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 

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 

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 

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 

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