Hi Rach,

It is always a good idea to write down a list of any questions before any appointment, as many of us get caught up in the moment otherwise. Do you have a results appointment through yet?

I have just written down some of the questions that I would ask if I were in your shoes. You may find that others come to mind as you are talking to your consultant.

If it is Cancerous

Ø Do I have cancer?

Ø What type of Melanoma do I have?

Ø How deep is the Melanoma?

Ø What stage is it and what does this mean?

Ø Is there any spread?

Ø What are the complications likely to be, if I need lymph node removal?

Ø Where has it spread to?

Ø What treatment is needed?

Ø What are the side-effects of these treatments?

Ø How effective is treatment?

Ø How long will treatment take?

Ø When will my surgery take place?

Ø When is treatment likely to start?

Ø How long will surgery take?

Ø Will I be a day patient, or an in patient?

Ø Will surgery be able to remove all the cancer?

Ø Will I need a skin graft after surgery?

Ø What is the long-term outlook for me?

Ø How will treatment affect my daily life?

Ø Will I be able to work and exercise as normal?

Ø  Will treatment affect my sex life and if so, for how long?

Ø Could treatment make me infertile?

Ø What is the likelihood of recurrence and how can I help to avoid this?

If it is Benign

Ø What precautions should I take to prevent Melanoma?

Ø What do I look for when examining myself regularly?

I hope that these will help and that nothing untoward is found

PIease keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Rach 

Don't think you can get any better than Jolamine's answer, what a star! mine's too far gone for many of those questions, but I've got a few new ones on my list. Ask those listed already and you'll be fine, fingers crossed for you

You are amazing Thankyou so much!

I havent had my results appointment yet, but i just wanted to prepare myself incase they call to giveme my results. xx

Hi SomersetGuy, thankyou for the reply. Hope you are ok!

Hi Rach,

It is always a good idea to bring someone with you to your results appointment if you can. I always brought my hubby. I gave him a duplicate copy of my questions and, as I asked the questions, he wrote down the replies. It is a fact that most of us forget about 80% of what is discussed in a consultation, before we leave the hospital grounds, so it is always helpful to be able to look up the answers later.

I hope that you get your results soon and that all turns out well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx