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Melanoma / lymphatic cancer at 19

Lewis23z
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Hi all

My name is Lewis - I'm 19 and was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma a couple of months ago. I'm currently waiting for the results of the sentinel node biopsy, which I will receive on the 9th of January.

I work full time, but I have taken a bit of time off due to stress (I hope this is reasonable, I do feel guilty). I am also studying law with CIlEx and have exams a few days after getting my test results, which will certainly be interesting!

Anyway, I'd love to meet anyone in a similar situation. Send me a message if you want to chat :)

Thanks for reading and merry Christmas!

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    Hi Lewis,

    I will send you a friend request so that I can private message you. Meanwhile, don't feel guilty about taking time off work - the surgery, recovery & trauma of the diagnosis takes it's toll on everyone and you need time to digest & recover properly. With regard to your exams, can you inform them of your diagnosis & treatment so that it's taken into consideration with regards to your exam results? 

    Good luck with your SLNB results,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

  • Offline

    Hi Lewis,

    i'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, you seem to have a lot on your plate your full time job and studies alongside this but i think these things will help you focus your mind on things other than your diagnosis.

    I think it is perfectly understandable that you have taken some time off, you deserve to do that, to come to terms with everything and prepare yourself to fight this with strength and clarity.

    hope you had a lovely christmas.

    Message me if you need a friend.

     

     

  • Offline

    Hey Lewis!

    I’m in a similar situation! 

    I’m 19, and am being investigated for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Ultrasounds and stuff already done, and (hopefully) difinitive biopsy on the 22nd Jan!

     

    hope your biopsy went well! Let us know how you’re getting on 

  • Offline in reply to imoannaomi

    Thanks all for the replies!

    I think this is what I have [@imoannaomi]‍ . Unfortunately the biopsy came back positive for me and I need to undergo a CT scan for further staging, which is a moderate annoyance. I'm going to ask to listen to music when I get it done because last time I spent like 1 hour in scanning machines and it was about as entertaining as a brick wall. 

    I hope I can continue going to the gym during treatment. Anyway, I really hope you receive good news, the waiting is an utter pain! Msg me if you want to chat :)

  • Offline in reply to Lewis23z

    CT scan is only about 15 mins, don't worry

  • Offline in reply to Lewis23z

    how long did it take to get your biopsy results? also, did you have an ultrasound first? 

     

  • Offline in reply to imoannaomi

    No ultrasound, I had some nuclear scan done before the biopsy which took a while. The biopsy was called a sentinel node biopsy so may be different to what you're going through; I'm unsure.

    It took like 6 weeks for me to hear the results, and that was with me badgering the hospital to get me an earlier appointment. The reason mine took so long was because there were meetings taking place about how to proceed with treatment, plus I believe the main surgeon was on holiday, I was able to get an appointment to hear the results but they weren't able to give me much information about treatment at that time.

     

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