Could this be melanoma again?

Hi carrieb2

I'm sorry to read that you're back on the rollercoaster of waiting for appointments and biopsy results for a possible melanoma 

I found immersing myself in things that I enjoyed took my mind off the 'what ifs' while waiting to be seen and waiting for the results to come back. Mind you, having a five-year-old daughter probably keeps you fully occupied!

Lots of people find mindfulness really helpful and, if this is something that interests you, take a look on this NHS mental health apps page. You can download any that appeal and some of them are free.

When you have your biopsy ask how long results are currently taking to come back in your area of the country. The normal range is usually between 2-6 weeks with most people getting their results after about 4 weeks. 

Do come back and let us know how you get on 

x

Hi latchbrook, 

Thank you so much for getting back to me - I really appreciate it. It's good to know there's someone out there who's been there and understands!

When I talk to family and friends they say 'oh well, they're probably just being extra-cautious' or 'at least they're catching it early'. It's been there for YEARS! 

I'm frightened but at least - having been through this before - I know what's coming and am trying not to let my mind get carried away with it all. I just worry about being a mum to my daughter and being there to see her grow up. I know she'd be OK if worst came to worst as she has a fantastic dad in my partner, but I would dearly love for this to all be OK.

I'll give the mindfulness practice a go again. I've fallen out of the habit recently.

Thank you for the tip on checking waiting times too. 

x

I think being frightened is perfectly normal carrieb2. Just because you've been investigated for melanoma before doesn't make the prospect of being diagnosed with it again any less scary. 

Do you have a date for your biopsy yet?

x

Hi there, I chased the gp today and they've not received the letter yet. I checked with the derm's office and it should be with them for Monday. Then, all being well, I'll get an appointment through. The waiting is killing me and I'm finding it hard to concentrate at work. I just want to know! Hopefully things will start moving soon. Thank you for listening, latchbrook, it means such a lot x

Very sorry to hear this. About 5 years ago, I had a mole which had been on my chest for 1-2 years at that time. It had begun growing and was beyond 1cm, was black and brown, had an irregular edge and was itching. 4 or 5 caution points. Seeing the dermatologist for another reason, he took one look at it and immediately asked, "How long have you had this?" Oops. He excised it straight away and sent it for biopsy. The results were: Dysplastic nevus. An oddly shaped mole, but a benign mole nonetheless.

Thankfully, things are not always as they seem.

Hi there, thank you for your response - it was really reassuring to read. 

I received a text from my GP yesterday to say that I've been referred to a specialist, so it's just a case of waiting for that appointment to come through now to be seen again... The waiting game really is the hardest :-(

Hi all, just a quick update from me after going quiet.

I saw a dermatologist and he measured the mole and referred me for medical photos. They've decided that - due to the awkward placement of it - they'll adopt a watchful waiting approach. I've got an appointment to go back in December to be looked at again to see if it's changed or got any bigger.

Really hoping it stays as-is!

Thanks again for your support x

Hi carrieb2

That's good news that the dermatologist is happy to leave the mole for now and just keep an eye on it.

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that it stays the same