Melanoma what next?

[FangedFrisbee]

Noticed a weird mole next to a freckle in September, I will admit I thought it was a melanoma because it was right next to the freckle but it was 2 separate things.

Ignored it for a bit, then it my shoulder got unbelievably itchy one night and I needed to put some moisturiser on it, I took a photo in case it was a mozzy bite/ a spot. And noticed it was the mole that I'd noticed in September. It had grown so much and changed colour.

It was so big, I was so shocked. I went to the dr in November and he told me I was being over cautious until I showed the first photo. It really is so different, got referred to dermatology and had it chopped off. I got the call today it's melanoma and need a wide local excision to remove more. I also had 3 more on my leg removed and they were all melanoma too! I hadn't even noticed them!

I need some scans apparently, has anyone had this?

If I hadn't taken a photo in September, no one wouldve referred me based on 'it looks weird'

Take photos and have a record of any that look 'weird'

Also if you're ginger like I am who's parents routinely forgot to put more cream on me in 90s! Then, nhs photos of moles are so different to what mine looked like. So bare that in mind.

Please get any dodgy moles looked at.

Oh no, so sorry to hear that. How much did they remove in the end?

All my lymph nodes under my left arm, a margin of 2cm around my shoulder biopsy scar leaving a scar about 4 inches long, and a biopsy of another melanoma on my neck. 3 lymph nodes were positive for cancer and I have tumours in my lung and liver. Found during staging scans. I'm now on a combined immunotherapy.

Ooof, that’s such a lot. Sorry to hear the staging has moved on too, hope the side effects of the combined treatment aren’t too awful

Oh @FangedFrisbee that's such a lot for you to take in. One day at a time. Fingers crossed the immuno does its job, have you had your first cycle yet ? X

@FangedFrisbee I’m so sorry to hear your news, melanoma is an insidious beast. To give you a glimmer of light, speaking from experience ipi/nivo and other immunos are game changers and can work quickly and effectively. I wish you well with your treatment. Rest, eat well and moisturise!

Please can I join this thread? My cousin has been diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. She is having a pet scan and neck biopsy today. It all started with a mole check in May 2023 and two operations, biopsies and scans later she is at this point, she is young with a small child.

How are you getting on Fanged?

I am very moly and have had 1 early melanoma removed before plus now in the2 week pathway again for another.

I used to sunbathe and now I feel like I am paying for it. I’ve always been outside, I am so concerned that as a very moly person how can we tell if they are all dangerous or not? I wasn’t even mole mapped after my first diagnosis x

Hello OP, how are you doing now? ☺️