Need to get if off my chest

I am so scared right now.  I am having a mole removed next week for a biopsy and it is literally all I can think about. The mole has changed and has a dark spot on it that wasn't there before.  The doctor says he's not 'overly worried' but want to take it off.

My mother died of melanoma and I can't shake this horrid feeling.  I had a baby 3 months ago and can't believe this is happening to me when I should be so happy.  I want to be here for him growing up. 

 

My husband tries to reassure me, but honestly there is nothing he can say that makes this worry go away.  I know there is no point to this post, but I had to get it off my chest. It's going to be a very long few weeks :(

  • Hi Newmum,

    I can fully understand your worry, especially having lost your mum to the disease. The positives to hang on to are these - the doctor didn't seem overly worried so they are making sure they are correct in their assumption that it's probably benign. It could be a dysplastic navus - a mole that looks dodgy but is benign. These have to be removed though because, if left in situ they have the ability to turn cancerous. Pregnancy can change existing moles or cause new ones and dermatologists see a lot of new mums for this reason. Most of the time the moles are fine so yours may have changed due to increased hormones and it will hopefully be OK. 

    If the results do come back as melanoma don't panic. Treatment has moved on apace since you lost your mum (and continues to move on) so melanoma isn't as deadly for all patients as it once was. I myself was diagnosed Stage 1 23 years ago - sadly it returned & had progressed to Stage 3 10 years ago however I'm still here fit & healthy so please take heart. If you would like to chat more, if only to get your worries off your chest, then send me a friend request & we will chat by private message. Meanwhile good luck with the biopsy surgery and the results. Please let us know how you get on,

    Angie

  • Thank you for your reassuring words, I really appreciate it. The waiting it so hard and is taking over my life atm.

     

    My mum past in 1997 so I guess you're right, a lot has changed.  I'm  glad to hear you are doing well and I hope that long continues for you. I have sent you a friend request and will let you know.

    Thanks Angie, and  likewise, I am here if you need to talk :)

  • [@Newmum]‍ I’m not surprised you’re worried considering you lost your mum, I’m sorry to hear about that. 

    I think feeling anxious is very normal and common. I’ve got my dermatology appointment next week and I’m just convinced it’s something sinister, I’m even imagining my funeral. Which isn’t completely RIDICULOUS but I think it’s natural to worry. 

    My doctor told me that 99% of people who have moles removed do not have a cancer that has spread, usually they are surface cancers or confined to that area. 

    I have 2 young children too so I totally understand how worried you are feeling ️ 

    Ill look out for your updates x

  • Thanks Misty768

    My imagination has been running wild too. It's hard not to let it.  Every time I look at it I'm convinced it's bad. I trying not to look at it at all now.

    I hope your appointment goes well. Let us know how you get on X 

     

  • Had my biopsy yesterday. Not feeling confident about the results atm, not sure if that's because I've just had the procedure.  Now more waiting! 

     

    @Misty768 did you have your appointment yet

  • Hi Newmum, 

    I have just got back from having my biopsy, they took quite a lot away and I now have a very sore foot and am struggling to walk - oh the fun. I have a 2 week wait for the results now, appointment is on the 14th June. 

    What did the doctor say when he did your biopsy? Mine said that it was definitely consistent with melanoma but could still be a benign mole. 

    I really hope we both have good results and it’s nothing to worry about x

  • Good luck Newmum and Misty768 - hope you aren't waiting too long for your results and that they come back clear xx

  • Glad they got it off for you. Mine is on my ankle so I'm also struggling with walking a little too. It's horrible isn't it. 

    They didn't really say anything about it during the biopsy.  They said I should get a letter in the post with the results or get a letter to come in and discuss. Should hear in about two weeks too. So scared. 

    Hope you heal quickly and we both get good news x

  • Thank you Angie. Me too.  Hope you're ok XX 

  • Still no letter :(. The consultant said 2 weeks, the lady that removed it said up to 4 weeks and the leaflet I was given said up to 8 weeks, so I'm a bit confused about what to expect tbh.  I went with the two weeks as thought that was the most likely.  Getting fed up and upset thinking it's bad news.  

     

    How did you get on @Misty768 I've been thinking about you XX