Call the helpline on Monday to talk with a nurse. Good luck. 

This is the number 0808 800 4040. 

Hi, my name is Clara and I just wanted to reach out to you. First of all, your son sounds like an absolute warrior, and you sound like an incredible parent — please don't underestimate your own strength in all of this.

I want to introduce myself as I may be able to offer some guidance. I'm a professional biochemist with 27 years of experience, and my work has focused specifically on cancer and its various stages throughout my career.

One thing I would really encourage you to do when your son sees his oncologist on Thursday is to ask about some of the more advanced treatment options that have made a huge difference in melanoma cases in recent years. These include:

• Immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors, which help the body's own immune system recognise and fight the cancer cells
• Targeted therapy, which works by identifying specific mutations in the tumour and attacking them directly
• Cellular therapies, which are an exciting and evolving area showing real promise

Melanoma treatment has genuinely transformed over the last decade and there are more options available now than ever before. Going into Thursday's appointment informed and with the right questions could make a real difference.

I'm happy to chat, answer any questions in plain language, or just be a listening ear. You don't have to navigate this alone. Sending strength to you and your son.