Melanoma

Hi , we can give you any tips you want / need for using the forum, my first one is after you have started a new discussion, to keep the whole conversation together press reply. The new discussion button at the top is only needed when you start a fresh topic of conversation. 

Completing your profile is very useful for anyone answering you, you do that by clicking on your user name or picture and finding the edit profile button and writing in what’s brought you to the community. When people answer you it’s nice to have a look to see some of their experiences to. Macmillan just ask you not to put in your real name or stuff that can identify you so that you stay safe online. 

I like browsing through the information and support sections on the site as it gives helpful info about cancer types and treatment and about emotions, and practical stuff. 

I hope you find us a supportive bunch, there is also a group animals are family to that you might like I will put in the link.

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/animals_are_family_too_/discussions

I always look at the discussions rather than the latest activity bit as it’s easier to follow that way.

Best wishes

Good morning.  Thank  you for positivity, I seem to sleep better last night.

I only use a kindle so things take longer to work out on here!!. I will  be glad when I can speak to the dermatology dept tomorrow, it's the not knowing that worries everyone I guess. Unfortunately to have skin cancer op we have to do an uncomfortable 40 miles journey to another hosp and it's away from friends and familiar surroundings. I must stop forward thinking about things and live in the now though

Am trying hard to do this. Luckily today off to see a friend who is giving me some reiki healing, wonderful. Will enjoy every minute.

Thank you for link to animals, they are part of the family., She is my family.

Hope you do something good today, raining here but gardens did need it!!!

Good morning, I was diagnosed a few months ago. A complete shock. Please don't feel alone. I've had many sleepless nights when my mind races and panic sets in. I've just had several nodes removed and have a large wle wound on my back. Both areas are very sore but a necessary part of treatment. It's the waiting for results that drives you mad. I live in mid Wales but travel to Birmingham cancer centre. When I go there I enter a world I never knew existed but It's part of my world now and I appreciate everything they do for me. It's difficult to keep positive all of the time but you are in safe hands. Enjoy you're day x

Hello lovewales.

Thank you for your positive post.

I did feel alone as I was told on Friday aft when everything was shut for support except Macmillan,thank goodness.

Also when you don't know anyone else that's been through it you just panic  and the mind works overtime!. Someone on the site suggested writing 3 happy things that happened in theday, such a feel good thing to do. 

To all folks  like me on their own a great big group hug and healing thoughts

Hello KT.

Well had trip to dermatologist today, she slightly put my mind at ease.

I have stage 3 , I go to local hosp to see plastic surgeon next week, then to a hosp further away for pre op and op.

I can only comfortably travel by train so after op I will have to wait until drain removed so I can travel back the 40 miles!

I then see oncologist to discuss which follow up treatment I will be receiving, maybe immunotherapy.

Seems as though I should be positive about it all as folks go on to just enjoy living after.

I intend to eat all the choc I want!!!

A little cloud lifted today.

Thank you for listening

Hi , I hope you’ve got someone nice to look after your dog while your in hospital, and glad your feeling slightly better about your diagnosis. I found it felt better to know that things were moving forward, even if you aren’t entirely happy to have another op and then treatment. I think like lovewales that the hospital just becomes another part of your world. My hospital oncology waiting area is about to have a face lift apparently so I’m wondering how different it will look when I next go, all the jigsaws and books were missing last time I went in preparation for work starting. 

Good luck for your appointments next week and if you need to ask anything or off load you now know we we all are.

Hello

Not a good morning, maybe because no sunshine.

please Can I ask if  anyone went through the thoughts of why me, I don't deserve it, can't cope with op and afterwards how Am I going to manage, how will i cope with side effects of treatments they can read so frightening etc .

I know I being selfish but I feel as though it's not happening to me, I am in a whirlwind or cloud or hamster wheel! Is this normal after diagnosis and being given info and or choices.

I will try and be more positive, maybe a trip to the shops will help. I have to start stocking up anyway as I will be grounded for 6 weeks apparently! Will have to hire someone to make my tea!!! I wish.

Good morning , it’s very normal to have loads of different feelings including the why me one, you might be interested in this section on Macmillan.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/your-emotions

I can imagine that your seeking some solidarity with someone going through these thoughts now and I hope someone who is just reading perhaps at the moment sticks their hands up (I nearly said fingers due to typing and quickly thought how inappropriate that would be !) to join in your conversation. I know close to my diagnosis I for a bit thought why me not in a universe conspiring against me way but in a way to ensure it didn’t happen again or to me or my red headed daughters. Brief thoughts how when I was young my parents never used  sun lotion for protection, my mother used it to get tanned. Me as the only red headed grandchild liked to stay out of the sun and keep covered up at the beach but I did play a lot of sport outside and wonder if I had continued being a PE teacher for longer perhaps I wouldn’t be around now as sun damage is cumulative and treatments weren’t as good as they are now, and they keep improving with success rates and less side effects. 

I haven’t had to cope on my own as my husband is a big support, I hope you are able to get some support for you and your dog.

Good morning Hopeful6, sorry to read of your diagnosis. I felt (and still do on down days) exactly the same. My husband is disabled and I care for him and have a busy full time job. We were really looking forward to this year as we are both celebrating being 65 so had trips booked and plans made for my retirement from work next March. All that has been pushed aside and the focus is on getting the treatment I need to get well and my life back on track. I've cried, screamed, stayed in bed all day etc but I've read on here of people receiving the same bad news and booking a holiday while waiting for treatment or results and living their lives, cancer or not. I think it's that attitude I've taken from this forum, on good days enjoy every minute and on bad days rest to get ready for the next good day. Don't feel guilty, you've had a terrible shock. Get answers to your questions about your cancer from the people who know. Please keep off Dr Google and keep positive.X

Ah thank you so much for your kind   and positive words.

I am so glad I found this forum,  to find there are many others with same thoughts, to know I am not alone means so much. I may live alone but it is nice to be able to share thoughts

I promise to keep off google!!! And will head out now to the shops to stock up with choc!