Thanks for sharing your story. 

I've had melanoma also, almost a year under the consultant who I believe will sign me off at next appointment, I'd rather he didn't to be fair, I'd happily go every 3 months for ever!

How are you feeling whilst awaiting results, are you managing?have you got good support

Hi I have stage 4 melanoma I'm classed as terminal because after nearly 2 years of treatment the tumor refuses to shrink anymore I am probably going to have another 2 years of treatment, mine came back after just a few months, stay positive treatment is amazing now my oncologist says it what is keeping me stable best of luck with results if you want to chat I'm available 

Hi and many thanks for your positive  reply.. 

MDT meeting today and then another CT scan followed by appointment with consultant and referral to oncologist to discuss treatment. Almost certain I’ll be offered immunotherapy for -2 months, which I’m nervous about.. 

Do you have the gene mutation..? 

Hi and thanks fir your reply.. 

i remember when l was discharged after 5 years, i felt anxious as felt so much more comfortable going to clinic.. 

its been a rollercoaster waiting for results the past few months..first MR, then CT scan and a biopsy as the melanoma showed itself in a lump.

then surgery, which l was  dreading as I didn’t want my lymph nodes removed as I knew the severity of the operation.. I’m starting physio on Tuesday   So I’m sure that will help.. .my partner been very supportive although we don’t live together, infact he’s been amazing… my 24 year old son who is now back living with me after finishing university… although he knows my diagnosis and treatment plan I’m very careful how l approach any discussion and any worries I have as I don’t want him been anxious and worrying  … 

Just wondered how you are finding the treatment.. hope uiur continuing to stay healthy..

Hi,

I was Stage 1b in 1996 and sadly it returned in my groin & pelvic nodes in 2009 so I understand how you feel. Thankfully I'm still NED. The good thing these days is that adjuvant drug therapy has been available for newly diagnosed Stage 3 patients since 2018 and it's showing great results so the outlook is better than it once was. 50% of patients have the BRAF mutation & can have the targeted treatment and/or immunotherapy. Both are good, they just have different ways of being administered and different side effects.

I will send you a friend request so that, if you accept it, we can chat by pm & I can share more information if you want. 

Good luck,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Good luck with your treatment. Long may it continue to work x

Thanks Angie.. accepted your request x

I know how it feels to have your 'comfort blanket' removed when checks stopped. I was under my consultant for 11 years as a Stage 3 patient before I was discharged, No Evidence of Disease, 3 years ago. However, I have an open door policy so I can get an appointment through his secretary if I have any worries - I'm currently awaiting a suspected cyst being removed by him. He gave me good advice - 95% of recurrences are spotted by the patient rather than the consultant at the 3,6 or 12 monthly appointment. So it's more important to know how to check your body for lumps, bumps, new or changing moles & then get referred back to them. This was certainly true in my case. I found the mole in 1996 that turned out to be melanoma and I found the lump in my groin in 2009 that turned out to be a recurrence and spread of the original melanoma. When you get to know your body & regularly check it you will feel more confident & in control. 

Love this yes. Its flagged up so much for me in terms of how much I've neglected myself and haven't taken time to check and look after myself.

I had very varied responses in support also....some family members didn't even message and my grandads response was "well its done with now, you just have to get on"

I wonder if people judge/blame me, I did have a spell of sunbeds at a young age before I was educated and my dad had a melanoma which of course changed my prospective, and I never used one since! Education was not strong at all back then, or maybe I was young and niave? 

Sometimes I feel a huge amount of shame, maybe like people want to say to me, well it is your fault!!