Hi.
3yrs ago I had a small atypical skin lesion removed and was shocked to be told 8wks later that It was a stage 2b Malignant Melanoma.
I had a WLE and SLNB and was reassured that 3mth Dermatology clinic appts was all the surveillance needed despite having BC 3 years previously, ( unrelated ).
I diligently checked my skin / moles and lymph nodes for any recurrence.
In February I noticed a small subcutaneous lump ? Boil ? Haematoma, ( tried spin class recently ) on my inner thigh not in / near lymph nodes.
Was due to attend clinic in a few weeks and as there was no mole or surface lesion decided to wait to see if it resolved.
FF Corona strikes so rang clinic in advance as still not gone. I was advised to contact my GP as telephone consultations were planned due to redeployment of staff and resources.
Thankfully I work in another hospital and discussed my concerns with a consultant colleague who arranged an ultrasound and biopsy.
The results indicated a Metastatic melanoma!
CT scan also showed a ?abnormality in the Jejenun which correlated with indigestion symptoms which I went to the GP in Jan for.
Appart from being a little anaemic was given lansoprazole and referred for an Endoscopy which was normal.
The endoscopist arranged for an abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy both tests were cancelled due to covid-19 service priority.
FF Tumour excised and PET scan performed.
10cm Jejunum tumour, small liver lesion and several small subcutanious mets.
Gastro surgeons declined surgery due to Covid risk.
Advised if symptoms got worse then to go to A&E immediately.
Finally Oncologist decided that although incurable I might respond to Dual immunotherapy treatment with Ipilimumab and Nivolumab.
1st cycle completed with tolerable side effects.
But needed a blood transfusion, 3units yesterday.
Second treatment Wednesday.
Keeping everything crossed x
