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T1B Malignant Melanoma

JuFlu
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I went to my GP on 10.12.19 as a mole on my upper arm had changed in appearance.  GP did not think it was anything to worry about but made an appointment for me to see a Dermatologist at our local Hospital two days later.  At my appointment the mole was removed and sent off for biopsy. I came away with six stitches in my arm and was told I should have results before Christmas.  Not wanting to worry anyone else (Christmas was approaching after all), I waited for the results and tried not to worry. My stitches were removed on 23.12.19 but no results came through. I busied myself with Christmas celebrations. On 28.12.19 I received a follow-up appointment for 02.01.20. To be honest, this was the first time I worried. An appointment in clinic on the first working day of the new year. I decided I would tell hubby so he would come with me. 

That was the first (and only) time I have cried. He's been an absolute rock and was with me at my appointment on 02.01.20 when I was given the diagnosis. T1B Malignant Melanoma.  I had a full body examination of skin surface and lymph nodes and the  dermatologist said a wider excision would be necessary. There was also an optional Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy test which would detect any cancer cells in the lymph node. Although this will mean a general anaesthetic, I have opted for this and the wider excision will be done at the same time. I've been allocated a Nurse Keyworker who has given me more information and explained things in greater depth (she's even phoned to check on me since my appointment). I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon tomorrow (08.01.20) when I'll also see my Keyworker again. 

To be honest I'm on auto pilot at the moment and just thinking as far as my next appointment.  You guys are the only others I have shared with. 

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    Hi JuFlu,

    It's good to share - keeping it all to yourself can be destructive as your emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing. You will still be in shock from the results so be kind to yourself. Once you know more today it will start to sink in & you can process it. Your Nurse Keyworker sounds great so don't shy off ringing her if you have a question.

    You are getting great treatment from the hospital, possibly the fastest I've heard of in a long time, so that's a real help when dealing with melanoma. 

    I'm sure you will have had lots of information explained to you but, just in case, T1b is early stage and very treatable with the Wide Local Excision (WLE) and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB). There is a very good chance the SLNB will come back clear & this means there is a 95% chance you will never have any further problems. If it isn't clear, don't panic - treatment for melanoma has moved on over the years.

    Good luck with your appointment today and please keep us updated as to how you get on. I will send you a friend request so that, should you wish to chat, we can do so by private message.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie,

    Thank you so much for your reassuring post. I saw the Plastic Surgeon and he too was reassuring about prognosis. I believe there's an approximate 8-10 week wait for the next step so that's where I'm at currently. 

    It helps to share on here. I know I'll have to tell people (if only because I'll be out of action for a bit due to the surgery) but I'd rather minimise the number of people who need to worry at the moment. I also think that's helping me keep it together as I've not had to put it in to words yet and I can choose how often and when I talk about it. Only my husband knows and he was with me and heard the same time as I did. I think it helps me to feel in control if that makes sense?

    Thank you for the request, which I have now accepted. 

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