Hello from a worried newbie!

Hello! Same as you but just got my letter re.excision and lymph node thing and have 4 weeks until consultant visit then hopefully within another 4 for procedure. Same as you I am looking at private but can't decide.  I spke to my health insurance company and checked out the plastic surgeons but not arranged a consultation yet. I may do this just to get a second opinion. Bit worried as mine is nodular and apparently most aggressive? Or am I googling too much.  It's so hard waiting.

It’s such a worrying time x I got my “ nothing to worry about spot” Cut out in March ( you can read my story ). Finally starting treatment this Monday it’s been a very long and drawn out experience in my opinion x 

Sun cream I use sun sense x 

Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community although I'm sorry you've had to join us.

I was diagnosed with melanoma nearly 5 years ago now but I can still remember the worry you're feeling about getting my WLE and SLNB as soon as possible. In the end it was about 6 weeks after I received my diagnosis before I saw the surgeon who'd be doing the ops which were done a few weeks later, so about 10 weeks from diagnosis to WLE and SLNB. I was unlucky in that Christmas and New Year got in the way!

It's good that you're considering ways that you need to protect yourself when you go out in the sun and the following was what I was advised to do:

1. Stay out of the sun during the strongest time of the day (11am to 3pm) between April and October inclusive in the UK and in all months of the year in any other part of the world
2. When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
3. Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
4. Sit in the shade and never sunbathe 
5. Any part of your body that is not covered, ie. face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays
6. Re-apply the sunscreen as directed on the bottle
7. Never use sunbeds
8. Don't use sunscreen instead of covering up

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 found myself crossing the street to stay in the shade but I've stopped these vampire tendencies since then! If I'm just popping out to hang the washing on the line for 10 minutes or so then I cover up but don't put sunscreen on.

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.

As for which sunscreen to use I think it's a case of trying different ones and seeing which one suits you. A few years ago I visited my sister in Australia and tried out the Sunsense range which is made in Australia. I don't think it's sold in the shops in the UK but you can buy it over the internet. I like their Daily Face, as it has a slightly tinted finish, for obviously my face and then use their Ultra SPF 50 for any parts of me that aren't covered, like the back of my hands. They also do a very handy roll-on which is easy to keep in your pockets or bag.

Anyway, I hope that helps a little but if you want to ask anything please do.

x

Thank you for your reply and advice Iatchbrook.

I haven't gotten to the part of the new wardrobe yet as so far I managed to get a hat and Sunscreen:)

I am already dreading when I plan for holidays and visits back home,but as long as I am healthy it'll be OK.

Thanks and I am sure ill have some more questions in the coming days,

X

Hi JerryD,

I was told by the speciality nurse that'll took 3-4 weeks to get a date for the WLE. I am a microbiologist myself at NHS and know how stretched things are atm, as we all do. I asked a friend who is a dermatology nurse if honestly I should go for private and she advised me to wait for a date at least and take it from there. I think I'll do that.

Hi Amccl,

Wow you've been through a lot! 

I think it didn't sunk in with me until I started reading the threads here how long the process might be.

I am used to deal with unwell/sick people and my general personal attitude is, yes I have been told its melanoma and they've removed it, atm I don't have it, so I won't worry until I am told the results of WLE and SLNB. Let's see for how long I can keep this attitude!

x

It's definitely more challenging going on holiday now but I've stopped worrying now that people might wonder why I'm covered up while they're all in their strappy tops and shorts. I just think to myself that when I'm old my skin won't be all wrinkled from too much sun damage!

When I went to Australia I didn't feel at all self-conscious about being covered up as they are much more aware than us about the damage that the sun can do.

x

Hi Elmyra….I think like other newbies on this site you are full of questions following the shock of your diagnosis…I get so tangled up with what to wear and what factor of cream etc etc but there is a lot of support and I have found it invaluable at times when my anxiety levels have been really high….you can see from my profile the kind of waiting times I have had between appointments…I am now scheduled for the WLE & SLNB for the 3rd September..despite my agitation in between appts and results it has been very quick and the communication with the team has been open and they have always been available to answer questions. Waiting is hard no doubt. As far as sun creams I use La Roche Posay on face and look for 5star for other areas…so currently Nivea 50 and a handy little roll on from Sainsbury’s own brand. Clothing has got me in a tizz but I’ve just invested in some hoodies from Solbari….look for discount codes as they are expensive but very good and a couple of hats as I love walking and have an allotment…I hope this helps and wish you well x

Hi Ivysmum,

Thank for the reply. I hope it goes well for you on the 3rd of Sept. So far they've been very good with my appointments and communication, so trying to stay positive. I am looking at Solbari now and will order few things.

X

Hi IvysMum

I wouldn't overly worry about what to wear outside but just follow these guidelines:

1. When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
2. Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
3. Any part of your body that is not covered, ie. face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays

You can buy SPF protected clothing by companies like Solbari but it isn't necessary if you stick to the guidelines above.

x