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.

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. 

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 

That's great news Ladies

It was a bit uncomfortable but manageable,  it's waiting for the results again is the worst part , I am sure ye are the same just wanting it all over and done with x

Glad it's done for you. Did you have local anaesthetic? I'm imagining it's similar to the biopsy just more intense. x 

Glad it's done for you. Did you have local anaesthetic? I'm imagining it's similar to the biopsy just more intense. x 

Yes local anesthesia,  yes like initial biopsies just a bit longer and alot more pressure and pulling . Having trouble with the wound leaking at the moment so had to go get it redressed.  But all in all it was fine just glad it's done hoping for clear margins so I can move on x

Glad it's done for you. You're right just want it all done and dusted. x