Try stay positive it's the waiting that's the worst believe in positive thinking and that your already healing, 

it's hard I'm awaiting my treatment don't know if I will need surgery chemo or radio or all three, but if I believe in positive thinking we will get through this.

I was diagnosed 2 weeks yesterday was a blubbering mess for about 4 days and have the odd cry here abs there but try stay positive

xx

Hi,

I'm sorry that your GP let you down but it's good that it's now being biopsied. Hopefully it's a BCC but don't despair if it's melanoma because the chance of it being successfully treated is high.

Try to distract yourself by keeping busy, pampering yourself, trying meditation or mindfulness (plenty to try on YouTube). Don't jump ahead, thinking of worse case scenarios as this fuels anxiety. Try to compartmentalize and just think ahead to the next appointment which may bring good news and then you haven't worried yourself sick about something that won't happen. I've learned over the years that this works for me.

If you do get a melanoma diagnosis, don't panic as it may be early stage and can be treated. However, I would contact the Practice Manager and explain what happened with the GP in the hope that they learn from your experience. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hi Angie and Annie,

Thank you for your kind words. I have just been away for a few days which was nice. Since returning home it's hit me again like a train. I am staying in the here and now and keep telling myself to 'wait for the results' and that there's nothing I can do until then. Which feels more manageable. There's no point in placing undue pressure on myself as you say.

im going to continue lots of self pampering as you suggest Angie! Ha

I will write to the practice manager and I will also be changing Practice. I haven't been happy with them for a while. The first time I went I was told I was too young at 32 and likely had pain in my armpit/boob due to working out too hard and that in no way was it related to the mole on my back which had changed shape and become ulcerated. The small lump in my armpit was put down to being from over using deodorant! The gp was very sure of herself and was quite rude and demeaning I felt I was being dramatic going. At the end of the consultation she said 'and your mole looks fine- there's nothing wrong it's Seborrheic keratosis'.  My partner is a Dr and had persuaded me to go as he was concerned...he didn't buy into what the GP said and continued to push me, telling me it was likely malignant. Anyway, I can't dwell on that or it will chew me up. Thank goodness another GP refered me eventually although we really had to fight for it and even then I was referred as 'routine'.

I felt very comfortable with the dermatologist who was very honest and helpful, in some ways I felt relieved to have someone finally say 'yes you do have something going on'.

it gives me hope hearing your story Angie, it's good to know if it is melanoma then things have moved on and outcomes are better now. The lump in my armpit is still there as is the pain that comes and goes along with some other symptoms... fingers crossed they aren't related, however I expect they are as it coincided at the same time.

I would hate for anyone else to go through what I did, very keen to not let it happen again.
 

Thanks so much ladies, sending you both best wishes,

I really appreciate your time.

L

x