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Newly Diagnosed PT1A Melanoma on breast. Waiting on appointment for second excision

Link1712
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I found out on the 13th Feb 2026 that I have/had pt1a Melanoma on my right breast. I had the first excision on 15th December last year. I am currently waiting on the appointment to go for my second excision. Now, I do feel so grateful because the doctor said that they most likely got it all and they are doing further excision just to be sure but I can’t help feeling bad about it. He said I basically survived cancer but all I can think about is, what if it comes back. He said it’s a very low chance with my type of cancer but to me, there is still a chance.

I also have to go for an ultrasound on my armpits. When I went to my diagnosis appointment, they did a full body check and obviously felt my lymph nodes. Unfortunately, a few days before I noticed a sore lump on my left armpit. I’m pretty sure it’s just an ingrown hair because I have been having them on and off for the past couple of weeks and I think I’ve just been silly shaving so much and using a dull blade. Yesterday, I started feeling a lump in my right armpit which has now turned into 3 separate lumps. I’m trying not to freak out but I can’t help but think what if the cancer isn’t gone and it’s spreading and spreading quick.

Just bare in mind, I also have been diagnosed (in the past) with severe health anxiety. Am I being paranoid or is this something I should worry about?

Also, I’ve tried to stay positive but I’ve seen so many things on social media saying that melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, how am I supposed to live my life when all I see is negative things about melanoma?

  • Hello Link1712

    I'm sorry to hear that following a biopsy last December, you were recently told that a stage 1 melanoma had been removed. It's understandable that this news might have been difficult to process but it sounds as though the specialists are confident that they removed everything.

    It's sensible to do this further surgery to ensure that good, clear margins are obtained and for you to have the ultrasound to check that all your armpit lymph nodes don't give any cause for concern. 

    We know that for many people, waiting for further tests and treatment can be a difficult time, and if you already struggle with health anxiety, then it's natural that you're feeling more worried about things. I wonder if you might find it helpful to talk things through with one of our team of nurses. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. If you'd like to talk with them, they're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I'd also suggest trying to avoid looking online for information about melanoma, as we know that this often leaves people feeling even more worried. 

    Hopefully the specialists will be able to give you some further reassurance when you see them. Do keep let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi Link1712,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    I am so sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with melanoma and that you now need further excision to ensure that all is clear. I am glad to hear that your surgeon is being cautious and making sure that clear margins have been attained. This should help to avoid any regrowth. I lost my mum to breast cancer and have since had two bouts of breast cancer and one of pre-cancer, all within a year of diagnosis. 

    Fear of recurrence is something that we all have to come to terms with and you will eventually. I had a lumpectomy first time around and a double mastectomy for the second bout, but that was all 16 years ago now and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. It is difficult for anyone to cope with this - what will be, will be! We only get one shot at life and it's too short to let worry be your overriding concern. You will find it easier to cope with everything as you get to know more about the disease. At present you are dealing with so many unknowns and this is a very uncomfortable place to be. You will find that the more positive you can be about the outcome, the better you'll be able to cope with this situation. The first positive is that this has been found early and you are now getting treatment for it.

    Not all lumps are cancerous. In fact only 20% of those who attend the breast clinic will get a cancer treatment. the other 80% turn out to have benign cysts, fibroadenoma, etc. Even if it is cancer, it is not usually accompanied by pain and it is unlikely to spread this quick. Here's hoping that your underarm symptoms are the product of shaving and nothing more sinister. Again, you are doing the right thing to get that ultrasound and have it investigated. 

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx 

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