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 Both, it's so nice to be able to chat to people on hear that are in the same position as me. Even though my family and friends have been amazing and supportive I've found the experience quite isolating and lonely. My mole was on my calf. Had it about 20+ years and noticed it changed in August (part of it had gone dark and it seemed to have spread sideways) phoned my gp who asked me to send her a pic. Referred straight away but had to wait 3 1/2 week before I saw dermatology. Then waited another couple of weeks before I had the biopsy. I was told that it was skin cancer when they cut it out so can you imagine my then 6 week wait to find out how bad it was. I've never cried so much. I'm so glad you've got your appointment pinklady1979 for WLE please let us know how it goes. I was given a phone number for the CNS but never met her. I think you're only offered lymph node Biopsy if it's stage 1B not 1A. Consultant said mine was very thin and all margins were clear from the biopsy.  We've got this!!  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 

Do they tell ya the stage on the depth of the melenoma? I had to look at a ruler to see how deep 0.6mm was . 

Hopefully we will be sorted by Xmas and all forgotten about and just need regular watching x

Do they tell ya the stage on the depth of the melenoma? I had to look at a ruler to see how deep 0.6mm was . 

Hopefully we will be sorted by Xmas and all forgotten about and just need regular watching x

I forgot to ask what depth mine was. Don't know if I'll get a copy of the pathology report. Consultant just said it was very very thin. Stage 1A is still in the top layer of the skin. It hasn't gone into the dermis where it can spread. It's mental to think less than .8mm in thickness! Think it's checkups for 12 months. I've been booked into dermatology for 3 months time and need to get a vitamin D blood test soon. x 

At wjat depth is considered melenoma I'm stiu I wonder then? 

I am been sent to some one else to carry put my WLE and then back to dermatologist in 4monts she said . 

Have you many moles ? 

I think in situ means it's not invaded the skin. Stage 1A has just started to invade. Apart from in situ our stage is the next best thing. I'm being referred to a different hospital too for the WLE apparently under local anaesthetic. I have quite a few moles and usually check them once in a while. I'll be doing it a lot more from now on. Talk about a wake up call. Certainly puts things into perspective. Nothing is more important than your health. 

Oh if only we had caught it sooner we would be laffing , I have alog of moles never gave them a second thought until my friend spotted this one , that will all change now 

You're friend has probably saved your life :happy:

I have sent you a friend request for if ever you want to private chat. Be nice to check your progress x 

Oh she moat defo have . Oh that'd great it will be great to keep in touch with some1 x

Hi 

Wondering how everyone is getting on ,just had WLE today results due in 17th December x

Hello. Lovely to hear from you. I'm due to see the plastic surgeon next week about my WLE. Excellent news that you've had yours today! How did it go? x 

Hi Aoifep

I had my WLE 3 weeks ago and just been called with my results today which were all normal, so treatment for this melanoma is done which is excellent. 
I am being sent an appt to have a lymph node that is slightly enlarged checked, and am having a scan on a pre-existing benign kidney tumour to check there are no changes, then it will just be 3 monthly check ups for me.
 

I hope you feel well after your operation today. X 

Hi Pinklady1979, glad to hear you've had the WLE and got excellent news about the melanoma. I do hope the scan and lymph node check goes well for you. x