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. I haven't had the WLE yet. That will probably be in a few weeks. The consultant told me they took the melanoma away with the biopsy and thankfully no cancer cells were found in the surrounding tissue. The WLE is just a mopping up exercise.  How are you in yourself since your diagnosis? I just feel relief as I'd convinced myself it was a lot further on than stage 1 

Oh that's great to hear  , I was just told it was thin and originally margins were clear but they need to follow protocol and do a WLE which I am not looking forward to mine is on my shoulder blade . 

I am glad it was caught early but still can't understand how cancer could grow in such a small spot my mole was less than 5cm , I a crying then laffing ans crying again . Feels like living in a nightmare . 

We're was your mole based x

My mole was on my calf. It was about 7mm. By luck I noticed part of it had changed colour and gone dark. The waiting in between appointments and results has been the most difficult part. I don't think I've cried so much and my gp gave me anxiety tablets because I wasn't coping very well. I feel better now i know what I'm dealing with. Not looking forward to WLE either but after that it should be done with and can get my life back to normal. Even though I'll now be extra careful when it's summer. It makes you really appreciate things. have you a date yet for your WLE? 
 

take care x 

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

I am glad I found ye guys to talk to , as you said family and friends are great but it's hard for them to understand our worries , I just keep panicking myself thinking it has spread and have my life span has been cut short .

**** your mind is a scary thing when your left think about things x

I agree totally. My mind went to some really dark places and I ended up getting help off my gp. But like pinklady1979 said we've caught it very early and it's the best outcome if you're going to get melanoma. I think the consultant saw how relieved I seemed once he told me my stage. I'd totally Convinced myself it had spread. We've got to think positive!   x