Discharged from Dermatology

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Hi Everyone,

I have now been discharged from dermatology after 1 year follow up which preceeded my melanoma stage 1 diagnosis early last year.

I have mixed feelings, one that of being happy and that hopefully this journey with skin cancer has come to an end, but also feeling slightly apprehensive as I will no longer have any yearly follow up or full skin examination.

I have been advised to follow a strict sun protection plan, such as wearing long sleeves clothing and sun screen when venturing out. However I am a little confused as I have been told multiple times that with stage 1 skin cancer and surgery to remove it there is a low risk recurrence, yet I have been instructed to follow strick sun screen advice. I would be under the assumption that if one is advised to follow strict sun protection advice then the risk of recurrence would be higher?

Another issue I have is that I am getting tired of putting on sunscreen every time I venture outside and am wondering not to apply sunscreen when commuting to work on public transport, going for short runs, or heading to the shops.

Has anyone else experienced or gone through a similar situation?

sarafyn 18 hours ago

Hi Walker777

Having Melanoma - even Stage 1, puts you at a higher risk of developing Melanoma again, hence the strict sun care regime and taking vitamin D supplements.

With Melanoma, it is never "cured", you will now be considered NED, which means "no evidence of disease". This does not mean it cannot return.

Not saying any of this to scare you, but now looking after you skin is so so so important.

I totally understand the fear of follow ups ending, but just make sure you check your skin and lymph nodes regularly for any changes. I tend to do this on the 1st of the month and then it's done.

I usually wear an SPF under my make up and apply factor 50 to any visible skin.

Hope this helps xx

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