Not a nurse obviously, but what i will say, you might not get another appointment for a while after those 6 weeks, so you need to consider that too. Such are the waiting lists for NHS appointments.There's never a good time to get a biopsy or anything, but getting a cancer diagnosis is even more inconvenient. What we learned during our cancer diagnosis, work etc doesn't matter. None of it matters if you ain't got your health. You say you want it all done at once, but that's not the way it works. If you have to wait 2 weeks for those results, you'll also have to wait 2 weeks for those same results later on. So you will have to factor all that in too.

My wife was initially all, but, but my work, my commitments elsewhere outside of work  ... Then when you're off and outta action, you realise the work goes on, the world keeps spinning, but you're left with the treatment and recovery. I know nothing about the cancer you are being tested for, but it's always better to get it seen to sooner rather than kicking the can further down the road. I get you're scared about the possible diagnosis, but the reality is, fear doesn't change what is already in motion whether it be good or bad. Most things do turn out to be benign, but some don't. Getting a good result will also allow you to get on with your life and put all this behind you sooner.

Thank you ProfBaw. I can see your reasoning there. I think, had it been a month ago, I'd agree to get it done ASAP. But my little sister is getting married abroad in 3 weeks' time, so I am conflicted. I know health is the most important thing and the family would support me, but I wish I could have the best of both worlds. I need to have a biopsy on my big toe so I don't know how the healing process works. I am trying to get in contact with the surgical or dermatological team to find out time frames, but I haven't heard back yet.

Right now, I'm not even worried about the results. I am more worried about the procedure and healing as I haven't had the best experience with surgeries before.

Please consider that, if it is melanoma, the quicker it's removed the more chance treatment will be successful. Speed is important with melanoma. Don't make any decisions until you've managed to speak to the clinician. It may be that only the nail and nail bed needs to be removed and you can travel to your sister's wedding with the minimum of mobility issues.

Results are taking an average of 8 weeks to come back so going to the wedding and work etc will help distract you throughout the long wait. If it is melanoma, you will then require further surgery which means any postponement of the initial surgery will push back your further surgery into Xmas. So I'm afraid there is never a convenient time to undergo cancer tests.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie, Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009

Please consider that, if it is melanoma, the quicker it's removed the more chance treatment will be successful. Speed is important with melanoma. Don't make any decisions until you've managed to speak to the clinician. It may be that only the nail and nail bed needs to be removed and you can travel to your sister's wedding with the minimum of mobility issues.

Results are taking an average of 8 weeks to come back so going to the wedding and work etc will help distract you throughout the long wait. If it is melanoma, you will then require further surgery which means any postponement of the initial surgery will push back your further surgery into Xmas. So I'm afraid there is never a convenient time to undergo cancer tests.

Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie, Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009

Thank you, AngieT. I am hoping to talk to a clinician today but I am having trouble being connected. I would even be willing to go in and talk to them face to face if needed. 

It is likely that it will be only the nail and the nailbed that needs removing as that is where it is most present. Taking 8 weeks to receive results is actually reassuring because if I have the biopsy next week, in the next 8 weeks, I have the wedding, a work conference, and a long distance holiday planned too. There's just a lot going on that I can't risk being immobilised for, but I understand that cancer waits for no-one. I just wish the GPs had listened to me and referred me sooner when I told them I had what looked like a toenail bruise but with no trauma.

Thanks again!