Hi,

I'm sorry you are in this position and the waiting part is the worst. Unfortunately it takes anything from 4 to 6 weeks depending on the hospital histology waiting lists so a 3 to 4 week wait is the best at the moment.

UV damage that leads to melanoma tends to be done in our youth and doesn't show up until many years later so it may well be that it was the sunburn you had as a child and then any sun exposure since then accumulates in that area. 

Try to distract yourself during the next few weeks so that you don't get bogged down with worry. Hopefully the results will come back fine but if not you are in good hands & there is a good chance it will be treated successfully. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Angie

i have just posted something similar.  It is dnvouraginhg to read your post and see that you are now 12 years on from diagnosis. I feel out of control and am making myself physically very unwell from the anxiety.  I'm extra worried thinking if I'm so bad just awaiting results how on earth would I even operate if the results are not good

I'm awaiting results too and making myself I'll with anxiety - insomnia, can't eat, high blood pressure

its so difficult knowing how to cope but I am trying some mindfulness techniques which I hope will help

i guess we are two ladies of a similar age (I'm 65) among a very large group of people in a similar situation 

hope you soon have good news on your results

Hi,

I've replied on your post & hopefully it will be helpful. 

Angie x

Hope your results are good too 

Thanks for responding Angie. Do I now stop any exposure to sunlight or has the damage been done? I garden a lot and pop in and out all day when weather is good, t shirt and shorts, do I have to slap sunscreen on everytime I go out? 

Gardening and DIY are my saviour! 

Hi,

Even though the damage has already been done you need to avoid getting any future type of skin cancer, including basal cell. You don't need to avoid the sun completely - just slap sunscreen on any uncovered parts, try and stay out of the hottest time of day (ideally 11 to 4) or keep in the shade as much as you can. There are lots of places now selling UV clothing which helps - Mountain Warehouse are my go to but only when they have a Sale! A sunhat & sunglasses are important too (the tops of the ears are a sensitive part for skin cancer) and don't go barefoot - skin cancer caused by UV damage on the sole of the foot is aggressive and the surgery & anaesthetic is extremely painful (so I found when two nurses pinned me to the operating table for a mole removing from the sole of my foot)!

The trick is to not become a vampire but to learn how to work around exposure. I love gardening but I choose my times of day.