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1b malignant melanoma - diagnosed at the beginning of the year and still waiting for my wide incision. Should I chase this up?

Drimkeelan63
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I had a mole which started to grow in several directions, had photos looked at, then further photos at dermatology clinic,  resulting in the mole being removed on 24/10/25.  I waited till 5/01/26 to be told that it was a grade 1b melanoma,  and that I would have to have a wide incision (still waiting).  My cousin also had a grade 1b melanoma and was told that a wide incision and sentinel lymph node biopsy was needed.  This was done within 6 weeks, and a nurse was assigned to discuss anything with. 

Is there an actual timeline for getting the wide incision done? Should I be having the slnb? Should I have been put in contact with a nurse?   The 7 months it has taken so far have been very stressful,  and I just don't know whether to chase up or just keep waiting.   

Has anyone else had this long a wait, or am I just expecting too much?

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    Hi,

    I'm sorry to hear you are still awaiting your wide local excision. Sadly, some hospitals waiting lists for this surgery are taking anything up to 12 weeks - your cousin's hospital sounds to have a shorter waiting list.

    With regards to being offered a SLNB - not all 1b patients are offered a SLNB depending on the depth & if there is any ulceration. This link explains it in detail https://melanomafocus.org/melanoma-patient-treatment-guide/melanoma-info-by-stage/stage-1/

    You should have been given the contact details of the specialist skin cancer nurse. See if these are on your hospital website & contact them. If they aren't on the website, ring the dermatology number on any hospital literature you've been given/sent. Having already waited 8 weeks, I suggest you chase it up with them - they should be able to give you some indication of how much longer you will be waiting and if you should have been offered a SLNB. Don't be afraid to speak to the nurse - it's their job to be your first point of contact.

    Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

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    Hi, I would definitely chase up and find out more. Sorry that you've had to wait so long it's horrible. I just had thyroid cancer surgery last week and now waiting for histology results to know about future steps.  Yesterday dermatology dept phoned me, as I had few moles checked few weeks ago. They phoned and said its likely melanoma and my surgery is now booked in 2 weeks. 

    All the best for you and I pray and hope that you get your appt soon sorted. 

  • Offline in reply to TheBigC

    After chasing up, I had a call yesterday to offer me an appointment for the surgery this Sunday... 

    Don't know if my enquiry moved things along or if it would have been offered then anyway. 

    I'm hoping that my questions will be answered, if only to ease the worry. 

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