Stage 2b melanoma diagnosis looking for support

Hi McAngel and a very warm welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to read that you have recently had a melanoma diagnosis and it's natural to feel low at times. We've all been there and waiting for results is really horrible but it sounds like you have some coping strategies in place.

You said that you "had nodes removed from both sides of my groin and my right underarm. Not sure what that means really!" When you have the radioactive dye injected into you at the site of your melanoma a machine is used to see which sentinel lymph nodes that flows to. Often when melanoma is found on the back then the lymphatic drainage system goes to several different sentinel lymph nodes, unlike in my case when it was on my arm so just flowed to the one in my armpit, so all SLNs that it has gone to are removed to see if they have any cancer cells in them or not.

Hopefully your WLE and SLNB results will be negative and no further treatment will be needed. If this is the case you'll have 3 years of 3 monthly check-ups followed by 2 years of 6 monthly check-ups.

If cancer is found in the sentinel lymph nodes then you'll be offered some form of adjuvant treatment but you don't need to think about that right now as it might not happen.

If I'm not tempting fate then I would consider myself to be one of the good news stories that you're looking for as I was diagnosed Stage 2a 5 years ago and have needed no further treatment since.

x

Thank you for your kind response. I wasn’t sure what the prognosis was following having 3 node areas operated on… but I’m sure everything will be ok. Hoping and praying and staying positive! X

McAngel

I don't think the prognosis is any different to having just one sentinel lymph node removed It's just that they have to remove however many the dye flows to in order to see if these have caught any stray cancer cells.

x

Hi McAngel,

Sorry to hear about your news. I had stage 1b diagnosed in August. It's been a rollercoaster since than until I had the results of my WLE and SLNB.

Someone in this forum described it like having Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde in themselves. I quite liked the description, some days I woke up as an optimist and continued as a pessimist and vice versa:)

I did yoga, talking therapy and lots of talking (more like asking questions ) with my consultant and nurses. Also lots of self care which I haven't done much in the last years.

Fingers crossed for you and let us know how it goes. 

Hi McAngel

So sorry to hear your news. I’m in the same boat as you having been diagnosed with 2B melanoma behind my knee. I’ve had the mole removed last month and awaiting next steps for WLE and SLNB so a little behind you. How did you cope with the wait!? I don’t have any advice as such as I’ve been a wreck since finding out, automatically jumping to worst case scenarios in my mind. I’m trying to distract myself by doing things I enjoy and getting outside each day definitely helps, rather than sitting in the house and giving myself time to overthink. 

I’ve also been to my GP and got some propanalol for anxiety. Not saying medication is for everyone but it’s definitely been a game changer for me, helping me sleep and eat and not feel that nervous feeling in my tummy 24/7.

I don’t have much advice but thought it might help to know you’re not alone. Fingers crossed for both of us that we can stop worrying soon and this will have just been a short temporary blip of worry in our lives xxx

Hey Sophie, try not to worry too much if at all possible - I also take propranolol! I had to increase my dose a week before my surgery Due to my high blood pressure. Usually I take CBD oil or kalms or just try and meditate to calm me down but literally nothing was working… and you have to come off all natural supplements a week before your surgery. 

I’m actually feeling super calm since I’ve had my surgery. I know I’m in the best possible hands and ultimately everything now is out of my control to some extent. The only thing I can control is my thoughts and my self healing from a spiritual and emotional perspective.

I’ve been reading a lot of books recently which have been a great help. How your mind can heal your body by David Hamilton is great (on audible) and also very interested in Dr Joe Dispenza’s work. Currently reading You are the placebo. These are just things that help me maintain a positive outlook and convince myself that I am well and healing. 

My mantra is- Everything is going to be ok. You got this! I’ll keep you posted of my journey but staying positive for now (where possible!) you’re not alone. Feel free to reach out me if you have any more questions along the way. It’s good to have ally’s in this journey! X

Most of us agree that the waiting time for biopsy results is the worst time possible as your mind is flooded with the 'What ifs'. I found that I just threw myself into my main pastime - cycling - and I went out even more than normal and went further and faster to fight this thing that threatened my wellbeing. I was so focused on this that my anxiety was reduced. You might find that indulging in a favourite pastime might help. Stay strong and good luck.

I know how you feel! I use the Calm app for mindfulness and sleep stories usually but there was just no switching off my brain when I got the news so the propanalol was amazing when I got it! I’ll have a look at those books, thank you :) likewise, keep me posted on how you get on and here for a chat if you need one x 

The waiting is very tough, my story is in my profile. I have taken a note of those anxiety pills yous have mentioned  as I feel my health anxiety is through the roof some ( most ) days. I have began CBT sessions ( 2 sessions in) and have started reiki classes … willing to try anything that helps me mentally. I feel the mental toll is so tough in comparison to the physical toll.