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Melanoma

G2019
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Hi,

I'm 31 years old and I've been to the hospital today to have a suspicious mole looked at. I first noticed it a couple of years ago but who knows how long it could have been there. I went to my GP at the time and she barely glanced at it and said it was nothing to worry about. It hasn't changed from what I can remember however the dermatologist I saw today has said he thinks it's stage 0 or 1 melanoma. I'm waiting for an appointment to have a biopsy but I feel in complete shock and absolutely terrified. The fact that this thing has been on my body for at 2 years as got me thinking all sorts and how it surely must have spread in that time. I have an 18 month old son and all I can think about is the worst and that I'm going to leave him. 

The dermatologist says it looks thin but recently I've been having all kinds of aches and pains and now I'm convinced they must be related and that it could have spread. My mental health is not great anyway with depression and anxiety and this is completely consuming me. I don't know how I'm going to cope with the waiting over the next few weeks

  • Offline in reply to G2019

    Hi Gina,

    That's good news. As you say, it's the best of a bad bunch but it means it's been caught very early & once treated you should be fine in the future. Good luck with the WLE and stay safe in the sun.

    Angie x

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    I couldn't read and run this is EXACTLY what I'm going through right now. Noticed a mole when I was pregnant nearly 3 years ago, didn't think anything of it. Finally got it checked last week and they think it's stage 0 or 1 and I'm awaiting my results. I have extremely ill mental health and this waiting is torturous. I have two sons under the age of 3 and I keep convincing myself that it's spread and I'm going to leave them without a mother

  • Offline in reply to Kay678

    G2019 and Kay,

    So many of us in a similar boat. I am currently being monitored and have my dermatologist appointment next week. My mole on my sole has appeared to have not changed but every ache, itch, pain and ailment (more from day to day wear and tear I expect :laugh: ) I am attributing to this little mole.

    I am sorry to hear you both have heard news that suggests it is Melanoma but fingers crossed and the facts Angie points to indicate it is manageable. 

    I am 31, also have a son of nearly 2yrs and a wife but I have to tell myself, irrespective of what happens, do I want to look back on time spent with them being time worrying myself sick or just letting their wonderful ways fill me with joy and be the one true therapy I need right now? 

    Take care both and keep the forum updated. 

  • Offline in reply to Kay678

    Hi Kay,

    So sorry to hear you're going through the same thing. I COMPLETELY understand exactly how you are feeling right now. I was a mess for weeks waiting for my biopsy and results. Utterly convinced I was going to die. I had my WLE surgery on Thursday and awaiting results but after finding out it was Stage 0, a few weeks on and I'm a completely different person and feel so much more like myself. I've always suffered with my mental health (anxiety and depression) so it's been tough. If you ever want to chat please reach out, I know how lonely it can feel when people around you don't understand what it's like to be told you've likely got a form cancer on your body!x

  • Offline in reply to MattU

    Best of luck with your appointment MattU! Luckily mine was the best outcome I could have hoped for, but I also attributed every ache and pain to the lesion! I wasted weeks not engaging with my son because I was so depressed at the thought of the results, but the not knowing does crazy things to you. I feel so much for anyone who has to deal with any sort of disease and we just have to hope we're lucky enough to live a long and healthy life

  • Offline in reply to G2019

    I know what you mean. For my first appointment I was a mess. This time round I am more relaxed but nonetheless would rather just the damn thing gone so I don't even have to think about it, which just sounds daft. I guess we just have to be thankful that cancer or not, skins cancer is one of the very few you can observe and gives you early warnings. 

  • Offline in reply to MattU

    Hi guys,

    sorry to jump in to the chat like this but I am in the same boat as you all and can't sleep. Feel so sorry for you all and know exactly what it is like to wait and wonder - pure hell! Can't stop thinking about my poor babies (youngest only 2). Lovely to hear that some of you have positive news!

     

    I'm in the weirdest situation as had a 0.3 melanoma in situ removed with WLE but they are not happy with my results. Pathologists arguing and it's been referred to someone in London. So scary

     

    Willow xx

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