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.

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

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 

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. 

Hi

I have just come across your chats whilst having a search and hope you are doing well? i was diagononsed with Stage 1a melanoma just before Xmas and had my WLE 10 days ago on my upper thigh and another mole taken from my back to be tested, i was just wondering how you got on with your recovery and how long were you off work?  i attempted to go in yesterday but the driving was painful so i turned back. My stitches are due out on Monday and im hoping there will be an improvement

Hi Stephlb46. I was diagnosed with stage 1A mid November and had my WLE last Friday. To be honest it's been very tight and uncomfortable. It's on my lower leg and I've got it bandaged from knee to ankle. I was given a sick note for 2 weeks and was told I'd need to be off work approx 4-6 weeks. My stitches have to be in for a full 2 weeks. Thankfully I didn't need a graft as they pulled it together but like I said it's very tight. I won't attempt driving for a few weeks yet. I'm pretty active and struggling not doing anything. Was told to elevate leg as much as possible.  How are you managing? It's difficult isn't it? I think due to the depth they remove it's takes quite a lot longer to recover than the biopsy. Take care of yourself x 

I didn't have a skin graft either it's stitched and steri stripped very tightly! When i drove yesterday it wasn't a pain as such just more of a burning sensation, i'm guessing it's just because i was using  different muscles and i had been resting up for a week. It's so hard not doing anything and i'm hoping i'll get some advice on when i can start my training again as i have my first race of the season at the end of April, i'm going to stay off work now until after my stitches are out on Monday and attempt to go in on Tues and i'll call my Macmillian nurse on Monday and see what she thinks. Did get my first check up appointment through for April also, just hoping that the biopsy on my back is all clear, thats just really itchy and uncomfortable because of where it is, please stay in touch and keep me updated, i'll send you a friend request if that's ok

x

Hi Steph,

My WLE was on the back of my arm and as I'm a Food Teacher they originally  told me it would be a month off work. However I returned after three weeks and was just careful and it was fine. It's healed beautifully and I can't believe I don't have a huge dip! The tightness, although uncomfortable at first does really help with a smooth healing. 
I hope you both get the clear results from the WLE. Good luck x

Hi [@pinklady1979]‍ 

Thank you for your kind words.Work have given me another week off so i should be good to go by then, I can sit on my bum all day in work if i choose to so that helps!!! I feel like i'm going to have a huge dip in my thigh but i'm not exactly prancing about in hotpants anymore!!! I know the more rest i get the better the scar and recovery its just so hard when i'm used to being so active. Thanks for the feed back it's really appreciated and great to be able to chat to you ladies on here.

x

Yes the taking it easy is hard. It's not long in the grand scheme of things though. And when you return to work, you'll probably feel exhausted! Please feel free to ask any more questions. I have my first 3month check up Feb 14th so a step ahead of you if you ever have any questions x

I have my first dermatology appointment in a couple of weeks. My stitches aren't due to be taken out for over another week. I will then be able to hopefully start putting a little more pressure on my foot when walking. It's still very tight at the moment and I get a burning pain and shooting pain every now and then. The resting is very difficult but like pink lady 1979 said it's not long in the grand scheme of things and better to rest and heal and make sure all is well before attempting to do too much. My surgeon suggested 4-6 weeks off work and no driving until stitches were out. I hope you start to feel better soon. But resting your leg is definitely the best thing. I was also told to elevate my leg as much as possible to aid healing. Take care of yourself x 

[@1974]‍ [@pinklady1979]‍ 

Thank you ladies x

Hi 

I have had my results back and i am pleased to say that the mole off my back was a Dysplastic Naevus and they found nothing else only scar tissue from my WLE. Feel so relieved. stitches come out today and i've done a little bit of driving this weekend in preperation for my return to work, still sore and tender but all going in the right direction. Let me know how your first appointment goes [@pinklady1979]‍