Melanoma stage 1

[Nikkicee]

Hi everyone , 

i also appreciate everyone’s time in advance!!!

decemeber 2018 I was diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma  , I have had a wide excision done and told surrounding tissue is clear , in the mean time I had 5 additional moles removed ( all suture worthy) as a precaution all came back negative I have visited a dermatologist at the RPA hospital Sydney and had a thorough body / skin check and been given the all clear for now to just do ongoing skin checks every 6months ,

my question  to anyone else who experienced this , after reading so many other people’s stories and even a person I personally know who had stage 2  had mole mapping , digital photography visits his specialist every  3 months and has now been 2 years all clear ( thank god ! ) is the treatment I have done sufficient ? I can’t help but wounder if it is to spread how will I know ? Should I get a second opinion ? 

Am I over thinking  am I not worrying enough I try and just forget about it and move because the idea of thinking ahead now is so scary .

[Katekat]

Hi @Nikkicee,

I can understand your worries, I actually had one cut out right before Christmas and didn't get the results until after New Year, which did have cells so the whole thing had to come out. 

Have you had a chat with your GP? Perhaps he or she could do some regular checks for you? Mine had a look at some others I was concerned about and he's happy to check me over regularly.

There's also nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion, many people do. I have also considered mole mapping, as I have extremely fair skin and get burnt very easily.

Cheers,

Kate

Online Community Manager

[Nikkicee]

hi there @Katekat  , thank you for your reply.

yes i thought of that to and i did bring it up with my specialist and any other concerns that i had example my fraternal grandmother just passed away last year from a late diagnosed melonoma and my maternal grandfather has had it twice with succssfull margins removed (as far as i no we are not in contact) the specialists associate checked me out and said all was unnecessary and to do 1 time per year  and than my actual specialist came in asked how it all went and as they were chatting to each other than said no to do 6 month skin checks  with them and  in between (if anything arises) with my doctor.so already that part made me feel abit uneasy the fact they didnt agree on how often i should come back and the dr that said once yearly was the same dr that said any further testing was unnecessary.

Ive just read and watched so many blogs (dont worry not Dr google) of people having stage 1 and months/year later having secondary cancers return at an obviously much more dangerous life threatning stage. I cant help but feel not satisfied with the tests that have been done,  constantly getting reminded by my doctor , specialists , blogs , now even commercials  on TV about how many people die from melonoma a day let alone a year  and the fact that melonoma always returns and then to  think all i had was it cut out and a fellow human that didnt seem sure look at my moles and now i meant to carry on like normal with such information ?

i like to hear everyones opinions on this espcially with follow up treatment like mine because i cant talk to anyone else about it and anyone i can talk to treats it like your common cold and I have to pretend like it never happened so i dont seem crazy and when i am alone and allow it to creep into my mind i just feel so choked up about sometimes , like as if im ticking time bomb just another statistic , or am i being completely over dramatic and paranoid ,  

how do you feel about your diagnosis @Katekat  (and any one else who would like top share there thoughts )are you satisfied with your treatment so far ?

[Nikkicee]

By the way same time as myself this all happened in the 2 week span of Christmas and new year just the best time to get these sort of results !

[Budgie]

Hi Nikkicee,

My advice to you would be to get a second opinion, or even a third, as you are entitled to do, & put your mind at rest. Stress is the last thing you want & I can see no harm in getting mole mapping etc, done if it will give you peace of mind. 😊

Budgie

[Nikkicee]

Thank you for your reply , 

i think im just going to try out my trust that the drs no what there doing , 

its just difficult to believe and accept something so serious is just poof gone now go about your day.

thank you for your advice i will most definetly though if i feel anything off i will even bring it uo at my 6Month check,

[ZOL]

I has type 1 melanoma removed two years ago. I had a second opinion post the op. I was on a 3 month check for 18 months and now I'm out to 6 months.

I have found that its best to be convinced that you have had the best treatment 7 second opinion and then accept the results and
look forward to a healthy life with emphasis on fitness, healthy food and socialise with good-positive friends.

There is a book "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" by Dr Russ Harris which may help you with anxiety & the fear of recurrence.

[Nikkicee]

@ZOL 

thank you for your reply , i think thats the best thing to i keep checking myself as i do have quite a few moles and my local dr is very understanding and is always happy to check for me ..its easy for my mind to wonder as i think knowing the ridiculous time i did in the sun prior to my diagnosis really scares me to think the severity of it and how at risk we are in general than i pretty much abused the sun being naive "wont be me" concerns me  and hits a guilty spot but i have to have faith i have had the most appropriate care ...i will be sure to check it out thank you !