Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 4 replies
  • Views 248 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Really scared

joanieb
Offline

Hi everyone

just an update on my skin cancer diagnoses 

after searching every scrap of information on google and frightening myself so much 

I had good results from my wide excision on my lower leg 

I had a sore on my leg that wouldn't heal which I left far too long 

I don't even know why as I had breast cancer 6 

years ago and had all the fear from that 

I should have known better than to ignore it 

for 18 Months at least 

I urge anyone doing this to get to there gp as soon as possible 

eventually I contacted my dr 

she referred me to a dermatologist 

I watched for the postman everyday 

in the end I rang the out patients at the hospital 

they told me they were only just doing Januarys 

Urgent cases this was in June 

real panic set in 

I went privately had a biopsy which confirmed

squarous and Basosquamous skin cancer 

I had an op the week later under local anesthetic 

and a skin graft because it was on my shin 

not much flesh to sew 

results were to weeks later all ok good margins away from a 1mm tumour 

it's all healing well a bit sore 

 

  • Offline

    Hi, some great advice here on getting to GP as soon as possible. I discovered my lump two weeks before the end of term (I'm a teacher) and decided I didn't have time to contact the doctor until the holidays began, as I had too much to do to miss work!  Now knowing that my tumour has a juicy blood supply has made me realise that I left it two whole weeks whilst it was spreading, I feel so foolish, even two weeks feels like way too long.  So yes, go to GP as soon as you feel anything is wrong and push to be seen!

    Sorry to hear about the diagnosis although it sounds like you're doing well considering. How do you feel now? Have you got much support around you? Sending many hugs and good thoughts your way xx

  • Offline

    Hi Joanie, I'm so pleased to hear that your treatment went well and you're recovering. May I ask about getting your biopsies done privately? Did you arrange that yourself or did your GP refer you? How long did you have to wait for results? Was your treatment also private or did you go back to the NHS? Sorry to bombard you. I have a "very active" breast cancer, found the lump 6 weeks ago, just diagnosed this past week but need more biopsies on lymph node and other areas where it's started to spread. MRI and ultrasound assisted biopsies booked in for two weeks time and possibly a further 2-3 weeks wait for results. Seems like a long time to wait while the cancer is growing inside my body. I feel so out of control.  Thanks x

  • Offline in reply to Amy321

    Hi Amy

    i rang the local private hospital and ask to see a dermatologist 

    I week for the apt then a week to wait to have biopsy done then a week to the results 

    he said could be fast track because of the dianosise 

    but may need another referral for a plastic surgeon 

    another surgeon saw me at the same time said he could do it with a skin graft 

    done under local anesthetic 

    re dressed a week later result a week after that

    all very well organised and calm not very pretty but hoping it will heal ok 

    about 6 weeks but the main wait is for results 

    total cost about £3000 but that's consultants 

    nurses operating theatre with 7 assistant 

    histology MDT to decide treatment 

    so sorry your going through breast cancer 

    the wait is torture 

    I tried mindfulness and also to put the days in order 

    each day you don't know outcomes is day to enjoy 

    I know that's weird but I handled it like that 

    I had a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time it's a bit op but I was ok I have never been ill

    just frightened 

    and when the skin cancer was there I was angry 

    only just been sign off and here we go again

    feel feel to ask as many question as you like 

    take care 

    joannie 

  • Offline in reply to LauraRose85

    Hi Laura 

    it's crazy that we don't put ourselves first at important times

    at least we have something to beat ourselves up for 

    we really are kidding ourselves if we think we are so indispensable 

    I've had a small set back the wound has started leaked so I have had to have dressed again  and have to sit with my leg up for a week it's bandaged from my knee to my toe again in thick wool and crepe. dressing lovely for the heatwave 

    they don't think it's infected but have done a swab 

    So sorry to hear about your lumps I hope all goes well for you 

    Anyone worried reading this get to the gp

    lots of love and good wishes 

    Joanie 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.