Hi everyone. I'm new to this, being diagnosed after having a mole removed a month ago, was told it was all gone, probably. Saw consultant last week who feared it may not be the case and is seeing me next week for wider excision and biopsy. I alternate from feeling anxious, to not being too bothered, but it is slowly hitting me that this is serious, and I worry about something preventing me from having the op next week, but then unfortunately I am a worrier by nature. I'm 61 and never been a sun worshipper. I guess I'm on a 'journey' that no-one wants to take. Best wishes to you all.
Hi Warmington and a very warm welcome to the group which I hope you'll find is both a supportive and informative place to be.
From what you've written, I think you're having what's called a wide local excision (WLE) and this is standard for everyone diagnosed with melanoma. It doesn't mean your first excision wasn't successful, unless the consultant has actually said so.
Depending on how deep your melanoma was depends on whether they take 1 or 2cms all around the original excision site. This is then sent off to the labs to check that there are no cancer cells present. My nurse referred to it as a "belt and braces" op to be absolutely sure no cancer cells have been left behind.
I know it's easy to say but try not to worry as it's not often that further cancer cells are found in a WLE.
Let us know how you get on
Anne
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
