Hi all this is my story and it’s a little long so bear with me. I want to add some context
Feb 2007 after several chest infections at 19 a bone biopsy, left auxiliary lymph node removal for biopsy I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After chemotherapy and checks for 5 years I was classed as cured.
2008 I was diagnosed with lymphoedema (swelling in arm and legs) left me pretty immobile
Life got normalish and in April 2022 I notice a mole I had from early childhood was different, due to my history the GP got me in quick and sent me urgent to the derm.
May 2022 biopsied and diagnosed with superficial spreading melanoma 1a.
June 2022 WLE all clear boarders
Skin checks every 3 months with the last one on Tuesday.
So here is the glitch I’m freaking out as I think the last what year I have been in denial from my diagnoses with maybe some sort of PTSD from the first time. I have been using sun scream and gerbey very good with the sun but wasn’t until my last appointment that I have realised maybe that I haven’t been taking it seriously. I took photos in August but none since relying on my derm appointments. Keeps an eye on my bigger ones. I haven’t realised until I got my appointment through how moley I am and feeling guilty when I went away in Sept last year to Tenerife that maybe I didn’t do what I could have.
I was on a sun lounger under a brolley ( not tanning! ) I didn’t burn or tan at all or in shade with at least factor 30 on. However we did go for walks where my arms maybe weren’t covered up but we’re covered in sunscreen
As you can tell my healthy anxiety is kicking in and really wanted to speak to people who are going through this or have been through it.
Any advise on what to expect after my last appointment for worrying changes. Any advice when I go away in Sept again?
I have found an app for taking monthly pictures recommends by melanoma uk which my other half is going to help me with. It’s been so hard this last week especially with “doom scrolling “
Thanks in advance and sorry for my waffle
It's natural to worry about being in the sun when you've had a melanoma diagnosis and I think I spent my first year seeking out the shade at all times, even to the extent of crossing the street to walk in the shade. Since then I've become a little more relaxed!
You don't have to stop doing things you used to enjoy doing in the sun, unless that was sunbathing, but you might need to change some things to protect yourself, depending on how you were in the sun before.
When I was diagnosed with melanoma I was told the following was necessary to protect myself in the sun:
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 enjoy walking so have to admit that if I'm away on holiday and we're planning a walk I don't then stick to the rule of staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm but just make sure that I'm covered up and wearing sunscreen on my face and back of hands. It's just not always practical to stay indoors for 4 hours in the middle of the day.
After you've been discharged from dermatology you should continue to monitor your body for new moles or changes to existing ones. I use the photos I took of my body when I was diagnosed 6 years ago to check for new moles or changing ones. You don't need to take photographs every month, just take one set and then use those to compare you now with then.
If you notice anything which you think has changed then you will need to make an appointment with your GP to have you referred to a dermatologist. Hopefully this won't happen though.
I hope this helps
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Great to hear that your check-up was all clear Serephina2109 .
I wear trousers and long skirts made from natural fibres like cotton. That's mostly what my tops are made of as well, although I do have a couple of UV sun protective tops.
Basically the weave of the fabric needs to be such that when you hold it up to the light you can't see through it.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi Serephina2109 and Ljm
As I understand it, by law car windscreens have to be treated to prevent UVA and UVB rays from penetrating but that still leaves the remainder of the windows and the sunroof. When I'm travelling in a car I still cover up and wear sunscreen on exposed parts, ie face, hands, etc.
If you're sitting near a window in the house or at work then the UV rays can still reach you so again, you should take precautions.
I hope this helps
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
