Hi all,

For context, I have very intense health anxiety that i’ve suffered from my whole life so any kind of health issue is a huge tigger point for me so I have been in my bed all day since this happened pretty much. 

Today I noticed a significant change in the mole on my left arm, it has turned a reddish black colour though doesn’t feel hard or anything. No idea how long that mole has been there, I’d say under 2 years though.

I saw the pharmacist pretty much immediately and was told to make an emergency appointment tomorrow with the doctor and I will do that I have just been spiralling since then. I scratched my arm on Monday but there was no blood or anything to indicate a change like that but it’s the only thing I can think of right now, but I don’t even know if that would have affected it as it’s so far to the back of my arm. 

The part that is making me most anxious though is that I am also leaving the country in January for six months on a non-refundable trip that cost a significant amount of money (pretty much my life savings.  I’m 24.) 

I tried google and it says that my local dermatology department that I presume I’ll be referred to is up to a 20 week wait but surely not for suspected melanoma. I currently have 6 weeks before I leave for that trip is it possible that they’d see me in such short time especially with xmas break and all.

I’m really worried that I will have to cancel my trip to go to an appointment, or deal with any follow up issues. I have already put in my notice for my accommodation and my job so will not have anywhere to stay or any income or anything past the date I leave and I’m just very concerned about it, any advice or anything would be really appreciated right now.