Hi,

My, you have been through the mill recently. It will take a while for your WLE to heal and settle down. I had mine done many years ago and I took a week off - it was on my shin so weight bearing was a problem the first few days.

Take some time off to allow your body to recover from the trauma. Stage 1a is good as it's been caught early. Hopefully you will have no further problem after your period of check ups. They will tell you how to check your moles and for any lumps and bumps - I suggest you do it on a monthly basis. 

As to how to feel? You will still be in shock but it will settle down. Try to focus on caring for your skin in the future, protection in the sun being most important. Also, if they haven't done so already, get your Vitamin D level checked. Every new melanoma patient should have it checked according to NICE guidelines. As we stay out of the sun more it's important to keep our level up. If you would like to chat just send me a friend request and we can then chat by private message.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009) 

Thanks for replying, I'm taking each day as it comes and trying not to think too far ahead. I've taken a few days off work to let things settle down.