i have just been diagnosed with. Melanoma on my leg and am waiting to have a wide excision biopsy done. It was a stressful experience waiting for the results. I was told that the mole had been completely removed. I will have to attend the hospital for the next five years for body checks. Every little ache and pain tends to make me paranoid. Luckily we are now approaching winter but will need to organise for the summer. Plenty of good sun screen.
It is good to be able to talk and share experience. I was given literature to read when I feel ready
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
I'm sorry to hear that you've just been diagnosed with melanoma. Almost exactly 3 years ago I was in the position you are now so understand how you're feeling. It's natural to worry that every ache and pain you feel is down to the melanoma whereas it's more likely to just be an ache or pain. Before you were diagnosed you probably wouldn't have noticed these aches and pains and it'll take you a while to get back to that stage.
I had a wide local excision (WLE), and also the optional sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), so if you want to ask me any questions I'll be happy to answer them.
I can fully understand how you feel about going out in the sun next summer and hopefully you have been given plenty of information from your consultant or SCNS on how to best protect yourself.
The first summer after I was diagnosed I found myself crossing the street to walk in the shade but I've stopped being quite so paranoid now! Unfortunately, if you've had any type of skin cancer you're more at risk of getting another if you don't protect your skin from the sun. This doesn't mean that you have to stop doing things you used to enjoy doing in the sun, unless that was sunbathing, but you need to change some things to protect yourself.
When I was diagnosed I was told the following was necessary to protect myself in the sun and thought that you might find it helpful:
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".
As for sunscreen I think it's just trial and error until you find one you like. I personally use SunSense. I tried it when I was in Australia and liked it. You can buy it here over the internet but I haven't seen it in the shops. They do a wide range but I like their Daily Face SPF50+ for my face and their Ultra SPF50+ For the Family for anywhere else that's exposed.
I hope that helps a little but if you want to ask anything else please do.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Nicola19891 and welcome to the melanoma group.
I was told my results at a face-to-face appointment with my dermatologist. The results would have been given to me by him no matter if the lesion was cancerous or not.
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that yours is benign.
Let me know how it goes tomorrow.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Nicola19891
No, waiting for results is horrible.
I wasn't told to bring anyone with me, although my appointment for results was made at the same time as I had the excision biopsy.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
I'm sorry to read that your mole did turn out to be a melanoma Nicola19891 and I can remember all too well how I felt on being told nearly 7 years ago now.
My melanoma was Stage 2a and was on my arm. I had a WLE and SLNB and I'm happy to share my experiences with you if there's anything you want to ask.
(((hugs)))
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Nicola19891
Yes, thankfully my results came back negative for both the WLE and SLNB.
By the time I went for my results and check-up, two weeks after the ops, I'd got full mobility back in my arm. I was no longer working when diagnosed with melanoma and at the time of my check-up could have gone back to work if I'd been working. I think you'll just have to listen to your body as to when you feel well enough to return to work.
You might not be aware, but if you have cancer the law in the UK considers this a disability and the law gives you various rights where working and returning to work are concerned. You might like to take a look at this information from Macmillan on work and cancer, especially if you're feeling pressurised into returning to work before you feel able to.
Your employer has to make reasonable adjustments to allow you to keep working during treatment or returning to work.
If you need any help with knowing what your rights are, Macmillan has a work support service who you can speak to. They're available on 0808 808 0000 from 8am to 6pm and calls are free.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
