Hi Libby,

sorry to know about suspected lesion. It's very natural to feel anxious and worried. Let me assure you probability of melanoma diagnosis is very low. Still lower at your age.

i had exactly similar story where I noted a black line on my toe nail which kept on growing for 6 months and my old nail is lifted. I was referred to a specialist and got it biopsied last week. Regarding biopsy, since it's on nail, it needs to be done by specialist. Injection will be painful but later procedure doesn't feel at all once Anasthesia sets in. My biopsy was done under local Anasthesia which is usually the procedure. I'm awaiting the results.
it will be good to go prepared for the biopsy and it doesn't take more than an hour.

 Let's think positive that it's less likely to be a cancerous. Another thing that reassures me is noting it early. So well done for observing it and going to your doctor. In less likely situation,  where if it is malignant, it is god to detect it early and get treated asap. Hope you speak to someone - family/ friends / GP to help you cope with anxiety and be more positive about early diagnosis.

 It is hard. 

 My best wishes for you. Hope this helps. 
kind regards,

xxxx

Thank you so much for your lovely reply. I instantly feel a little bit better. I have lots of friends and family around me but they really don't know the right words to say to me which is understandable. It's hard for someone to understand when they aren't going through it themselves. Luckily there hasn't been much change in the line since I first noticed it and I'm otherwise extremely healthy with no other symptoms. Fingers crossed all will be okay and I'm sending well wishes your way too. Please keep me updated. We're in this together xxxx

Hi Libby

 I'm glad my post helped and you are feeling better. It's great to know you have lots of friends who can support you. Yes it's difficult for them to understand if they haven't been through it. 
Having no change in line is a good sign and let's hope it's nothing sinister.

 Thanks you for your kind reply and wishes. I feel better to know I'm not alone here :) 

Good luck.

xxxx

I have my biopsy on 17th December. I'll let you know how it goes. 
 

it definitely is reassuring knowing we aren't alone <3 

i'm so glad I found this forum because I was feeling so lost before.

all the best xxx

Hi Libby

Hope you are well. I havenot got my biopsy reports yet but I have been referred to a specialist BCC nurse clinic for my appointment on 28th January. I do not know what it means, but hoping it to be okay.

I am trying to find out. I also wonder if there's anyone else who can guide me with this.

tahnks.

Hi,

I hope that your biopsy goes well. I’m absolutely terrified after finding a brown mark on my big toe nail on the 8th November. My GP tried suggesting that it was a bruise. It has since got bigger and I have a brown vertical line forming the full length of the nail. I am also getting some throbbing and am now aware of my toe. I have a private dermatology appointment on Thursday, and my GP has also referred me via the NHS. I’m so scared that I just couldn’t wait. 

Even though we don’t have the answers, it is nice to be able to have someone to talk to. My partner just doesn’t get it and I’m so worried. Take care xxx

Hi [@chleo1822]‍ 

thank you. I'm so nervous. I'm just a wimp with injections to start with! Poor doctors haha. It's so good that you've acted as quickly as you have, I waited almost a year! Avoid google at all costs.. my biggest regret was jumping straight on there. I've heard a lot of research is outdated at treatment is a lot more successful that google suggests (that is if it is sinister). Let me know how you get on with the dermatologists! 
 

im the same with my partner, he's so unfazed and doesn't really understand my worry. The thought of it being anything sinister is so unrealistic to him. Tbh I wish I had his frame of mind sometimes haha, I'm such a worrier! 

Oh love you. I’m the same. I hate needles! I’ve had two children via c sections so you would think that I would have got over it by now. But no, I’m a big baby! 

So how do they do a biopsy? Are they doing it for you as a precaution or because they think that there is a likelihood of anything? 

Im like you, I’m such a worrier! I would love to have the mentality of our men! X

I have my biopsy this Thursday and I am so so anxious about the procedure. Any tips on how to relax? 
 

hows everything with you? 
 

x