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Newly diagnosed melanoma

ConcernedWife2025
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Hi my husband of 25 years has just been diagnosed with what they are fairly sure is stage 3 melanoma which has developed since a stage1a diagnosis two years ago… basically the cancer has come back and also spread to the lymph nodes in his upper leg/groin. Both pretty shellshocked and in the process of waiting for tissue sampling for official staging results… feels like ticking clock while we find out what’s happening and next steps.

He is very quiet about it all but I know very worried about it all, with the words bit being the not knowing - it’s hell. I’m doing as much as I can to support him but am also still dealing with my own Dad’s death from cancer 12 months ago so not exactly firing on all cylinders myself at the moment.

Any suggestions on where we start to deal with all of this appreciated - feels like a mountain to climb at the moment

  • Hi ConcernedWife2025,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to hear of the situation with your husband - and also the loss of your Dad. This is a lot to be dealing with and I hope you're getting on OK.

    It sounds like you are waiting for more information - this uncertainty is always difficult, and I hope it's not long to wait to find out more. Once you do, it may help a little in terms of understanding next steps.

    We are always here for support whenever you may need it, even if it's just to write things down. Take things a day at a time and take care of yourself.

    Hopefully you'll get some more replies to your post here soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Ben

    I have been diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. I also had a malignant melanoma, which was removed. However a satellite appeared which was also removed. That made it stage 3.  Fortunately for me it hasn’t spread further.  I was then offered immunotherapy to hopefully stop it spreading. I am now undergoing this treatment called Pembrolizumab, which is often used to treat melanoma. I think it best to talk to your husbands consultant or whoever dealing with his treatment. This immunotherapy may help. It is a very worrying time, I know but I find it helps to talk to other people in similar circumstances and get as much information as possible. Best of luck. 
    tony

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