Hello Casey123,

I can understand how you're feeling, but try not to worry. Nine out of ten people referred in this way are found not to have cancer. You can read more about what to expect here. I hope it will help you feel more prepared.

Best wishes,

Moderator Anastasia

Thank you, that's good to know. Just got my app though and it's with a plastic surgeon whxih I thought it bit odd. Do most people see dermatologists or plastic surgeons please 

So app didn't go to well. He was concerned about mole snd is removing it on Friday. He wouldn't say either way if it's anything sinister, kept saying wait for results. So ended up leaving in tears and in a right state. 
Ive had this mole for years and never really took much notice if it, so I'm now worried it's cancer whcih has spread and feel so alone 

Hi - I understand what it's like when you are waiting for results. Horrible! I myself had a mole that doctor's had told me to monitor start to itch/tingle. But it didn't occur to me it was my mole and I'd been forgetting to do mole checks so didn't see that it had also changed appearance quite dramatically. Sensation was really horrid and when I went to GP I was told it was very inflamed. It was removed a few days later. Luckily, it wasn't cancerous just dysplastic. You need to wait for your results before you know what this is as the Consultant has said. Just don't assume the worst. Try and keep yourself busy and not think about this too much. Festive greetings and hopefully you'll be able to relax and forget about mole for a bit. Good news is you got this checked and are getting it removed.  X

Thanks so much for replying. I feel very silly but I'm a sobbing mess at the min. I lost my sister to breast cancer in summer and had a lump scare in August and now this.  I'm petrified it's cancerous. Too be honest I was almost sure the mole was absolutely fine, but I have health anxiety so I thought I'll go to doctors to help reassure me....and it's escalated to this. Past couple days I haven't been able to eat or sleep, so not sure how ill get through Xmas. I can't think of anything worse right now.  Thanks so much for replying. I'm alone right now so really appreciate a place to vent 

Thanks so much for your reply it means a lot. 
I just felt so alone and I sometimes think the waiting is the worst part of it all. 
I'm at work in the day but I'm worried I won't be able to work, but might help take my mind off things maybe?

also I could try going for a walk tomorrow after work or some yoga. It's mot something I have done before but it's a good idea, thank you x

Hi Casey,

Yes try a few different things... see if anything helps even a little. Takes me a while sometimes. Different things work at different times, I find. Also bear in mind that you are going to be grieving still and the shock of this will have triggered waves of that too.

As for work, it might help but that depends on the job you do and how much it matters if you make a mistake...

Maybe have a discreet word with your line manager (if you've got one)? Can be hard to judge sometimes. Manager can do a double-check or let you take an extra break or two as needed, send you home if they feel you need a bit of time off. A good manager will know what to do. But not all managers are good managers and maybe the buck ends with you anyway. 

The longer you go without sleep or food the harder it will get. Worst-case scenario if this not eating and sleeping goes on phone your GP and/or a helpline for some extra advice given the mix of both anxiety and grief.  On Friday maybe tell the doctors that you suffer from anxiety. I was very anxious on the day and people went the extra mile to help me relax when I told them. Also maybe explain to the medics what happened with your sister so that the results reach you as quickly as possible given how recent that is.

Take care of yourself. If you drive to work, think hard whether you should if you're tired.

Honestly, I know what it is not to sleep for nights and to get anxious – though usually about things other than my health. I've been guilty of not going to the doctor's when I should. You've done the right thing getting both the lump and the mole checked. The wait... is a right old pain.. hopefully good news. Thinking of you. xx

Hi Casey,

You have had great advice from Sunscared. I just want to add to what she has said - please don't assume that it's going to be bad news. Many people have dodgy moles removed and they turn out to be fine. Dysplastic moles, like Sunscared's, look dodgy but are benign. However the consultants don't know they are fine without a removal & a biopsy. So you have to go through this scary procedure but there is a good chance it will be fine.

Don't let the 'What If' ruin your Christmas - you have already had a lot of upset to cope with so you need to be kind to yourself. A walk or yoga sounds a great idea - go for it. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)

aww thank you Angie.

I guess I was upset the consultant wouldn't offer me any reassurance at all and got the feeling he felt it was bad. Or maybe he just didn't want to say either way.

too be honest I wasn't that worried about the mole initially and neither way my gp. Due  to my Health anxiety, she agreed to refer me in the end and I was hoping for them to say yes it fine. So it's kind of escalated to this now. 

I've had the mole for as long as I can remember. It's almost black but my husband told me it's looked exactly the same for 20 years.  But I was worried as the surface felt a bit dry. But consultant seemed quite concerned by the colour and look of it 

so my thought process was if it's a dodgy mole and always looked like this, then how long has it been dodgy and has it likely to spread.

I haven't paid much attention to it and only noticed it was bit dry when pulled up my jeans. So not sure how long it's been like that. 

So got myself in such a state x I am sorry if that seems silly as I know there are far worse off people than me. I just feel like I can't go through anymore worry, after x
I can only get unpaid time off work, so looking into it I can afford this.

thanks for all support