Don’t want to talk

Hi Pricilla, sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time right now. Getting told you have a diagnosis is very difficult, and especially when often you don’t know straight away what stage it might be at and/or so much uncertainty lies ahead. Try not to be so hard on yourself, or compare yourself to others. You’re going to come across people in different circumstances or steps in their journey, that doesn’t make you weak. I’m sure I went into a fog when I first got diagnosed and was in autopilot just going through the motions of everyday life until things became a bit clearer again and a sense of normality started to creep back in. Maybe try and think of this period a bit like some bad weather - you’re in the thick of it now, but it will pass through. Once my staging became clear and I started my treatment, I found it much easier to cope with, as much of the uncertainty lifted and I found a new ‘normal’. I hope you’ll find this to be the case too. Hang on in there x

Your reaction is perfectly normal. A diagnosis of melanoma would floor anyone. It did me. We all react in different ways to the reality that it's us this time, the unlucky one to be singled out. You never think it is going to be you. Try to be kind to yourself and allow yourself the feelings you have. You do not have to be brave! Wishing you all good things.

Duncan x

Hi Pricilla, you are not weak, you are just human. We all react differently. Its hard to open up, but when you do you will find everyone else can give you that strength.

Friends, family and colleagues all give me a boost as and when I am down, I have days when I don't want to talk about it, so I don't, you are not going through this on your own and a good support network will help you when you are ready. 

There is so much to take in, take your time and keep strong 

Thanks everyone for the encouragement it’s all starting to sink in a little now. Best wishes to you all.

Hi pricilla just got diagnosed with melanoma myself it's a bit daunting had a tumor removed from my parotid gland 14th of last month 28th told the tumor was melanoma had a pet scan all clear 10th july start ammunetherapy something called pembrolizumab but chin up keep going i found the worst thing was feeling sorry for myself took my best friend to kick that out of me now going forward goodluck to you remember talk it helps