Hi LK1966,

I know waiting times are extending all the time for melanoma surgery and results but yours is an inordinately long wait. Are you being treated at a small local hospital or at a larger one? As Jolamine advises, you could ring your consultant's secretary, however they won't be there until Monday and your appointment is for Wednesday so I don't see any point now as the consultant will only have a clinic once a week & it sounds like Wednesday is the day. 

Have you seen a dressings nurse or your GP/surgery nurse regarding your wound not healing well? Is it red or swollen or hot to touch? If so, it needs looking at before Wednesday as you may have cellulitis which needs immediate antibiotic treatment. Sometimes stitches don't dissolve properly and cause an infection too. There will be a simple explaination for it not healing properly rather than your body having a problem. My melanoma was on my right shin and there is very little skin over the bone so it does take a little longer to heal properly. I know that at times like these lots of things go through your mind but believe me, melanoma excision wounds not healing well is not an indication of spread anywhere else in the body. Some people heal well and some don't (I've had 8 dodgy moles, 1 being melanoma, removed over the years so I know what looks good & what doesn't). If you don't think it's infected your consultant will take a good look at it on Wednesday and arrange any treatment if they think it's necessary. 

The waiting and worrying is probably taking it's toll on you by now so all I can suggest is that for the next few days you pamper yourself - a head/neck/shoulder massage is my 'go to' anxiety solution - or do something that you enjoy to distract your mind from Wednesday's appointment. I sometimes listen to a meditation CD kindly provided by a lady at my hospital - it really helps. I hope your WLE results come back clear for any further melanoma cells. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi LK1966,

I know waiting times are extending all the time for melanoma surgery and results but yours is an inordinately long wait. Are you being treated at a small local hospital or at a larger one? As Jolamine advises, you could ring your consultant's secretary, however they won't be there until Monday and your appointment is for Wednesday so I don't see any point now as the consultant will only have a clinic once a week & it sounds like Wednesday is the day. 

Have you seen a dressings nurse or your GP/surgery nurse regarding your wound not healing well? Is it red or swollen or hot to touch? If so, it needs looking at before Wednesday as you may have cellulitis which needs immediate antibiotic treatment. Sometimes stitches don't dissolve properly and cause an infection too. There will be a simple explaination for it not healing properly rather than your body having a problem. My melanoma was on my right shin and there is very little skin over the bone so it does take a little longer to heal properly. I know that at times like these lots of things go through your mind but believe me, melanoma excision wounds not healing well is not an indication of spread anywhere else in the body. Some people heal well and some don't (I've had 8 dodgy moles, 1 being melanoma, removed over the years so I know what looks good & what doesn't). If you don't think it's infected your consultant will take a good look at it on Wednesday and arrange any treatment if they think it's necessary. 

The waiting and worrying is probably taking it's toll on you by now so all I can suggest is that for the next few days you pamper yourself - a head/neck/shoulder massage is my 'go to' anxiety solution - or do something that you enjoy to distract your mind from Wednesday's appointment. I sometimes listen to a meditation CD kindly provided by a lady at my hospital - it really helps. I hope your WLE results come back clear for any further melanoma cells. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)