Anxious

I'm not sure if I've put this in the right topic but I'm 28 and i've just had another biopsy taken after my first  three month check up for melanoma and I am currently recovering and waiting for results. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I can be cancer free/not have to worry I'll have more and more scars every three months. Ive never used a sunbed, barely in the sun even abroad and whenever I am I wear factor 50. I was so emotional when I got the phone call after the first biopsy to say there was no trace left and then three months later its all happening again. I feel like I'm in a recurring nightmare. 

  • Hello Sarawr,

    Having another biopsy so soon after the last one is understandably worrying. I really hope you receive the results soon. Should you need any medical advice once your results come in, you can contact our nurses for free on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Talking with your family and friends will also make you feel better, but try not to worry too much.

    Best wishes,

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Hi Sarawr,

    I'm sorry to hear you are recovering from a second biopsy for melanoma, especially so soon after the first. Was the second one another mole or something that had popped up since your first biopsy? Was it in the same area as the first one?

    It's all so very raw for you at the moment as you have just started on this journey but please know that it's not common to have 2 primary melanomas, especially so close together in time. I had my melanoma diagnosed 22 years ago & since that time I've had several moles removed from different parts of my body, all of them benign. Once you are under the care of a consultant they check you thoroughly at each appointment & anything that they think looks dodgy is removed - most times it's for peace of mind & turns out to be benign - so hopefully that will be the same for you. I now don't worry about my scars - they are a reminder that I'm here & feeling very lucky! 

    Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

     

  • Hi Angie, thank you for your reply.

    The first was removed from my back and the second from my left breast and what they think is a seborrheic-keratosis from the bottom of my first biopsy scar. I'd noticed that the latest one had developed another colour (the reason the one on my back was taken off that was melanoma) so I was concerned. I've always been a 'moley person' as my GP so kindly put it (50+) and have worried about melanoma for years but just kept being told I was too young and fobbed off, until I found my latest gp who sent me for my first referal back in September and since that came back as melanoma I'm in constant fear of it returning, they have said it shouldn't come back in the same place but now I'm constantly checking my others and worrying I've missed something. The doctor thoroughly checked me at my first results appointment (which was in dermatology) but I was just asked if I had any concerns at my three month check up (which was in plastics) . I've also been experiencing left knee pain and stomach pain and I find myself assuming it's cancer somewhere. I just wish the anxiety of it all would stop for a bit :(