Just got melanoma diagnosis today - 2.3 mm breslow

Hi 

I was diagnosed in April after initial biopsy in January mine too was 2.3 on breslow scale putting me in the middle range and therefore need wider excision even though small clear margins after biopsy waited 6 weeks for wider excision and lymph node removal my desmoplastic  melanoma was on right side of chin didn’t itch or hurt prior to removal had changed size fractionally in 2025 so just went to get checked as precaution not thinking for one minute would be melanoma I too was in shock it’s the waiting between procedures that’s tough 

My wider excision was done in June and after nuclear dye was put into my biopsy scar it only showed one lymph node drained that area it was behind my ear so was removed along with a flap being used from my neck to cover wider excision 

I had an amazing NHS plastic surgeon who told me to remember in my original consultation that 85% of people walking into his office are already cured and this procedure is done to find the other 15% that would need further treatment 

in my case he was right and I had no sign of cancer in the wider excision or lymph node so no scans required or further treatment but will be seen in clinic every 3 months for 3 years and then every 6 months for 2 years so I do feel supported they said if any worries or issues in between appointments give them a call and will get me an appointment straight away what more can I ask from the NHS in my area they have been amazing 

So at the moment I am wary but delighted too, trying to clear my head of it returning and trying to just enjoy the fact no cancer present

i was very lucky and with above procedure I have healed amazingly and had no pain whatsoever and didn’t need any pain relief 

keep in touch I will be an ear to listen and support 

Good Luck

CMK

Hi CMK,

thank you so much for taking the time to respond and sharing your story.  amazing that you are cancer free but I totally understand the worry that must stay with you. The waiting is just horrific.

There is a query from my biopsy that the melanoma nay have come from another site. They don’t know yet and cannot be certain without further tests. But I have looked back at old photos and there has always been a mole there so I have to hope that this is the original site and therefore easier to treat, 
but it does give me hope that your breslow staging was the same and you are clear.  the regular checks will hopefully give you some peace of mind.

i  very much hoping that I am in the 85%. I’ve not been given any stats like this and it does give me something positive to focus on. So that is very much appreciated. As is the offer of support and listening.

i will very much take you up on that offer! I’ve only told my husband so far, I have a teen and elderly parents and don’t want to burden anyone yet till I know more. 

Thank you ️ 

Hi 

I feel I also have someone in a similar situation to me my mole had been there for years too 

like you only told my children and partner whose been alongside me throughout think the diagnosis shocked him to the core my children know but they are in their late 20’s I think until you have to no one needs to know because you then get the Aws and all the questions you don’t need that at the moment and when or if you decide too which in the end I had to because mine can’t be hidden now after such big surgery people come out with things like well if one cancer you have to get that’s the good one REALLY  any cancer is a bummer people just don’t think skin cancer can be serious that really wound me up Macmillan say only tell people you feel comfortable telling I agree 

I too was very scared looking back and tbh when they told me and gave me all the macmillan stuff I put out of sight until I could deal with it rationally 

I would say try not to read too much on the internet I did and it made me feel worse you only pick out the negatives I was sure I was going to die by Christmas!!!!!! that wasn’t rational thinking 

I have my fingers crossed for you it’s a path no body wants but hopefully it’s a short one sending a virtual hug

take care

Carol

Hi Carol,

big virtual hug received!!! 

people really do say the most inappropriate things! My mum survived melanoma from 30 years ago but a friend sadly did not. (There was missed opportunities sadly in this case) And you’re right, it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of negative thinking when there are so many positives to focus on. 
And hopefully as you say, the journey will be short. 
I think once I have seen a consultant and know the plan I can feel more secure in finding a positive way through. And then tell who I need to. Work don’t know yet and I’m not ready to tell them. I’m worrying about needing time off. Silly I know in the scheme of things 

at the moment I am anxious and scared. I forget for a while and then it’s hits you again in the stomach. Sleeping terribly too which isn’t helping. 

I’m sorry you were scared too. Patients just seem to be kept waiting for far too long! Glad you’re on the other side ️

Jan

Hi, the waiting is such a difficult time. Sending hugs. Mine was 2.0mm. First excision was early June, wle and slnb was mid August. Results showed all were clear and negative of melanoma. 

That’s a great outcome and all in two months, unfortunately I’ve not even yet got an appointment with the consultant. My original excision was June 17th. I just haveto hope they got it all first time

I have date with the consultant for October 7th! Praying he books me in asap for the procedures

Hi Jan

so pleased your wait is nearly over hopefully seeing the consultant will make things clearer knowing helps you to plan and get things straight in your head it’s the not knowing that’s rubbish

i wrote a list of things that was in my head because I knew I would forget and then when come out thinking wished I had asked that 

I will be thinking of you on the 7th let’s us know how it goes it can be overwhelming with so much info 

Take care 

Carol

Hi Jan

was just checking to see how your doing and if things moved any further forward in your journey 

Carol

Hi Carol, just setting off now to see the consultant for the first time and feeling incredibly anxious. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for checking in x