Hi Worried-jp.

The result of the biopsy may now be available to your GP. If you want to find out before you go, you can phone your GP surgery and ask if the result is now available. If it is, then you can make an appointment to see your GP and get the result before your hospital appointment. 

Now a general word about how hospitals work. Most of us old hands know this stuff already....

When you're worried about a possible cancer diagnosis, then the tendency is to try to read too much into everything that every doctor says, and to read and re-read every letter multiple times to try to second guess some underlying meaning.

This is a fruitless waste of energy because appointments can be changed for many reasons, not least that one consultant has suddenly decided to go on holiday, or there's been a cancellation, or any other reason.  Just a few weeks ago, I expected to get an appointment with a cancer nurse, but a letter arrived telling me I'd be a seeing another surgeon.  I was completely mystified, but when I turned up, it was actually the nurse appointment I'd been expecting. I've no idea why the surgeon's name was mentioned at all. Hospitals move in mysterious ways and sometimes you just have to go with the flow. 

So I'm telling you to STOP PANICKING NOW.  Keep calm and go to the appointment. 

Hi,

You really can't second guess whether the change is due to good or bad news I'm afraid. It could be bad news, similarly it could be good news that they want to give you sooner - especially if it means that dermatology will be arranging regular check ups rather than further surgery by Plastics. What Stage have you been diagnosed and what depth was the melanoma?

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi telemando,

Worried-jp has had a sentinel node biopsy which means she has already been diagnosed with melanoma. This is the second surgical procedure that some melanoma patients have in conjunction with a Wide Local Excision.

Angie

Hi 

Thanks both for your advice. Hadn’t thought about going to the GP but I probably won’t be able to get an appointment before Thursday so I will just try and be positive about the rearranged appointment on Thursday.

stage 2 melanoma depth 1.1mm 

Don't bother about the GP - as you are now in the hospital system after diagnosis, they won't send your updated results to your GP yet anyway.

I've sent you a friend request so that we can speak by private message if you want.. Wishing you good luck next week,

Angie (Stage 3)