Caroline, I know exactly how you feel, especially with the time lapse between getting a GP appointment to refer you and the excisional biopsy of your melanoma. I personally have found the entire process very slow, so I understand your concerns. I too have a stage 1 Melanoma [1A] invasive. Original biopsy 11 October, 16 weeks after seeking help. My wide excisional procedure required is not until 3 January 2025. Like you, this worries me, well the entire situation worries me, with so many of us being diagnosed with cancer. I am pleased you have an appointment next week to discuss your treatment plan in more detail. Try to think about what you want to ask, I didn't do this, and am having to do this now. Have you seen your pathology report? Not sure if you were seen at a specific cancer hospital. Did they check your lymph nodes at your first consultation to begin the diagnosis journey? I asked to see my pathology report, and although I did not understand all of it, margins, numbers, clark level etc, what I did gleam from it, was a better understanding to ask more questions, invasive remarks, prompted questions I would not have thought of. I don't know about you, but I was so focused on the fact I had cancer and terrified of what I may be told, I couldn't think of questions to ask at the time, I was simply nodding and in shock. So please, before you go to see your consultant this week think about what you want to know, ask and IF it helps write them down. This is very frightening time which does not help us to be as clear headed as we would like. Keep me posted and all the very best to you. 

Thank you so much for your reply.  It does help to know that someone else is in the same situation.
 I actually had three suspicious looking moles, and of the three, the doctor was convinced that one was a basal cell carcinoma, as it was flesh coloured.  That was the one that turned out to be the melanoma.  So far, I’ve only seen a dermatologist, but on Thursday, I am seeing a plastic surgeon.  I live in N Wales, and my nearest major hospital is 40 miles away.  The consultant I am seeing on Thursday is in N W England, although he is holding a clinic in my local hospital in Wales.  I will have to travel 80 miles for the surgery though.
The specialist nurse who gave me the results this week did give me quite a thorough examination, including the lymph nodes.
i haven’t seen my pathology report, but it’s a good idea to request a copy.  At the moment, I almost don’t want to know, but there’s no hiding from the facts, and as you say, it gives you a good basis for asking for clarification.  
i will keep in touch to let you know how I get on.  Good luck with your procedure in January.  The waiting is almost unbearable, but it will be December tomorrow, which makes it feel closer.

Do keep me posted about your own treatment too.  All the very best for 3 January.

Hi Grannyrose,

I'm so happy to hear you are doing well on the immunotherapy - long may it continue.

Angie

Good morning Annie,

I hope you enjoyed your few days away. It’s wonderful to be able to say to you that all is well. I know how very anxious I was when first diagnosed but that’s all in the past and the surgery is long over and behind me too. You are so very kind remaining on the forum and constantly offering advice and support to others     The encouragement is seeing that you are a survivor and that is a joy to see. Keep well, keep up the good work and have a wonderful and joyous Christmas. 
Best wishes,

Grannyrose. X

Thanks Angie.

 It was lovely to hear from you.  The more people that you know who are on a similar journey, the less isolated you feel.  I will certainly keep you posted on my progress.  Have a good Christmas.

Hi GrannyRose. Thank you for your inspiring post.  

 I am calming down, largely because I have a surgery date that is very close. It was the thought that I was going to be left in limbo for three or four months that was making me feel so panicky. In that situation, it’s hard not to foresee the worst scenario.  in a way, I think it’s a defence mechanism, because if you think the worst is going to happen, then there’s a chance it might be better when you anticipate.  For me, that’s worse than thinking everything is OK and receiving a terrible shock, which was what happened when I had my diagnosis.  I didn’t really know much about melanoma staging, treatments, prognoses etc.  Why would I? I’d never had to deal with anything like that before.  Having talked to the medical team, read as much information as I can about the diagnosis aNSW shared my concerns in this group, I feel so much better informed.

Now I feel more of a sense of acceptance.  Either it has spread to the lymph nodes, in which case it can be treated,  I will know that it’s there and something is bring done about it.  Of course, if it hasn’t spread, then that’s great news!  Either way, there’s nothing I can change, other than looking after my own health so that my immune system is as strong as possible. Unfortunately, stress does disrupt your sleeping patterns and I am aware that I’m not getting enough healthy rest, but I’m working on it.

I’m nervous about the surgery, but grateful that I’m being given the chance to have it.

i will definitely keep in touch with all of you through this forum.

Please try not to worry if you can. Stay as positive as you can. I was like you, constantly reading and educating myself on all eventualities. Understanding the situation does actually help. I also visit Melanoma.org.au .along with Melanomafocus.org which is full of tactual information and so well explained. 
Niw to give you something else to think about!!  I’ve read that it’s VITAL to have what’s called a HEALTHY GUT.  We are advices to eat high fibre foods, seeds, blueberries, avocados, NI WHITE BREAD OR RICE. Change to good quality foods and buy organic when possible. It makes good sense really. We are what we eat! I take probiotics in the form of drinks and yoghurt. 
I did masses of research about having immunotherapy treatment and found that there are certain medications that shouldn’t be taken when or before having treatment. Antibiotics are the first and Omeprazole ( protein inhibitors) I had been taking it for years as I suffered bad reflux.  Not taking Pepto Anuseed liquid which I only require occasional. Google antibiotics and immunotherapy as better explained online. Another one is BETA BLOCKERS.  My GP wasn’t aware of these drugs and their affect on the treatment. Lift your mind by educating yourself and making changes to your diet. We all need bacteria in our guts to keep the system working perfectly. 
start believing that you’ll be fine. Help your body to help the fight. Enjoy Christmas with your friends and family and put all of this out of your mind if you can. Dress up and look your best. Treat yourself to something that’ll make you happy. Embrace life and stay positive. 
All the very best. X

Hi Caroline,

I've sent you a friend request so that, if you want to ask/chat about melanoma we can do so by private message. Grannyrose has given you two great melanoma resources to look at - I especially suggest Melanoma Focus as they also have a Melanoma Nurse Helpline that can be rung if you need any answers from clinicians about your treatment etc.

Take care,

Angie

Thanks Angie.  I'm happy to communicate by private message, but not sure how it works, as I'm new to this forum.  Where do I see your request?   ️

Great advice, GrannyRose.  I actually joined Zoe Nutrition 2 years ago, and have changed a lot of things about the way I eat.  Radically cut down on Ultra Processed Foods, loads more fibre, and I eat many more nuts, seeds and plant-based meals, although I still eat fish and meat, just not as often. Also lots of fermented foods to help the gut.  Hopefully that has put me in a good place health-wise, although Christmas is always difficult to navigate healthily!

Thanks also for the website references.  I'll definitely have a good look at those.

Caroline ️

Hi Caroline,

In the top right corner of your screen you will see a bell icon. That should have a number against it to tell you that there is a notification waiting for you. Click on the bell & you can open the request & click to accept it.

Sorry, Angie, I can’t see a bell icon on my screen. I’m not ignoring your request, but I’ll keep trying.  

Sorry, Angie, I can’t see a bell icon on my screen. I’m not ignoring your request, but I’ll keep trying.