Awaiting biopsy results

Hi Stuart15, I had a mole removed on the 17th March and like you had been to the drs about it previously but was told it was ok. I chased my results with the hospital that carried out the biopsy and managed to get the results on the 31st March. I was diagnosed with 1B melonoma and have since had a wide existion and sentinel lymph node biopsy privately as I lost a bit of faith after seeing my dr. Fortunately that was clear so I was graded as a 1B. I’ve got my normal check ups with the NHS but am lucky that I get private medical through work so have arranged mole mapping. I saw a private dermatologist last week and she has spotted a possible BCC which will be excised on the 1st July. This was missed again by the NHS dermatologist when they checked my skin after my diagnosis of melonoma. I think sometimes they are extra cautious if you have lots of moles but I hope you get positive results and that you get them quickly as the waiting stressed me out so can understand how you and your partner are feeling.

Hi mate thanks for the reply, I hope you’re doing well after your diagnosis and the future op goes well. I think it’s just the waiting for the results that is stressing me out, and my partner is worried about the possible results. I’m a fit 36 year old with zero health issues so this is what I’m struggling with the most that it could be something serious. 

Hey Stuart15 

Waiting for results is generally the worst part of the whole process and this is because what those results are and when we receive them is generally out of our control. Worry is the mind's way of trying to resolve the situation but as our rational minds are aware, it doesn't actually achieve anything! We also might partake in behaviours to try to relieve the worry such as Googling, but this often hinders rather than helps.

I've found acceptance of the fact that the situation is beyond my control is the thing that helps most during those waiting periods. It's much easier said than done and I've had a lot of practice (you can check out my bio for specific cancer experience if you like) but it really is the thing that's been most useful. Another thing that helps is talking to others who understand as you have here and this goes for your partner too. The Macmillan helpline is great for this and I'd highly recommend she gives them a call if she's struggling.

I have my fingers crossed for positive results for you!

I was exactly the same and think it’s natural to feel like that. Similar to you I’m never really ill and my wife has always said there’s nothing ever wrong with me and then this came up. I’m older though at 48. I found this group really helpful and honestly there’s so much positivity on here. Wishing you all the best with your results.

Hi, thank you for the reply. You’ve certainly been on a journey to say the least and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! I’ve avoided googling anything so far because I know where that rabbit hole will lead. I just need to hold my breath and wait for the results but every day feels like another tick on a slow moving clock. 

I’ll certainly point her in the direction of the helpline, I’m being very positive and upbeat about it all but she does worry bless her

Hi Stuart,

I think we can know you anxiety on the waiting for results. I had Acral Lentiginous Melanoma diagnosed in 2024 and had several biopsies. I know that different regions in the NHS will have different abilities to meet the deadlines set for results but I found my process always followed this:

6 weeks for the results to go Multi Discipline Team in a positive result, 1 week for them to review and then 1 more week before you get the results meaning I was waiting 8 weeks in total. I had 3 different biopies, each one after the results of the other. 

I agree with all the comments above and waiting for the 1st biopsy was the worst mentally. I can only recommend distraction where possible, plan to do some nice things at weekends, so you have a counter to the more negative thoughts the brain tries to cram in. Doesn't have to be much, a walk in the countryside, a meal out. Sometime with friends. But definitely talking with others who have gone through cancer diagnosis seemed to be work for me too, sometimes the best.

I went through it as a single person with late teen, early twenties daughters, but I know its sometimes, almost harder for the partner/family. I think its to do with the fact that its happening to us, but they feel totally at loss and helpless (lack of control as mentioned in some of the other posts). 

Good luck with process and diagnosis, 

Hi Stuart, 

I have also been waiting anxiously for the  result and when the date came through I felt sick! 
Anyway that day was yesterday Im pleased to say my full body scan was clear but they found minimal micro cancer cells in my first lymph node. I’m now being referred to oncology to mop up any cells that are left there and to make sure it doesn’t come back. I was ok with this result as it’s tge waiting that kills you. but my husband was shocked and like your wife is worried sick. Between each apt I have made sure we go out socialising still having little breaks away in the uk. 
And being in this group has really helped me which I’ve chatted to my husband about. Hopefully your wife has close friends she can talk to. I’m a 53 year old and I would be lost without my close network of friends. 
wishing you all the best. 

Thanks to everyone for your posts. I’ve not had any results back yet and I can’t seem to get hold of anyone at the hospital to see if they have come back. The 2 surgery wounds ended up infected and I’ve just seen a letter from the surgeon that one of the removals was a heavily pigmented lesion with a negative network which after a quick search doesn’t fill me with confidence! One of my armpits has been a bit sore the past couple of days and a little swollen so I’ve been trying to reach the dept but the phone lines are constantly busy

Hey Stuart15 

Have you tried your GP? If not, it might be worth giving them a ring to see if they can help.

Hi, I’ve not to be honest but the urgent care centre asked me to go back tomorrow anyway to check on the infection and dressings so I’ll ask them to take a look then. Might be nothing but always worth a look, fingers crossed I get some results soon!