Melanoma stage 1

[molly1977]

I have stage 1 superficial spreading melanoma skin cancer, waiting for the surgery to make sure it’s all gone.
I feel lucky in a way it could have been worse, but also a bit shocked.
I’m due to go away next week somewhere hot and want to make sure I protect myself from the sun. Does anyone know of any good retailers who sell fashionable and nice UV clothing, not tight rash vests.

If you swim you’ll want a rash vest and maybe leggings for swimming in. For out of the water I tend to wear a beach shirt / linen shirt and trousers. The specific UV clothing all tends to be a bit “safari” although this might be worth a look

https://www.solbari.co.uk/collections/all-clothing?srsltid=AfmBOooG49_FJgiGmQ1ok0npRDQCvLWHUdItbSrg6M9hQY_6Hry7zB84

Oh and Uniqlo have a few bits - some is in the sale just now.

Thank you, I’ll take a look. I’m quite shocked that you can still damage your skin through normal leggings, so feel a bit scared about even being in the sun at all now.

I have stage 3c melanoma. I never wore special clothing and I do a lot of outdoor activities and have been to Spain twice since my diagnosis.

Honestly, suncream, hat and sunglasses, and staying out of the sun. You can wear a rash vest all you want, but it won’t cover the most vulnerable bits like your face, head, neck, hands. I had an amazing time in Spain a few months ago, but I stayed in the shade, went out morning and early evening. Completely under a parasol on the beach and only til noon or so. Once you have melanoma, unfortunately the days of lying out in the sun are over, but you can still have a wonderful time on holiday.

Do make sure the lesion is completely covered. I wore a headband and a hat (mine was on my head). You could also cover with a bandage as an extra layer of protection under clothing.

Thank you that’s reassuring. I’ve never really been one to sunbath and since being a teenager have tried to avoid it. Mine is on my lower leg, so I’ll have to put a plaster or something over it.
You sound really positive, thank you for taking the time to message, it’s helped my mood today. It’s all very new.

Mine were on my back. Hence the rash vest and leggings for swimming. There are gym leggings about that are uv50+

I guess it depends on your risk tolerance. For the first couple of years being out in the sun made me feel physically sick and UV protective clothing made me feel much better.

Now I just tend to be covered up, and under a parasol but to be honest I’m hardly out in the sun any more.

It just takes some time.

It’s not even a week since diagnosis and it’s already changed my habits. Hat, sunglasses and suncream on a day I wouldn’t normally.

You are probably still in shock at this point.

Factor 50, wide brimmed hat, loose cool clothes to cover up and try to enjoy your holiday.

Top up with Vitamin D over the Winter if you're avoiding the sun completely. Wishing you well in your treatment journey. As others have said, just be sensible and try to enjoy your holiday.

I had an early stage melanoma removed more than two decades ago - I slap on factor 50, wear sunglasses and a cap as hair is beginning to thin a bit, but I still go walking all day in Europe in shorts and short sleeved shirt. When not walking, I stay in the shade as much as practical.

I take vitamin D - should have started that much earlier due to wearing the high factor suncream.

A lot of walking gear is UV protective, but might not be the look that you are looking for.

Have a lovely holiday - I had stitches out a few days early so I could go on holiday, and the holiday did me a lot of good, as I did need time to get my head round what had happened.

My dh had this on his leg stage 1 and after having it cut it out we went away.. difficult to shower etc as have to keep the wound dry.

Ooh yes @wiminnyhas reminded me. If you haven’t already been told this, you need to start taking vitamin D each day. About three times the normal dose is what I was told. Aside from the fact that you can’t really go in the sun any more higher vitamin D levels are associated with better long term outcomes and is recommended by NICE.

Thanks, I’m waiting for results of blood tests for vitamin D.

Thank you this helps a lot. I love walking and getting outside, so seems like if I’m sensible I can still do this.
I think I need to get my head around everything still. It’s early days so a lot to take in.

Mountain Warehouse have lots of high sun protection clothes.

In normal clothes darker colours offer best protection.

I have stage 4 melanoma.

Sending you all best wishes.

Thanks - you too@Mrsmunchofmunchington

Thank you for the heads up on Mountain Warhouse. I’ve just had 2 surgeries on stage 1 melanoma. How are you coping with stage 4? Im finding it very scary. I haven’t properly processed it yet I think., it feels surreal.

@ThatSharpMintSwan its so hard to process at first, I’m now at the 8 week stage after the surgery and feel a lot better emotionally. I felt guilty about being so upset (because it was stage 1a) but in the early weeks I kept crying all the time. Lately I’m better and now that I can drive again and walk a lot more I’m fine. I’ve taken photos of all my other moles but I am very fearful of another one, to the point I think about it every day. I’m hoping this gets easier over time too.
my scar is looking neat but it’s large and I have a big chunk out of my leg, I avoid showing people because of the look of horror when then see it- however it doesn’t worry me and I’m just so grateful it’s gone and was early. Lots of mixed emotions.

x

Wondering how those of you who posted are now?
Just been diagnosed with my second melenoma (insitu). Feeling daunted! Know it’s treatable with wider excision and lucky for that, but just so sad to be going through it again. Thinking this makes it very likely I’ll have more in my lifetime and next time I may not be so lucky is haunting me!

Hello, sorry to hear that has happened. Do you mind me asking how you know it had returned?

I have a large scar from WLE which looks ok so far.

Im doing ok generally, I think about melanoma a lot, and I have a full skin check booked before the summer as I’m finding the sunnier weather is making me a bit anxious.

wishing you all the best.

@molly1977 sorry to hear you are anxious too.
Sorry if I wasn’t clear, this is a new mole lesion in a new area. My first on my shoulder blade, now this one found on my arm.
I am ‘high risk’ as have a family history and lots of moles.
my last one was about 8 years ago.