Recently Diagnosed metastic melanoma

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Hi all,

This week I was diagnosed with metastic melanoma after a biopsy of one of my inguinal lymph nodes. No idea where the primary site is at this point. I have been asked to attend an MRI scan on my liver, which doesn't seem good. I've been referred to a specialist unit, The Christie.

At the moment it's just a big information vacuum and my wife and I are filling the hole with despair, frankly. I am struggling to find hope, and wondering where the will to fight will come from. 

Any good news stories? What was helpful to you at this point. Other than Diazepam.

  • Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma 2 years ago. 
    currently had 20 doses on immunotherapy (Nivolumab) and so far the results are good. I too am treated at The Christie. If you have any questions I’d be happy to try and answer.

  • Hello there. I was diagnosed with stage 3B melanoma last June after the removal of a melanoma and a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy of the groin. I had MRI and CT scans after the diagnosis. These focus on the brain, lungs and liver which is where the cancer is most likely to spread. Like you I was in despair -I didn’t think I would live to see 2025. But the scans were clear and I started 12 months of immunotherapy. So far there’s been no evidence of the cancer spreading - I have three monthly scans to check - and the immunotherapy has been ok. The worst is the fear and anxiety of what is to come but I have learned to cope with that more easily as time has passed. Not feeling able to plan ahead was hard, especially as the diagnosis came just as I was planning to retire and travel. I could not have got through the last year without the support of my partner who has been amazing. 

    All the best with your treatment and if you have any questions I will try to answer them. 

  • Thank you both, I'm very grateful for your responses, it's reassuring to get some responses from people who have been through the same. I think that's just what I needed for now, to reach out and get something back. I am sure more support will be available once I'm at The Christie, it's just that vacuum we're in at the moment. 

  • This day last year I was diagnosed with stage 4 with scan results showing spread to lungs & brain & multiple nodules beneath my skin …

    my 1st year of immunotherapy is now complete another 12 months to go & im in complete remission since November 

    so I’ve been where you are now as have many others on here so try not to despair it’s a rough road but you will find the strength to fight this & come through it ..be kind to yourself and take all the help & support available to you & your wife

    wishing you all the best 

    Alli x

  • Alli 

    How fantastic - best of luck for the rest of your treatment 

  • I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma. A primary site has never been found. It was just found in a very large lymph node in my neck. I had it removed this time last year. I started immunotherapy in September last year. I’ve completed 9 treatments of Nivolumab so far, 3 more to go! So far Ct scans have been clear. The main side effect of treatment is tiredness but other than that I’ve been fine. The waiting to begin with is the hardest thing, also waiting for scan results is difficult but stay positive.