Thanks so much for your message. Good to know your second was ok. Being prone to them also worries me as don't want to go through a biopsy every year with the worry, pain and time off work!

The dermatologist I saw said we have to draw the line on biopsy every time. He didn't really want to do the second one he wanted to wait. It was me who was freaking out over it. 

It was awful going through it again as like you say it's just like a vicious circle, but if I hadn't I would have just constantly worried I had SM as I was convinced I had it. 
 

Do you notice your growing up the nail? Oddly I've not noticed they just seem to appear? But I do wear nail varnish all the time and just do a quick take off and renew  so I didn't really notice it growing up my nail. 
Now I don't wear nail polish - but I wear closed toe shoes, I guess I will have to when the flip flops come out but I like to check them all the time - I think it's made me so paranoid I check everything! 

Mine is on the fingernail, and yes, it's grown up with the nail. This one was very faint and thin in January and halfway up the nail but got a lot darker and wider as it has grown. They were more sure of doing a biopsy this time than last as has more sinister features. If this is benign I will ask about what if it keeps coming back. The nail did grow back clear last year before line reappeared. It's weird. 

Hi EllenRose,

I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this again. I hope it all goes well on Friday and that the results are clear. Please let us know how it goes,

Angie x

Thanks [@AngieT]‍ 

I went for a dressing change this morning. The nurse was very kind but it took 45 mins as it was quite stuck. More uncomfortable than painful and I know the next one won't be so bad. She said it was was looking good so that's one thing.

My biopsy did come back as melanoma. It's gone for a second opinion and then they will have an MDT meeting but looks like it's early so hopefully one more surgery only. Feels very surreal.

Hi, I noticed a yellow/brown line on my left thumb last year. Spoke to the GP who said it was fungal and to use nail varnish treatment as she was reluctant to put me on the tablets. One year on and the line is still there, it doesn't seem as dark as the pictures you see on the internet, it's more yellow/light brown but runs from bottom to top. I have sent my GP a picture over a week ago and he has now said he wants to see me, which is another week. I am so worried, it just appeared overnight, it didn't grow with the nail. 

Hi, I've just been to the doctors and I'm waiting to be referred. I called him thinking I had a fungal infection, but he wanted to see me. When I wenth today, he said straight away he had to refer me. I'm panicking like mad and worried about what could be.  
 

It's been requesting reading some of your stories. I first noticed the mark on my toe 3 months ago, and reading about subungal melanoma and the prognosis has scared me to death. All I think about is the worst case

Hi,

It is difficult to not think the worst, but try to distract yourself and remember that fungal infection is very very common and subungual melanoma is rare. I recently had my big toenail removed and the nail bed. Waited about 6-7 weeks for the results and it was fungal. Also, if you only got it 3 months ago if it was anything other than fungal you have caught it very early. Its good/best practice that your GP has referred you. I got referred because I have had a superficial spreading melanoma on my back, so with my history I was referred. I hope that helps a little. Easier said than done but try to keep busy x