1b . Felt good but getting scared again

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1b . Felt good but getting scared again

This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 6 months ago by almostalice.

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- December 15, 2018 at 9:06 pm
- Quote
obftwmlg10
Participant
Hopefully this story won’t sound too self indulgent. In the summer, my other half noticed a mole and thought it had changed. Went to GP who said it was harmless but would take it out anyway. Due to being told it was harmless, I didn’t get it out for a couple of months. That was on 12th November. It came back 1b superficial spreading and I got a hospital appointment three days later. The hospital said that all the tumour has been removed by my GP and he had taken a good safety zone too. However, they want to do a WLE in January. The doctor at hospital checked me thorough ly and felt no issues with my lymphs. They won’t consider SLNB necessary. I’ve to be followed for a year . Got a letter with the full result of my tumour. It was a 0.8mm non ulcerated superficial melanoma and had a zero mitotic rate. I understand this is positive. Anyway, despite feeling reassured, I’ve started to get really worried that my body is full of this illness and things like worrying that a cough shows it’s spread and they didn’t notice. I’m worried because the irrational side of me is taking over.

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- - December 16, 2018 at 4:51 am
  - Quote
  Janner
  Participant
  I’m stage 1b, my last primary was similar to yours, .88mm, no unceration but mine showed 1 mitosis. That was in 2001, originally diagnosed in 1992. The best idea I can give you is to look at any symptoms and ask yourself if this same symptom would have stressed you or had you running to the doctor without a melanoma diagnosis. You’d be surprised at your answers. Have your doctor show you how to palpate the closest lymph node basins. That’s the most likely place for spread. Watch for new and different lesions or changes in existing ones. Then LIVE LIFE. Don’t let melanoma win the mental battle!
- - December 19, 2018 at 7:16 pm
  - Quote
  almostalice
  Participant
  Some of the wording too makes us think it's worse than it is. Superfical spreading means locally and horizontally so that's a much better sign than horizontal growth (Breslow). Anything below 1mm is a sign of a GP and patient taking things with caution and not waiting.
  
  I went on Anxiety medication this year and I feel like it actually made me a little benevolent to melanoma, like a malaise and no sense of urgency. Which probably backfired because my insitu at the time of making an appointment had gone beyond into 0.9mm.
  
  It's certainly a mental battle. At stage 2 I was offered counseling via the NHS, it was all a bit generic and non-personal. Just know that stage 1 is a much better place to be.

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