How do you deal with waiting for cancer results?

[iwouldgoouttonight]

I had a mole removed a month or so back and just got the results to say its melanoma. The doctor was lovely and very reassuring, she said it was less than 1mm deep so its unlikely to have spread, but I have to have a larger area taken out around it just to make sure there aren't any cancerous cells in there. So I'm just waiting for an appointment, which she said will be before Christmas and then I'll get the results from that.

When she told me that it was cancer I kind of felt ok about it - it seems low risk, and the operation should remove any further cells if there are any. But although in my head I'm feeling quite sensible about it, I keep feeling slightly panicky and getting short of breath. Kind of like an anxious feeling in my chest.

I've got loads of moles so I can't help but think there must be a higher risk of one of those becoming cancerous, and the doctor did say the cancer could return near to the original mole but as a lump rather than another mole.

I only got this mole checked by chance - its at the back of my leg so its hard for me to see, and the GP wasn't originally going to refer me because she thought it looked fine (it didn't have many of the symptoms of a melanoma, it had just got slightly darker in colour).

I didn't like having the mole removed - I'm a bit of a wuss with things like that, so I'm really not looking forward to having a bigger bit taken out, but I just want it to be over with. I'm just finding it difficult with all the waiting.

[iwouldgoouttonight]

I'm killing threads left right and centre lately

[Hassled]

The waiting is a bastard - I've had 2 biopsies in the last year for different things (both were fine) and I can't tell you how a sane, sensible person copes with the waiting because I coped really badly. I know that panicky, out of breath feeling well. You have to try and rationalise it - if it's X, then they can do Y and after that Z and that's copeable with - but that's easier said than done.

All I can say is that your hospital is clearly not panicked, which has to be good. Is it worth ringing the consultant's secretary to ask if you can be put on any cancellation list they may have? Best of luck with it all.

[Thankfulforeveryday]

Waiting I pretty crap. There are timescales set out, you have to be treated normally within 4 weeks or the hospital can be fined from what I believe. I have cancer and have had for 4 years, and that's what I've been led to believe, I've always been treated within my timescales. If you ring Mcmillan they will know the facts. I do hope you get sorted sooner rather than later though as I'm aware of how it feels to be waiting!! Good luck!

[Mediumred]

Hi love, Iwould, didn't want to read and run. I had a lump removed from my breast last year. I'd previously had a biopsy which was inconclusive so had to have the lump removed and then that was tested. It all turned out to be fine, all clear, in fact the surgeon made me feel like I'd wasted his time, me and my lumpy boob :)

I know your situation is different and you wouldn't be human if you didn't worry but it sounds like you are in really good hands and are now 'in the system' of tests and treatments and congratulate yourself about how wise you were to get the mole checked. Also your other moles will be monitored much more closely now. As for the waiting, yes, it's hard, I adopted an 'ostrich-like' approach really, worrying wont make it better or worse, but also keep busy, do nice things for yourself and lean on friends and family if you can. Also here's a little hand to hold.

[iwouldgoouttonight]

Thanks for replying, and sorry you've all been through it as well. I am very good at rationalising it in my head and when I speak to people about it, even if it has spread, it can be treated, etc. That's why I don't understand this short of breath panicky feeling. It's as though I've told myself it'll all be okay but my lungs/breathing/etc haven't got the message!

[iwouldgoouttonight]

Yes they said the nhs guidelines state you have to be treated within one month, so I know it won't be much longer but I'm just rubbish with waiting.

[Mediumred]

Aww, I guess you can be sensible and rational, and you know rationally it is likely to be fine, but those panicky feelings creep in, a month of sheer uncertainty is a long time. It sounds like you are doing really well but ringing the consultant's secretary is a good idea, even just to give yourself the feeling you are 'doing something' not just waiting.