Hi , Im a forty eight year old mum an nan , just been diagnosed with pt2a melanoma, thought i was prepared as I could see my mole changing by the week but as I was so busy in work an trying to get drs apointment was an absolute nightmare , I finally went into my gps surgery an told them I really needed to get this mole looked at , receptionist was great told me about a patches scheme too get an emergancy appointment online , went online sent a pic got appointment two days later then referal to clinic for AI photo week after that, surgery to remove it two weeks after that , then two weeks later the diagnosis that it was an aggresivve melanoma, dont think i heard a word they said just wanted to get out of there , i do remember how loverly the nurses an consultant where. Id definatly advise aways trying to take someone with u on apointments as i couldnt take in anything but my mum could tell me later what was said . I thought i didnt want anyone with me but i was so glad she came in with me . I even remember saying to her 'is it true? U heard that too didnt u? ' Been in abit of a daze last few weeks but now panics setting in. Have appointment with plastic surgeons on weds for wide excision and lymph node removal. Feel like a fraud stuck between crying drama queen an thinking ' i feel fine ' had first few nights of not sleeping , u just want to speed up time to get to the next treatment stage . Well any advice would be greatly apreciated thanku xxxxx
Hi Kellchatt and a very warm welcome to our corner of the online community.
I was diagnosed with a pT2a melanoma on my arm nearly 10 years ago now. I had a wide local excision (WLE) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and am happy to answer any questions you have about these procedures. Fortunately I didn't need any further treatment and just had regular skin checks for the next 5 years.
It is certainly a shock to be told that you have melanoma and I can recognise the feelings of being in a daze. Why do you feel like a fraud?
The best bit of advice I was given was not to worry about the future as worrying won't change anything but it will ruin today.
It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and proposed treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
I hope your appointment goes well today and the surgeon is able to answer all your questions.
Anne
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
