have reported having any skin problems. However, if anyone has had problems hopefully they'll reply to you.

I used the search facility in this group to look for guttate psoriasis but it doesn't flag up any previous posts where this is mentioned. However, I have found this for you on the British Associate of Dermatologists (BAD) website where it says that guttate psoriasis can be caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus.

When you have a minute it would be really useful if could pop something about your journey into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

x

Thanks for the reply Latchbrook and for taking the time finding info on guttate psoriasis. I have found the BAD website really helpful. It’s just really strange how it’s only since my surgery I have been suffering with the psoriasis. I’ve been trying to eat food with vitamin d in, I’ll give anything a try as it’s quite embarrassing especially with the warmer weather on it’s way. 

I had a look at your profile, I’m glad you’ve had no more problems since your first surgery. I’m a little worried about all my moles and going out in the sun, But I’m hoping this will pass with time. 

I will definitely update my profile. 

Thanks

I do understand how you feel with lots of moles . I too have a lot so my consultant got me to take photos of the various sections of my body, ie right upper arm, left lower, leg, etc and then I use these photos to check against when I do my monthly check-ups. 

I think this will be your second summer since being diagnosed. Hopefully, you'll feel a little more relaxed about it now as you should have a regime in place for being safe in the sun without overdoing it. I remember my first summer when I used to cross the street to walk in the shade but I'm not quite as bad as that now! However, you'll never find me out and about without a hat from my growing collection.

x

Yes it’s my second summer, last year I spent the whole of it in the shade with factor 50 on. This year we’re going on holiday so they’ll be no avoiding it so I’ll definitely be shopping for a hat! It’s hard to quit the paranoia isn’t it!! The hospital I’m under (plastics and reconstructive surgery) is really good but they haven’t got a dermatologist dept there so I’m seeing my consultant or a registrar. They are mainly used to seeing patients for surgery. 

Morning

I'm hoping that with each passing summer it'll get easier to live safely in the sun. Last year I was a little less paranoid but I try and follow the advice that I was given when first diagnosed. As you said you're not being looked after by a dermatologist I thought the following might help. Of course you might already have been given all this advice so I'm sorry if I'm telling you something you already know.

1. Stay out of the sun during the strongest time of the day (11am to 3pm) between April and October inclusive in the UK and in all months of the year in any other part of the world
2. When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
3. Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
4. Sit in the shade and never sunbathe 
5. Any part of your body that is not covered, ie face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays
6. Re-apply the sunscreen as directed on the bottle
7. Never use sunbeds
8. Don't use sunscreen instead of covering up

The first summer after I was diagnosed was particularly hard as I used to enjoy sitting in the sun. However, I quickly got used to the new regime and have a selection of hats to choose from when I go out. I also decided that I now needed a whole new wardrobe so went on a shopping spree. So, every cloud has a silver lining!

I leave a hat permanently in the car so if I forget to take one with me I know I'll have one. Leaving a tube of sunscreen in the glove compartment is a good idea too.

Last year I went to Australia to visit my sister and I still went on the beach and swam in the sea. However, instead of sitting in the sun, I stayed in the shade and I only went in the sea for a short time. Ironically it's easier going on holiday somewhere like that because nearly everyone covers up as they're so aware of the damage the sun can do so I didn't feel a freak in long trousers and a hat!

My friends know that I need to sit in the shade so if we're going to be sitting outside we try to look for a table which means that I can sit in the shade while they can sit in the sun if they want to. If I'm with people who don't know why I need to be in the shade I don't necessarily tell them but will just say something along the lines of "I prefer to sit in the shade" or "it's too hot for me in the sun".

Have a lovely holiday!