Hi Grannyrose,

Yes, I've been through this. It sounds like the lump has been identified as secondary melanoma but they don't know where the primary was (probably a mole that may have regressed & disappeared)?

I was diagnosed with Stage 1b melanoma in 1996 after a mole was removed from my shin. In 2009 I found a lump in my groin & a fine needle biopsy diagnosed it as melanoma - cells from the primary had unknowingly spread & sat in my lymph node for 13 years before growing. I had all the nodes removed from my groin & pelvis and melanoma was also found in a pelvic node. Thankfully surgery was successful and I'm still here NED (No Evidence of Disease - the melanoma equivalent of remission) almost 15 years later. These days there are also wonderful drug treatments that are showing great success.

You will feel fit & healthy - melanoma doesn't make us feel ill unless it spreads to an organ or bones. Hopefully that will not happen with you & the treatment they will plan for you will work it's wonders.

I will send you a friend request. If you choose to accept it we can chat by private message. Wishing you all the best,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Grannyrose,

Yes, I've been through this. It sounds like the lump has been identified as secondary melanoma but they don't know where the primary was (probably a mole that may have regressed & disappeared)?

I was diagnosed with Stage 1b melanoma in 1996 after a mole was removed from my shin. In 2009 I found a lump in my groin & a fine needle biopsy diagnosed it as melanoma - cells from the primary had unknowingly spread & sat in my lymph node for 13 years before growing. I had all the nodes removed from my groin & pelvis and melanoma was also found in a pelvic node. Thankfully surgery was successful and I'm still here NED (No Evidence of Disease - the melanoma equivalent of remission) almost 15 years later. These days there are also wonderful drug treatments that are showing great success.

You will feel fit & healthy - melanoma doesn't make us feel ill unless it spreads to an organ or bones. Hopefully that will not happen with you & the treatment they will plan for you will work it's wonders.

I will send you a friend request. If you choose to accept it we can chat by private message. Wishing you all the best,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

I am heartened to read your message and I’m so happy that you came through the challenge and are now encouraging me to do the same. I have been extremely positive because I only felt the lump for the first time on 11/3/24. Since then, I’ve had a scan, biopsy, results of biopsy, dermatologist visit and full body scan. The consultants will have their pow wow on 4/5/24 and I will be informed of the outcome the following morning. I gave 12 days to wait for results and treatment plan   I’ve already been told that I will have the lump removed and 12 lymph nodes from my groin.  My concern is the removal of 12 nones seems a lot. Will I be able to walk properly again?  What were you like after the surgery?  Are you on immunotherapy drugs still? Thank you so much for contacting me x

It's good to hear they are moving swiftly with a treatment plan for you.

12 nodes isn't too bad. I had 23 taken from my groin and pelvis. However, they will explain the risks regarding Lymphoedema, cellulitis and seroma (sadly I got all 3 within 2 weeks of surgery). I was hobbling about after a few days and walking normally within 3 weeks but I was 51 so healed quicker than I would now! Just rest , especially keeping your leg elevated as much as possible. Once the lymph finds a new route around the missing nodes you will be on the road to recovery. I was back driving after 5 weeks and walking miles after 6 months.

I didn't have immunotherapy because it was only available to newly diagnosed Stage 3 patients from October 2018. With immuno as extra ammunition there is an even better chance of success for you. My consultant puts my remission down to an already strong immune system!

If you accept my friend request I can send you links to helpful information for your recovery.

Thanks Angie. Yes, please send any information you think I would benefit from. 
I live in Northern Ireland, where are you living?

all the best,

Rosemary.