Mum Melanoma

[zdickens]

Just typical, 5 weeks till holiday and doctor told my mum that she has a melanoma. She’s waiting a referral for hospital and now don’t know whether we’ll be able to go on holiday. Obviously I want my mum to have surgery and chemo if needed and get better, but I’ve waited 18 months for this holiday as have been diagnosed with cancer myself and finished all my treatment. Sorry for sounding selfish just needed to get that off my chest.

[bonnies mum]

I know this is sometimes simply a day surgery procedure which is then checked for clear margins. Do realise this may not be the case here.
Hope things turn out well for your mum and no further treatment necessary.

[DiszeeBelle]

My mam had surgery 2 days before going to DLP, she was told to rest when can but otherwise she was fine (it was on her leg). When she arrived home she had the diagnosis that it was melanoma. She actually hadnt went in for that to be checked but they spotted it and removed. She been having checks for past year and no chemo necessary. My sis in law exactly the same and she had big surgery on hers, had her ankle rebuilt but again no chemo and checks every year for next 5 years, then every 2. Both in and out in a day, my mam was out in 1 1/2hrs. Fingers crossed it will turn out fine.

[zdickens]

Thanks ladies. I’m hoping it’s nothing serious, it was actually spotted when she had her flu jab. Fingers crossed, she’s chasing them tomorrow for an appointment.

[taylaboo]

Hubby had one on his back and it was removed within 7 days. He then had a nurse come to the house 7 days later to have the stitches removed. He had no chemo but did have regular checks for 5 years. As long as the apppintment for removal comes thru quickly she will be fine.

[zdickens]

Thanks Taylaboo. The doctors said if she hasn’t heard anything after a week to ring and chase. I think it’s the not knowing that is the problem, you’re kind of in limbo.

[JSP]

Brother in law had this, his involved a big operation after the initial removal, wide area excision and lymph node biopsies etc it all happened very quickly, this was about 3 years ago, thankfully he is still cancer free

[megaflyer]

I had a large one removes from my ear - from doctor spotting it to going into guys hospital for removal it took less than a week. Because it was behind my ear it was difficult to dress (couldn’t be stitched - they removed all my ear down to cartlidge and cauterised it. Apart from daily then weekly dressings I led a normal life . Yes my travel insurance went sky high for a year and will always now be elevated but depending on where your Mothers is she may be ok to travel my advise would be to just let insurers know ASAP.

[Evil queen]

Aw that’s bad timing. If they think it’s melanoma they will refer her on a 2 week wait. I saw my gp this morning as I’m concerned about an unusual growth on my face. They referred me on a 2 week wait and appointments had been in touch with me by lunchtime with an appointment in 2 weeks. My understanding is that if dermatology believe it is a melanoma they will excise it with broad margins and often that is all the treatment required if it low grade. If it has spread further then obviously that’s a bit different.
I hope she hears something soon and that it’s all caught nice and early (or in fact is benign).

[meggy]

I am sure she will be seen quickly. I had a mole removed from my arm, 2 weeks later told melanoma, 1 weeks later much larger margin taken, and all clear then given. Apart from 5 years of check ups and a slightly hollow looking lower arm (!) no further action was needed.

I hope she gets appt soon so you can carry on planning your trip.