I had stage 2 melanoma on my first review they discovered another melanoma, but this time it was only in situ. I am over due my review as I just can't bring myself to go .its supposed to be every 3 months for next 3 years, is this necessary?
I'm sorry to hear that you've previously had treatment for melanoma and that at your first review, another in situ melanoma was identified by the specialist. It's understandable that you may be feeling anxious about attending another review.
Many people find their checkups quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer. But some people find these appointments reassuring.
It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling after cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor or nurse to help set this up.
Our information page about follow-up for melanoma talks about how often you may be advised to have checkups. The importance of check-ups is to catch any further skin changes at the earliest opportunity as this makes treatment easier and can give patients the best outcomes. But it is understandable that these check-ups can also cause anxiety. Do you have someone that you can talk with about how you're feeling and who could attend appointments with you for support?
If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice, information, and support they can.
I'm sorry to hear that you've previously had treatment for melanoma and that at your first review, another in situ melanoma was identified by the specialist. It's understandable that you may be feeling anxious about attending another review.
Many people find their checkups quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer. But some people find these appointments reassuring.
It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling after cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor or nurse to help set this up.
Our information page about follow-up for melanoma talks about how often you may be advised to have checkups. The importance of check-ups is to catch any further skin changes at the earliest opportunity as this makes treatment easier and can give patients the best outcomes. But it is understandable that these check-ups can also cause anxiety. Do you have someone that you can talk with about how you're feeling and who could attend appointments with you for support?
If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice, information, and support they can.
