This is going to be my life!

[Panther67]

Hi all! So my story goes: 

i have dysplastic moles. Apparently hereditary. I have had approx 21 excisions, I think but am losing count now. 4 melanomas, many in situ and many dysplastic. I have scars all over my body. I am having to come to terms that this will be a life long struggle for me and my family. I am terrified of the one that will be missed because I have so many moles and continue having more appear. I cannot bring myself to use the word "cancer" and think of it as a skin condition. My boss once directed me to the cancer website and I just sat there and cried, maybe in denial I havnt had cancer! Or have I? Every few months the doctors keep removing moles and thankfully so because they have been either pre cancerous or melanoma.  I know they cannot take them all. I can admit I'm scared! 

[Susan_CCNSW]

Hi Panther67

It sounds like you’ve been having a really tough time with so many excisions of dysplastic nevi and a diagnosis of melanoma. It’s understandable that you have been feeling anxious and scared. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to ensure any changes are picked up early though. Having regular skin checks by a qualified specialist as well as knowing and checking your own skin for any changes is critical to early diagnosis and treatment.

There is a wonderful organisation called Melanoma Patients Australia who offer a number of support services specific to melanoma. These include Support Groups, Peer to Peer support and counselling. They can be contacted on 1300 88 44 50 or you can follow the link below to explore their services.

https://melanomapatients.org.au/support-options/

Cancer Council also offer a number of support services that you may find helpful. On the home page of this Online Community you can find links to services in other States as well as National programs.

Cancer council Perth have many similar programs to Cancer Council NSW and the link below takes you to information about their counselling and support services. 

https://www.cancerwa.asn.au/patients/support-and-services/cancer-counselling/

You can also call the 13 11 20 helpline number and you will be connected to the Cancer Council of the State you are calling from.

Take care and kind regards

Susan