Hi 1974 

I like you have been told I have stage1 melenoma from a small mole on my back they took 6weeks ago . I am been referred to another specialist for a WLE they said as a precaution measure. 

I see yours was back in September do you mind me asking how you got on and how you are now from a very worried new melenoma patient. 

Thanks 

Hi Both,

I am in a similar position to you guys. I visited my GP just 8 weeks ago to query a mole on the back of my arm that looked a little scabby and wasn't drying up despite me rubbing moisturiser in. She referred me straight away to dermatology who took one look at it and said it was cancerous. A week later I had the mole removed, and three weeks following that I was called back for my results. That appt was Monday and they diagnosed stage 1A Melanoma. I was told the wait for the WLE could be between 6-12 weeks, then I got a call on Tuesday to say they had a cancellation and I was top of the list, could I go in this coming Monday? So my WLE will be just a week after my diagnosis. While it's been a bit of a whirlwind, I feel very fortunate that it will be dealt with so quickly. Our NHS is amazing. I don't know if you saw a CNS (cancer nurse) after your appointment? I did and she was very reassuring and explained everything in detail. I feel so positive, it's been caught nice and early and the chances of it spreading are minimal. Survival rates for 1A are incredibly high-something around the 98% mark I have been told. The CNR advised keeping well away from Google as it will scare the life out of you unnecessarily. 

Looking at the positives, I feel it's as straightforward as a cancer diagnosis can be. We've got this
 

Look after yourselves, if you have any questions about the WLE, I'll hopefully  be able to let you know after Monday.

Hi PinkLady 

I am from Ireland but found this forum when googling for answers . That's great to here they caught it early , do you know how deep yours was ?

Mine was on my back only 5cm no issue with it so thought it would be straight forward I got the wind taken out of me when told it was melenoma,  I havent got a date yet I have went private so I am waiting for them to come back to me . Its the waiting game again I am worried about for more results I get what you mean 1974 I cried non stop for 6weeks waiting to hear but had convinced myself it was nothing . 

Please let us know how you get on it's great that you are been taken in next week , do you know when ur stage 1 if you need lymph nodes checked 

Hi Aiofe,

Mine was 0.54mm deep, so just starting to grow down into the skin, but not to the tissue that contains the lymphatic drainage, so highly unlikely to spread. When they are under 0.8mm deep, and providing they are not described as ulcerated, then you don't have to have your lymph nodes checked. Just the WLE to be extra safe and check ups every 3 months. If it is under 0.8mm but ulcerated or more than 0.8mm then it becomes a stage 1B and I believe that is when they will check your closest lymph nodes.

I know it can be a shock to hear the diagnosis but please try to keep positive. It's as simple as a Melanoma diagnosis can be really aside from an 'in situ' melanoma, which doesn't require the check ups for a year. 
 

If you haven't been given a cancer nurse specialist yet, you will be soon, they are always at the end of a phone to help allay your fears.

Take care of yourself, and try to find things to distract you from thinking about it. I found the busier I was the better x

Hi Aiofe,

Mine was 0.54mm deep, so just starting to grow down into the skin, but not to the tissue that contains the lymphatic drainage, so highly unlikely to spread. When they are under 0.8mm deep, and providing they are not described as ulcerated, then you don't have to have your lymph nodes checked. Just the WLE to be extra safe and check ups every 3 months. If it is under 0.8mm but ulcerated or more than 0.8mm then it becomes a stage 1B and I believe that is when they will check your closest lymph nodes.

I know it can be a shock to hear the diagnosis but please try to keep positive. It's as simple as a Melanoma diagnosis can be really aside from an 'in situ' melanoma, which doesn't require the check ups for a year. 
 

If you haven't been given a cancer nurse specialist yet, you will be soon, they are always at the end of a phone to help allay your fears.

Take care of yourself, and try to find things to distract you from thinking about it. I found the busier I was the better x