I'm sorry you're feeling low at the moment Joey, but I think it's completely understandable given what you're going through, so do be kind to yourself during this stressful and anxious time.
I hope you won't have to wait too much longer for your excision to take place but if you'd like to have a chat about this with one of our nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.
I'm sure some of our members will offer their support to you soon but in the meantime, I hope this information we have about keeping safe in the sun will alleviate some of your concerns about being out in the sun.
I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis and how low you feel. It's natural to feel like this after a melanoma diagnosis and to be scared to go out in the sunshine.
Firstly, a Stage 0 (In situ) melanoma is the 'best' of a bad bunch when it comes to melanoma. It means they've caught it before it's grown below the skin (Epidermis) & into the next layer (Dermis). This means there is almost a 100% chance that the melanoma won't spread as it's not reaching the blood & lymphatic systems. Surgery will remove the whole mole & the surrounding tissue to ensure no cells have broken away & then you are 'good to go.'
Of course, after a melanoma diagnosis the way forward is to practice good sun safety but it doesn't mean you have to hide inside from now on. Just follow these safeguards - use sunscreen, at least Factor 30 with a 4 or 5 star rating, whenever outside in the UK between March & October or all day if abroad. Seek shade at the hottest time of day, 11am to 3pm and wear a hat, sunglasses and keep the arms & legs covered where possible. Don't actively sunbathe & make sure you reapply sunscreen after swimming. If you are particularly worried about being out in the sun, take a look online for UV clothing - there are quite a few companies now that sell it, especially rash vests for swimming. Also, don't use sunbeds as they heighten the chance of getting another melanoma.
It will take you a while to get your confidence but you will learn to relax &, as long as you follow the sun safety guide, you will find that the sun isn't your enemy. One thing - because we don't get enough exposure to Vitamin D from the sun, please ensure that your consultant or GP tests your Vitamin D level. The NICE guidelines state that new melanoma patients should have their level tested to see if they are deficient. If very deficient, they will prescribe a short term, high dose. Once at the correct level, melanoma patients then need to buy Vit D supplements over the counter to keep their level optimal to protect general health. I use an oral Vit D spray (1000iu dose) as it's absorbed into the body better - they can be found online & at good health food shops.
