Hello Grannyrose, and first of all, may I say how sorry I am you have had this awful diagnosis.  I also had a small lump at the top of my leg shortly before being diagnosed, and  I also know someone else who had a lump at the top of her leg, some time before she was diagnosed.  I honestly don't know what the connection is, but I just wanted to reassure you that you are not alone in this.  Also, I was very healthy before I became ill, I rarely had to visit the doctor.  Yes, it is absolutely devastating and shocking, but you will cope with it, I promise you.  I never realised how strong I was until I got hit with the sledge-hammer called 'cancer'.  Your family will also find an inner strength that they didn't know they had.  I can tell you this, because I took care of my Mother when she became ill with this horrible disease.  If there's anything else you need to ask, please feel free to do so, take care, x

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. 

Thank you for your heartening words. I’m only now mentally coming to terms with my diagnosis and at the beginning ,the shock was such that I was almost organised my own funeral. Now, I’m determined to fight this evil and unwelcomed addition to my body!  My husband and I have arranged a big celebration for our 50th Wedding anniversary at the end of May so I may have to attend hobbling but will have my surgery asap and slap the makeup on and celebrate. 
I’ve been a volunteer fund raiser for Cancer Research UK for over 30 years and NEVER, EVER expected to be a victim to it. I always felt impenetrable, invincible but it seems I was fooling myself. Anyway, I trust in God and the professionals so will look forward to putting this nightmare behind me. Many thanks for your message. 
Best wishes,

Rosemary x

You're welcome Rosemary.  I was told back in November 2022 that I had about a year to live.........well, 17 months later and I am still here.  I honestly believe that having a positive attitude extends your life.  Congratulations (in advance) on your 50th wedding anniversary, and have a drink for me at your party!  Take care, xx

Hi Grannyrose,

We just wanted to add that the vaccine is actually still in the trials phase and not yet available. We have some more information in this post about the vaccine targeting melanoma tumours. We are obviously very optimistic that these trials will be successful and that in the not too distant future the treatment will be available for patients here in the UK.

Best wishes,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you Rosemary.  Yes, I am a believer......in fact, if it wasn't for my belief in Jesus, I don't think I would have got through this.  Right from the start, everyone kept saying to me, "you are so brave.....it's incredible how brave you are".  The truth is Rosemary, I get my strength from my religious beliefs.  I know this might sound strange, but I am at peace with myself.  Yes, of course I want to live......I am only 60, and there was so much I still wanted to do.........for example, I wanted to visit Cork in Ireland, which is where my Maternal Grandmother came from (I am from London)........but, if it is my time, then so be it.  Thank you for letting me know about the covid vaccine.......I have just read what Moderator Ben has said about it, and apparently it is still in the trials phase, but I am always on the lookout for anything that might help me.  Thank you for praying for me, I have also prayed for you.  And yes, I will keep in touch, and like I said before, I honestly believe that a positive attitude extends life, take care mate, xx