Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 3 replies
  • Views 238 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Newly diagnosed with Melanoma

Parris646
Offline

Hi there, 

Feel abit surreal posting on this forum as I was always the kind of person that said "I won't get cancer" "It won't happen to me", especially at the age of 28 & never used a sun bed in my life. 

I had a mole removed in July and received the news today that it is infact melanoma. They're confident it was just on the surface as it measured 0.6mm but ive got to go back and have further surgery. 

Feeling really emotional which has surprised me, I know it could of been a lot worse and people are going through a lot worse but I never thought I'd have cancer (silly me).. and to hear those words have taken be back. 

Would love to hear from people who have been or are going through the same. 

Thanks for listening to me waffle.

  • Offline

    Hi sorry to hear your news, I've been reading lots on this website and there is so much support on here and I'm sure someone else will be able to offer more insight into this. I was referred last week Monday for a itchy mole on my back. Been there years and never had any problems with it until past few weeks. So I've a two week referral to a dermatologist and it's been a week and still waiting for my appointment. I'm petrified about the big C which has caused me great anxiety. Could I please ask where was your mole? What made you go to the doctors? 
     

  • Offline in reply to Mummyoftwo2021

    Hi there, 

    I had my mole for 2 years without any cause for concern, but around 6 months ago it noticed it had changed, which made me go to the doctors. 
    It was located at the top of my thigh, and it had 2 different pigments of brown & also a very irregular border. So the signs were there in relation to melanoma. 
    Wishing you good luck with your referral, the main thing is you're getting it checked. 

     

  • Offline

    Hi,

    You will still be in shock from the diagnosis and it will take a while for it to sink in so it's perfectly normal to be emotional. Whilst UV damage is the cause of the majority of melanomas (even one sunburn as a child raises the chance of getting it in adulthood) a small number are caused by genetics.

    They have caught it early, Stage 1, so you have a 97% chance of having no further problems after the wide local excision. Going forward it's good to learn how to check any other moles you may have and to check your body for lumps & bumps once a month - your consultant or cancer nurse should show you post surgery. Also keep up the sun safety because being careful in the sun now will help to avoid any future skin cancer in later years.

    Be kind to yourself and you will be fine once the surgery is all over and you have a short period of check ups. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.