Hi Janty- so sorry to hear what you’re going through at the moment, it’s a really stressful time which I can certainly relate to.

 I, too, was told by my GP that I had a BCC (without tests, just by looking at it) & that I was being referred to a Dermatologist for further tests,  The wait for the appointment seemed endless but when I finally got to see the Consultant, she looked at it through a magnifying glass & told me that just by looking she could tell it wasn’t a BCC, that I didn’t need a biopsy or any further treatment & that I was discharged! So, in short, sometimes GPS jump the gun with their diagnosis without involvement from any of the relevant specialists or appropriate tests.  I know it’s hard but try to wait for the proper diagnosis before assuming the worst.  It sounds like you have a lovely partner who I’m sure will support you through this which is a massive help,  Good luck with the tests, & I hope you get a good outcome that will help to put your mind at rest,  Take care xx

Hi there and thanks for the post

I am sorry to hear about this lump you have near your eye and the worry it is causing you.

This is understandably an anxious time for you especially as your mother died from melanoma previously that must have a been a very difficult time for you too.

Whilst your doctor is concerned it may be cancer as they have said until you have seen the specialists and had further tests there is no way to be sure about the cause of this lump.

Hopefully you will be seen and find out more very soon so hang in there for now.

If it did turn out to be a type of skin cancer such as a bcc or scc these usually can be treated with good outcomes, so try not to think the worst for now.

Keep yourself as busy as you can and your mind on other things whilst you wait. Try and look after yourself by eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting some daily exercise alongside plenty of rest and sleep. You may find it better to either sleep on your back or on the unaffected eye side to avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on that eye.

I hope you know more soon and that everything turns out okay for you.

Do get back in touch anytime or if you prefer give us a call on 0808 800 4040, we're here weekdays 9-5.

Best wishes

Naomi

Good evening,

Just been to Opthalmologist & they've said exactly what the doctor said & also told me they've sent an urgent referral to the Dermatologist (Just as the GP did) & if I've not heard from Dermatologist by tomorrow to call them and nudge them along ?? 

Does this sound normal or urgent ?? I've been to GP, Ophthalmologist & told to nudge Dermatologist on by tomorrow all within 3 days ?? It seems like everything is happening too fast just to be a concern ?? Although I'm not gunna moan because it's good in a way ? 

My wife i feel sorry for !! She's been nothing but a rock !! But I can see the cracks appearing in her little by little 

Losing eyelashes rapidly & my lump has no feeling !!

 chrissypaul CRUK Nurse Naomi 

Thank you both for your responses !! 

I feel deflated and empty but I don't want my wife to see my empty?? But even the strongest lion crumbles ?

Hello Janty

Thank you for your further post.

It isn’t unusual to advise patients to follow up on an urgent referral if they haven’t heard from the hospital after a few days. An urgent referral means that the doctor, in this case, also the ophthalmologist, wants you to be seen quickly because there is a concern that needs to be checked, including the possibility of cancer.

As my colleague Naomi mentioned, this does not mean that you have cancer. Only the hospital team, after carrying out any necessary tests, can confirm a diagnosis. In many cases, it turns out not to be cancer, but further tests are needed to be sure.

Waiting for a diagnosis can be a very difficult and worrying time, and it’s completely natural for your thoughts to go to the worst-case scenario. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling deflated and empty.

I imagine your wife may be experiencing her own set of emotions too. It’s common to want to protect each other by not sharing how scared you feel, but sometimes it can help to talk openly, as you may both be feeling very similar things.

I hope you’re able to get some answers soon.

Take care,

Jemma