UK Skin Cancer and Melanoma Patients

[sandra]

I’ve been browsing this forum for a couple of months now so thought it was time I made my own contribution. Here’s my story – I’ve always been moley and periodically asked my GP to check various moles, but never been referred for any. Recently I mentioned to him that as I had so many moles I was finding it difficult to keep a check on them and does having a lot of moles make you a candidate for referral? He agreed to refer me and let the dermatologist make that decision. Saw the dermatologist in Jan 2010 and she didn’t think it necessary to stay on her books just for checking as there was not a problem. However, while I was there she did check out all of my moles and saw nothing that concerned her. Being the paranoid person that I am, I asked her to look again at one on my leg that I thought was a strange shape - more of a splat than a mole. She agreed to remove it for my peace of mind and I had the mole removed the same morning. I was told I would have the result in 4-6 weeks. I left the hospital feeling slightly relieved that I was in the system, worried that I had point out the ‘odd’ looking one rather than her notice it, but glad the excision had been done there and then (no time to think and worry about it). However, 6 days later my dermatologist phoned to say it was a melanoma in situ. I’m afraid to say that on hearing the word melanoma I went to pieces and all my paranoia of my moles was now becoming a reality. Went back to see her within a week and she told me that she was satisfied it had been removed completely and no need for further investigation. I am due back in 4 months time for a further check-up. Since then I have scoured the internet and scared myself silly. All my other moles now seem like ticking time-bombs and I am becoming obsessed with the whole thing. What if I hadn’t pointed that one out to her? What if there were others she’s ‘missed’? She told me I was lucky that we caught it early, but that doesn’t ease the worry that I may get another one or perhaps it hadn’t been removed completely and may come back. I truly believe that those who have never experienced it just hear the word melanoma and consider it JUST a skin cancer that has been cut out and then life gets back to normal. I’m aware that my worries are very self-indulgent and it is very humbling to read of the experiences some of you are facing …….. and you still remaining positive. I’m 38, a mum to 4 beautiful daughters and I don’t want to live my life in fear. I’m not expecting any answers from you folks, just thought if anyone would understand my paranoia then you would. Sorry this is a long one - sometimes it just helps to tell those who will understand where I’m coming from.
Sandra

[Marsha]

Welcome to my world, Sandra. If you get any tips for handling the paranoia, please share....

Marsha xx

[jaqlyn]

Hi Sandra,

Welcome to the forum, yes... I definitely can relate to the level of paranoia you're feeling and its totally normal for you to be feeling anxious and scared after a diagnosis of melanoma. I found that I learned to cope in time and lived a normal day to day life by setting myself times when I would check my moles for example a weekly quick visual check whilst showering/bathing and a more thorough one monthly. Get a partner/friend or member of your family to check any your worried about in hard to see places, a mole mate . There is also a good guide on self examination out there, I cant remember the website sorry but if you can't find this ask your dermatologist at your next visit for help with examining your moles. I found this was the only way for me to take control overall, although the week prior to appointments is always a stressful time for me and I'm sure most people on here can relate to this too.

I don't know if any of this helps you but I do hope everything works out ok for you and I know this is hard advice to follow but try not to worry too much.

Take care Jacqui

[gilly]

Hi Sandra welcome - I thought I'd just put in something here that I was told by our dermatologist - though you are more likely to get a melanoma if you are moley - only 20 % of melanomas start from an actual mole - the rest are new lesions entirely - so in a way this must help with spotting - yes you still have to check the existing ones, but a new one is often more obvious ! A mole map is great but in the end though the check ups are good and act as another pair of eyes - it is in the end you and your family that need to be observant ...

[sandra]

I've not be on the forum for a while, but many thanks Jacqui, Marsha & Gilly for your replies and kind words.

I do think as time goes on I will learn to deal with this and will get into a habit of regular follow-ups with the dermatologist, careful self-checking and being 'sun-aware'. My next appointment is June, which seems a long time away, but at least I have a date in the diary. I do know how lucky I am that my melanoma was 'in situ' and hope that my paranoia will subside over time and allow me to live without being constantly fearful.

My initial depression is lifting and I'm focussing my energies on staying healthy and positive. The reality of melanoma is truly terrifying but the stories of everyone's experiences on this forum have been a real inspiration. I will keep coming on line to read the forum - the level of support shown for one another is wonderful. Thank you
Sandra