Stage 1A melanoma

So after 6 agonising weeks I went for my mole biopsy results this morning. I was absolutely petrified and when he said I've some bad news I think my mind went blank. I'm very lucky that it was caught early and I'm stage 1A. I've been told they will probably recommend a WLE which will be done in Manchester. He also said it will be local anaesthetic. How long does the operation take? I'm relieved but still a little overwhelmed that I've had cancer and extremely thankful that I found it early. Just wondering what to expect from the next op?! And how long I'll be checked? I didn't really ask any questions. 

  • 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 1974 & Aoifep,

    We most certainly have got this! I feel so grateful that it's been caught so early. I'm a huge believer that a positive mental attitude helps with recovery.

    When the time is right I will also share with my friends to help raise awareness of just how important it is to check your skin regularly. 
     

    I feel like the hardest part of all of this is telling other people, in a way that doesn't panic them, particularly my children & my Mum. And when people ask if they can see what it looked like, you can see this sheer look of terror that it looked so normal. I don't like causing others to worry because I genuinely feel really calm about this. 
     

    I'll let you both know how the WLE goes on Monday. Keep smiling x

  • Hi pinklady1979  I wish you the best of luck on Monday and you're right about being positive. I feel better now I know what I'm dealing with. Unfortunately or fortunately I couldn't keep my pre diagnosis from family and friends because I wasn't in a good place and they knew something was wrong straight away. They've all been extremely supportive but it's a weird feeling because there is only you going through it and it's hard to explain to people. A friend of mine saw my biopsy scar and was shocked when I said my mole was only 7 mm. my scar is about inch and half. Do you know if you get a copy of the pathology report? I stupidly didn't ask many questions when I was told the diagnosis 

  • I haven't had a copy but my CNS gave me a lot of printed information and wrote down the full name 'superficial spreading malignant melanoma' and the 'breslow thickness' which is how far down into the skin it grows. 
     

    Im sure you can ask for one if you wish to. Did you get the details of your CNS as you can call them anytime and ask them.