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Vulva melanoma

hi102
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Just been diagnosed with this right out of the blue, never heard of it but now seem to be on a treadmill that is getting faster by the minute. Scan tomorrow and another one on Monday, full body this one, but on Tuesday its in to see surgeons and specialist nurses to decide an op. I am absolutely terrified, lost my husband to cancer nearly 7 years ago and have no family to help me. With my husband to help me I may have managed to volunteer for these things but on my own, no chance, I fear hospitals more than I do death. Is there anyone in chat land who is going through the same thing?

  • Hello hi02

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently been diagnosed with vulval melanoma. It's understandable that you may be feeling overwhelmed by everything that's happening at the moment. Hopefully when you go for your appointment on Tuesday you'll get some clearer answers about the recommended next steps. 

    You mention in your post that you don't have any family that are able to help you. Is there perhaps a good friend that you could ask to attend the appointment with you for some support? Do make sure that you let the Consultant, and particularly your specialist nurse, know that you don't have any immediate family that may be able to help if you decide to go ahead with the treatment that's recommended. They will be best placed to talk to you what to expect and how best to go about arranging any practical support that you may need. You can also contact your GP surgery for advice about this. 

    If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses you're most welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to offer any advice, information and support they can. If you'd like to chat with them they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Do keep in touch and let us know how you get on this week. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hello hi02 i was diagnosed 11 years ago with the same and it was a malignant melonoma nodular type, had surgery and nothing else all going ok until last January when had same appear again.I have had a biopsy local excision of the vulva and then later a wide local excision with a sentinel node biopsy which unfortunately proved to be positive, i am due to finish my last treatment of immunotherapy on Thursday next week ,.which to be perfectly honest has been easy with no side effects.Hope your appointment goes well.Keep in contact wishong you all the best.

  • Offline in reply to taurito

    Hi Taurito, you have given me such hope for a future after this diagnosis, I am still at the early stages with no treatment as yet, had scan yesterday and then a full body scan to come on Monday. Tuesday will be the day when I am told about treatments. Up until now I have been thinking months not years so to hear that you are now 11 years down the road makes me think perhaps I do have a future although at 79 the future would not be as long as I would like. I lost my husband from cancer nearly 7 years ago and am now on my own coping as best I can, he was the strong one and saw me through my very few ops all of which terrified me but without him I wouldnt have survived, now I am having to do it on my own and I dont know if I have the courage. I hope everything goes well for you in the future.

  • in reply to hi102

    Hi102 you will get through this let me know how your appointment goes please.

  • in reply to hi102

    hi102 your very welcome i know exactly how you are feeling,here to help if i can.x

  • Offline

    Hi,

    I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I don't have personal experience of vulval melanoma as mine is on the skin (superficial spreading) but if I can be of any help regarding general melanoma questions please ask. I've sent you a friend request so that, if you accept it, we can chat by private message. Taurito has given you great advice so keep hopeful. Melanoma treatment is showing great results so it's not as bleak as it once was. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

    Angie, Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009

  • Offline in reply to taurito

    Hi,

    I'm sorry to hear you've had a recurrence and spread but it's good to hear your treatment has gone well. I've sent you a friend request in case I can help with anything. Good luck,

    Angie, Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009

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