Hi, 

very worried mum of 2 young children here 

noticed a suspicious mole last summer (approx 8mm, brown colour with paler almost skin colour centre). No idea how long it’s been like it for as it’s in the middle of my back, never actually looked at it prior. Partner said it looked ok. Played on my mind since so decided to go to the doctors beginning of feb. They took a picture of it and sent it to dermatologist, week later they said it was a poor image but concern of colour so to do an urgent referral. Only just been seen this week, super quick 2 minute appointment, dermatologist didn’t look at it with a microscope or anything, just naked eye. Is this standard procedure? She didn’t give any clues away to what she was thinking so I asked if it looked bad. She said not too bad but due to history of sun burn and the colour it needs to come off. Said it will be another few weeks for an appointment! :( 

also, to make matters worse I’ve had a lymph node swollen under jaw for approx 4 weeks. It moves, rubbery, size hasn’t changed, painless, but no other symptoms. I’ve then had a small hardish no moveable lump appear behind ear and felt another lymph node either side angle of jaw (however these could have been there a while, I really had to prod and poke to find them but now they seem more obvious). I’ve had blood tests done, all clear apart from antiphospolipid antibodies positive meaning possible APS or lupus.? But need to retest in 3 months as could be nothing. I’ve been referred for ultrasound 2WW but not heard anything yet. 

other than these symptoms I’ve been fine, no fever, no weight loss, no night sweats etc. 

I’m just going out of my mind with worry and doesn’t help it’s all taking so long. Unsure whether to go private although I can’t afford it, I’d need to do finance over several years.