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Melanoma

katypips
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After repeated trips to GPs over a two year period, I finally got a referral to dermatology for a dodgy mole.

I found out on Wednesday (via a 'phone call) that a mole I had removed last month was a melanoma. During the phone call the dermatologist said it was stage 1a and the initial tests indicate that all the cancerous tissue has gone and I would be ok and 'shouldn't lose any sleep'. I saw him the next day and he was much more cautious. He examined me and found what he called a 'tiny' enlarged lymph node which was soft and tender. He said it's unlikely to be connected to the melanoma, but to be a response to the surgery. However, he wants me to have an ultrasound. He is also referring me for a wide local excision. I was then sent away. I have been given no information regarding time scales, support or anything. I feel like I am not being treated like a human being. The dermatologist had a colleague with him, and I don't know who he was or why he was there. Suddenly I was behind a screen with three people peering at my chest. The dermatologist told me I have no choice over what happens and I have to have the surgery and scans. 

I don't live near anyone who can lend me support and I have been doing the hospital trips on my own. I am trying to find a counsellor to help me develop some coping strategies.

I'm not sure why I am posting! I guess I just hoped to share my story and see if my fears are normal and get some advice on where to go with questions I have about what happens next as my consultant doesn't seem interested and I can't get hold of my GP. 

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    Hi

    Oh my goodness I wish you had our doctor! We're a month ahead of you, my husband went to the gp  with a dodgy mole, he was referred to a dermatologist then referred straight to a plastic surgeon at the cancer center. It was all very fast. And mind blowing. 

    He's had his mole removed and result confirmed melanoma. We were given a file which explains all the procedures in detail and our own specialist cancer nurse, she is amazing and Co ordinating all of the appointments and she's calmed me down when I've been hysterical a few times. 

    My hubby should be going in for a wide excision and skin graft and a sentinel node biopsy in the next week or so, then we are expecting the results by mid to late November. 

    The plastic surgeon and his team  have been amazing and the file is very helpful . We know my husband's melanoma is advanced but I can only imagine as  yours is at an early stage that they haven't given you all the info and support. Stage 1 is 100% curable from what I've read, the wide excision is a precaution to prevent recurrence. You must be out of your mind with worry, I know we are. Good luck x

  • Offline in reply to Louisem

    Hi Louise

    I am glad you and your husband are getting a lot of support. It sounds as though your husband is getting the best of care. I don't know where in the country you are based, but I live in Scotland where there are some serious issues with cancer care.

    I hope the surgery goes smoothly and the care continues to be at such a high level. Thank you for your kind words - it means a lot!

    Katyxxx 

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    Hi Katy!

    I used to live up in Scotland and was told my mole was "nothing" two years ago. After moving down to Manchester I convinced my GP to refer me... A week later I had the mole removed: malignant melanoma. I was referre to The Christie where I was told I was having a 2inch excision, a flap, and a sentinel node biopsy... The sentinel node biopsy came back with positive with metastases to lymph nodes under both my armpits! So... back in I went... and they did a full excision.

    I don't feel like I was given a choice but in my case the surgeon was impressive and made me feel like every thing he was doing was the absolute best thing. I was told what was happening and that's about as much participation I had, but, as I say, my surgeon seemed so absolutely convinced that it was the right thing every single time. If I'm honest, the wide excision and the biopsy made me feel better, even when the biopsy came up positive. I had PET/CT scan and that showed no metastases anywhere else in my body - that made me feel a million times better. The full excision of the lymph nodea was  tough - 3 weeks ago and I'm finding the recovery slow and painful. BUT... Of the 24 lymph nodes taken ZERO showed any sign of metastases so that is good!

    I can't recommend any treatment but most of melanoma treatment these days is surgical... I am at one of the best cancer hospitals in Europe and my surgeon is one of the best in his field so I felt I was able to trust him... Talk to them, and demand they explain what's what and why they have chosen the treatment they are choosing!

    Do let us know how it goes! XXX

  • Offline in reply to Melocotones

    Well done on forcing a referral - I wonder if GPs are just not very good at seeing these things. I suspect more needs to be done to support their work as well.

    Also good news that the lymph nodes are looking clear. 3 weeks really isn't very long ago and I imagine the pain, swelling etc will go down with time. Great that the scans are showing up clear as well. Must make it easier to focus on recovery. 

    It's not that I don't think the WLE is the best option, but it is my choice, whatever the dermatologist says. This runs in my family and I come from a scientific background so I understand the reasons for the surgery, but I dislike the manner in which I'm being treated. I think the dermatologist has a very poor bedside manner and just sees me as a body asking annoying questions which he doesn't want to answer - talking over me when I try to ask questions etc. I will have to wait and see what the surgical team is like!

     

    Thanks again and all the best for a steady recovery x

     

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