It is hard to stop googling mainly looking for some kind of reassurance I presume is why we do it. Not a problem at all feel free to message any time :) it is a very confusing time with many thoughts and feelings, my husband was the same he wasn't too sure what to say I don't think but also kept telling me it would be fine.  I will also let you know how I get on thank you. 

Hi pinkfan,

The 2 week pathway only refers to being seen by the dermatologist within 2 weeks of the GP referral. Any procedures after that do not come under the 2 week pathway, however, NICE guidance states that treatment should start within 60 days of that. 

I know how anxious you will be but I'm afraid the waiting list for biopsies has got quite long since COVID. A biopsy used to be done within 2 weeks of the dermatology appointment but now it can be anything between 3 to 6 weeks. 

As you have been given the contact number of the Specialist Cancer Nurse, I would wait &, if you haven't received an appointment through after 3 weeks give the nurse a call & ask if they can give you an idea as to how long biopsy appointments are taking. If you are able to, tell them you are happy to take a last minute cancellation if one comes up. Meanwhile, try & distract yourself by keeping busy if you can. 75% of patients referred to dermatology are given a clean bill of health (the mole being either benign or dysplastic (atypical/precancerous)) so hopefully yours will be fine. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009) 

Good morning , I’m trying to keep busy the best I can but I then become stressed and tired so feels like a bit of a viscous circle sometimes. I’m trying not to check my nhs app every hour of the day to see if my app has come up yet and trying to focus on my weekend away with my friend this weekend!! 
can a ask how you are now ? After all these years from being a stage 3 and was yours a mole that led to the diagnosis ? 

Yes, mine was a mole on my shin that I'd had all my life. It turned black so was removed in 1996 & I was diagnosed with Stage 1b melanoma. I had 5 years of checks & discharged but in 2009 I found a lump in my groin & a biopsy revealed it was the melanoma that had metastasised to the nodes in my groin & pelvis. I had successful surgery & have been clear ever since. I was just very unlucky as only 3% of Stage 1b patients have a progression but I'm very lucky that I have a wonderful surgeon. I'm classed as having No Evidence of Disease (NED) which is the melanoma equivalent of remission. I'm fit and healthy & try to give other patients hope, especially as melanoma treatment has improved immeasurably since I was diagnosed.

Have a great weekend with your friend - put it to the back of your mind & enjoy yourself. My motto these days is 'Worry about it when it happens'.