Waiting to see consultant and pharmacist

Hi Aperol & welcome to this forum.

In my experience, the consultant oncologist will explain to you why immunotherapy is necessary, what type of immunotherapy is recommended, what the process / timescales will be, what the potential side-effects are, and what the potential outcomes are.

I didn't meet with a pharmacist, however I guess some of the above may be covered by a pharmacist in certain Trusts.

I know it's all very concerning with a melanoma diagnosis, however the potential treatments are becoming increasingly successful, with excellent long-term outcomes in numerous cases.

I'm sure this will be explained to you at your meeting, however I suggest you go along with a list of questions that you have, to make sure you cover everything.  Again, in my experience it's very easy to forget something in a stressful consultation unless it's on a list in front of you.

All the best and good luck for the future.

Thanks very much , that does make sense , and I will write down some questions to ask

Hello Aperol - like you I have an appointment with oncology on 3rd to discuss possible immunotherapy. I am just concerned that I’ll miss everything I need to hear! I think it’s excellent advice to write down questions - they must be so used to answering the same things over and over! Everyone and every treatment is different so I intend to take their advice and think how lucky we are to have all these new treatments. It’s the unknown isn’t it that’s difficult. Good luck.

It is the unknown , and the waiting inbetween , which allows us to almost feel normal…??, like we are ok , and nothing is going on , then u get to your appointment and reality slaps you in the face I lost my mum unexpectedly 3 weeks before my diagnosis , so emotionally , some times I don’t know what I’m dealing with , so it’s all been alot in a short space time , however I do feel grateful for the care I received , I have not had to wait to long to be seen , the fact there was only 2 microscopic dots found in 2 lymph nodes makes me grateful to , and there is nothing there , and that my treatment will be preventative , and your absolutely right every treatment is different , and I to will be taking there advice , my appointment is on 16 th September, massive good luck to you to

Gosh you’ve had a rough time. To lose your mother not long before a melanoma diagnosis is dreadful. Hopefully you have family and friends to support you. Make sure you think of anything you want to ask. I’m sure none of it will seem silly to the experts- they are there to inform and reassure. 
im trying not to feel nervous about Thursday. After all they are there to help and advise. I’ll let you know and for your appointment too.

It’s easier said than done , not to feel nervous as we forget to ask things , I hope you have some body to go with you , who will absorb some information for you , and help to put you at ease , staying positive for you for Thursday , and thankyou