Hi Dizzidancer. Welcome to the forum that no one ever really wants to join.

My thoughts are with you at this worrying time.  

Please be aware that we're not doctors here, and I have NO medical qualifications. I happened to come through prostate cancer myself some years back, and I've had a few scares since.

Since you ask, a stage 3A melanoma has spread microscopically to up to three adjacent lymph nodes, but it has not spread more generally. The appropriate treatment is surgery to remove a wide area around the location of the tumour, and removal of the affected lymph nodes. You may also be offered radiotherapy and other forms of treatment, but I can't say for certain whether you will or not. 

There's no easy way to say this: stage 3 is serious, but stage 3A is the least serious with the best chance of recovery.  However, you will need to be monitored well into the future, and of course this will mean that you get constant worrying reminders. That is the lot of the cancer patient and the worry never completely goes away.  I have a PSA test coming up next month, and although I've been clear for 7 years, I feel it beginning to nag on my mind even now. 

Waiting for treatment and results is agony. I found acupuncture treatment from a Chinese doctor to be very helpful, but I had to pay privately.  There are also any number of relaxation and mindfulness videos on YouTube.  I sincerely suggest you don't use Google as it will only increase your stress; most of us old hands here have frightened ourselves silly at some time.

Thank you so much for taking the time to message.  I’ve already battled a pituitary brain tumour and although it was benign I still had all the same feelings as would be expected but this time it’s really real if you see what I mean? It’s not benign, it could kill me is all I keep thinking and the guilt of putting my husband & kids through it all again. Arrrrggggghh can I stamp my feet and say it’s not fair? 

Hi Pat

I saw you had posted on my intro so I've come here to respond.

We're almost walking this together hand in hand.

I had my surgery on 8th and have now practically recovered altho I'm not allowed to do much and I have a dead area surroundedby excrutiatingly sensitive skin.

My MDT is tomorrow morning so I may get a call soon.

I'm pleased you are feeling better and pleased I didn't get slap cheek.

I had my little holiday earlier and if you look at my profile, I'm keeping a timeline there.

Fingers toes and anything else crossed for us both.

David

Hi again

Just wondering if you have had any news.

I hope your primary site is now nicely healed and that your arm is much better.  Have you returned to work?

I'm still waiting to be called but have no worries.

David

Sorry been quietly very ill as the wound is infected! On antibiotics and being monitored closely by my CNS.  Results due on 4th 

Oh Pat

I'm so sorry to hear this. I was a little worried for you. I had three weeks of strong antibis so have been lucky. You seem to suffer unfairly. 

I'm wishing you a speedy recovery.

Is it your pathology results on the 4th?

Kind regards

David

Yes meeting the professor and getting results 

I think I am tomorrow at 11.30. Best of luck to both of us.

Everything crossed for us David x

Is your infection under control? I've just watched ambulance and have all sorts of horrible thoughts running through my head. 

I should look at something more like spring watch. 

Must get a good night's rest for tomorrow. 

Hope your weekend passes swiftly and calmly. 

David

It’s starting to respond but has broken down in three places!  

A typical set back in my life!

I'm so sorry. I just assume everything is mending well and when I hear how difficult it is for you I realise life can be so unfair. 

I pray the MDT report will not involve any further therapy that would be held up by the infection. 

I haven't slept much last night and have thought of all sorts of outcomes for today. Just the night blues. 

I'm up to get ready. Walk the dog as she will be left for a long time. 

Keep smiling

David

I'm so sorry. I just assume everything is mending well and when I hear how difficult it is for you I realise life can be so unfair. 

I pray the MDT report will not involve any further therapy that would be held up by the infection. 

I haven't slept much last night and have thought of all sorts of outcomes for today. Just the night blues. 

I'm up to get ready. Walk the dog as she will be left for a long time. 

Keep smiling

David