melanoma, MS, TTC for the first time

[tizzybell]

i'm 23 and have just been stuck with primary progressive MS. I am terrified. Foolishly, i said i'd rather have cancer.
Lo and behold, my doctor thinks I have melanoma.

there is one drug for PPMS which can stop it getting worse, but I don't think you can take it if you have a history of cancer as it lowers your immune system. I hope I've caught this mole early, but it looks so nasty and red I'm scared it's been there for months

anyone have any positive (as positive as it can be) experience with melanoma? I was JUST coming to terms with the MS!!! now I wake up everyday thinking I'm going to die and never be able to have my baby please help. I just want a normal happy, healthy little family, nothing else.

[Chewbecca]

Sorry to hear about your problems.

Just wanted to let you know that a close family member has had two MM, both were fully removed with no spread or further treatment needed, other than close monitoring and follow up.

[tizzybell]

Thanks chewbecca, that's the type of stuff I'd like to hear. Just had my life flipped upside down and it's awful. So scared for the future

[Ellapaella]

Survival of melanoma when caught early is incredibly high. Have you had the mole biopsied yet? Probably not too much point in speculating until you know for sure. The turn around for this is usually very quick. I know quite a few people who have had melanoma, had it removed early and are fine 5 years plus down the line (I'm in my late 30's).

[tizzybell]

Thanks ellapaella, i'm having a biopsy next week. If the mole was my only problem I wouldn't be stressed, but the fact that it could affect my MS treatment is what really concerns me

[Ellapaella]

Of course, I understand completely. It's a really bad blow for you. Hopefully it will all be ok with the mole. I had a precancerous mole removed 3 years ago, it was a very worrying time just dealing with that never mind having to deal with MS as well! But I was staggered by how many people were at the melanoma clinic and the consultant told me only a very small proportion of those biopsied would actually turn out to have melanoma despite the suspicious looking moles. I'm trying (not very successfully sorry!) to give you a bit of reassurance. Hope it all goes okay for you xx

[PhyllisWig]

I am sorry to hear about all of this and you have my sympathy - it's a huge amount to deal with.

Just this week my mum had a melanoma diagnosis. She had a previous cancerous mole and was cancer free for 20 years. This one has been caught early again and she needs a small 'clean up' op then just monitoring. She's 70 and the mole had been dodgy for a year or so before she went. Not sure if reassuring or not but you have youth on your side here.

[tizzybell]

ellapaella that is reassuring thank you!

PhyllisWig thanks so much for that kind message. I'm glad your mum is doing well, it is reassuring that it was caught early even after a year because I have no idea how long I've had this mole for! How often do you see the back of your legs?! I'm hoping for a benign result but if it's caught early I'll still be pleased