Hello All.  My thoughts are with you in your journeys

I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on my scalp late in 2021.  It was removed under local anaesthetic and a skin graft effected.  (The skin graft was the most troublesome to heal!). It could almost be described as a happy event, it went so smoothly!  My dear surgeon informed me that, as he had warned me might be the case, there were malignant cells at at a deeper level.  

Early the following year, with another surgeon, I had removal of a second melanoma at a deeper level, plus metastatic melanoma behind my right ear, plus part of my neck muscle which was invaded.  He would have liked to go much further! but it is generally accepted now that “my lungs are shot” due to COPD & several pneumonias, so it is testament not only to the surgeon’s skill, but, importantly, that of his anaethetist, that so much was achieved.  NB Give up smoking!  We never think it will happen to us.  And I was a trained nurse!  In my day we “all” smoked…

I was then referred to the Oncologist.  But, as I have aggressive Rheumatoid Arthritis, immunology would be difficult.  So, as I am of advanced years (76) and suffer spinal stenosis, we agreed to leave things alone until a change in my condition suggests review of the situation.  I very much wish to be treated to live, rather than live to be treated.  It is my choice, and not appropriate for everyone.

I have the highest praise & gratitude to the NHS for all that I have benefited and continue to do.  I have regular appointments with Dermatology, Oncology & Surgery, besides Reumatology.  My GPS are ace, and have assured me of the best possible end-of-life.  I have been referred to my local day hospice who support me in every way possible and tell me that they will be with me to the end, whenever that may be.

In the meantime I continue to enjoy life.  I have regular PET scans & there is no change to date.  I have a walker and a scooter, which enable me to keep up with church, u3a, & jaunts as they occur to me!  I live in a beautiful purpose-built retirement apartment, and although it is not always easy, altogether consider myself very lucky.  I am very pragmatic and will, as I have all along, just deal as best I can with whatever occurs.