Melanoma - who has it?

I see Ewan McGregor has just had a brush with skin cancer - type not specified. Luckily (cos I do like him) he's fine, but his comment in an interview on the Beeb today that "it was no big deal" made me see red!!

It was a BIG deal to me and still is.

To give out the signal that "have a bit of skin cancer, get it cut out and still look as good as me" undermines the whole Sunsmart campaign and trivialises melanoma.

Naughty Ewan!! Good job I ain't got his e-mail address!

Marsha xx

I'm Julia, and have recently been told I'm clear of melanoma (my first and hopefully only brush, positively thinking, hah!), so am not quite an old hand or strictly speaking *in your club*.Hi anyway!

Love him to bits, but Mr MacGregor's comments were worth a spell on the naughty step weren't they?!

I've been getting more of an education about skin cancer than I ever expected, but found his attitude a bit disturbing. I'm very happy he's fine, but frankly if he wasn't going to use the opportunity to be a bit more enlightening about the subject, it may have been smart of the BBC not to trail his interviews as if he were!

I expect you've had plenty of experience of people who've had, or know someone who's had the *exact same thing*. Most of the people I'd heard of via well meaning friends and the mother in law, had the same experience as Ewan McGregor, moles removed...some unspecified skin cancer discovered, no further treatment required...no big deal.

Ah well, I suppose he wasn't going to be able to avoid discussing his moles since they were on his face. It might be that he'd had no intention of sharing his news, in which case he can get off the naughty step a little sooner.

Hope you're well Marsha, the forum seems a bit quiet (good I suppose)hopefully there will be more use of it soon.

Hi Julia

And a big warm welcome to the fourth member of the melanoma club!! It might have been your first brush with the damn thing, but you did in one go what it took me 10 years to do!!

How's it going with the groin dissection, I had mine done at the end of February and just returned to work a week ago, still a bit sore and swollen, but I won't complain... much!!

Yes, like you I have known many many people (including my late dad)who've had skin cancer, mostly the type that is treated with cream... not quite the same, is it?

So what's happening with you from now on, 3 monthly visits to the dermatologist?

Take care!!

Marsha xx

Yes, that's the plan, 3 monthly visits from now on. First one on July 4th, I'll be wearing stars and stripes knickers.

Yeah right! I'm still consigned to big sensible knickers and despair of ever wearing my frillies again. My bikini line looks like a relief map of wartime trenches and I am feeling very lopsided.I think I mentioned earlier that I'd had an ovary etc. removed from the opposite side. Attention seeking, moi?!! ;)

Still...mustn't complain,ahem.

I was planning to go back to work today, it didn't happen. That's why I'm here really, acknowledging that it's happened and despite being determined, etc. I wasn't really ready to go back. I've been feeling further and further away from me and normality and thought returning to work was just a simple goal.

I must be simple. I also have a knack for not asking the right questions, so have been trying to find out via the net, info that I'll be asking my doctor, if/when he calls back.

Your scar sounds very dramatic Marsha, I'm not surprised you're still feeling it. My groin and thigh are OK, but I'm having trouble with swelling which I'm not sure should be happening. I'm also not sure if it relates to the nodes or the ovary.

Nice to meet you, I hope you aren't working too hard. I'm still pleading the no housework rule, and any concerns about hygiene etc. have long gone out the window. It's been gorgeous weather down here in Hampshire all day, about time I went out to enjoy some of it.

I think you'll find most melanoma patients in the UK over on the melanoma forum:

http://www.scansol.co.uk/forum/index.php

I was diagnosed with having mm which I had a wider excision of the site 2 weeks ago, i geet the results of this on tuesday, I am finding it difficult to think of anything else. i have 2 small kids that I keep thinking that I won't see grow up. Every ache of pain i think it is something sinister. having had a read of the other site posted it seems that people don;t seem to just have one mm which scares me even more. Sorry for sounding negative I am just a bit scared just now.

I am a bit stupid I don't know how to add my name??? any suggesions????

Del, it's a pretty scary time for you, but try not too worry too much. I had my first MM 11 years ago and I'm still here! It's only natural to worry about aches and pains god only knows how many diagnoses I've given myself over the last two years!! But they're probably just the normal niggles that you'd have never noticed otherwise.

MM is a funny one, I've had 7 moles removed over the years that were "suspicious" only was was malignant, but so far that blighter has come back twice, once locally and now spread to my lymph nodes.

What are you having trouble adding your name to? The site Danensis given the link to above? Just go on "register", it's quite easy.

Take care and hope the results are promising on Tuesday.

Marsha xx

Hi Marsha
How long in between did you mm come back and how big was it? Mines i was told was small and the consultant told me to try and get on with life. I was in a state of shock and really didn;t know what questions I should be asking any questions I should ask on Tuesday??

Glad for any advice.

Thanks
Adelle

You must be going through terrible shock and stress at the moment. Well, Marsha has splendid advice and is certainly an expert in this subject! I only wanted to add that I wish you all the best for Tuesday. I presume they are going to tell you if you need any more treatment. Have you got someone to go with you, as I found that between the two of us, we had just about got the hang of everything, whereas alone you are reeling from one thing when they doctors are moving on to the next. Don't feel shy to ask them to repeat or give a fuller explanation, or you will go away wondering, oh, did they mean....? I took a notepad, and wrote all my questions down, and ticked them off. Please let us know how it goes. I wish you the very best xxxx Penny

Hi all,
Nice to see some more peeps here (maybe not nice - but you know what I mean!)
Ewan - have to agree. I have a sense of humour about Melanoma, don't get me wrong, and sometimes my friends think I have an evil sense of humour about Melanoma, but that's how I deal with it. However, he was speaking very publically about skin cancer, and looked uncomfortable talking about it, but I would have expected him not to be so flippant in his remarks. I love him and have been a huge fan since train spottong, wish him all the best for the future!
Hi Marshe - yes 3rd time for me. Had surgery to have quite a large tomour removed from the top of my leg which was displacing (not invading) my muscle. Have to admit, I'm crapping myself but also trying to be optomistic about the situation. Luckily all of my remaining lymph nodes and all organs were clear, and the proffs are a little baffled about that one! Having a PET scan in the near future, which I've been told shows up malignant melanoma cells, that will decide whether I need further treatment or not e.g surgery or drug trials.
I completely sypathise with and undersatnd the comment about all of the niggles and pains - I'm awful! But we have a reason to be worried so if you are go to the GP! They are very understanding. I was diagnosed with this over 10 years ago too, so please don't think it's going to spread quickly.
Anyway, hello all and catch you soon,
Natasha x

Hi Natasha

It's nice to see you bank and on the road to recovery. Seems we have quite a bit in common!

Adelle, my first melanoma, the one that was truly a mole, was about a centimetre in diameter, and heart shaped, so pretty! It was excised by a very skilled Aussie doctor who took about a 6cm elipse of skin, so it was "completely" removed... alledgedly! It returned about 9 and a bit years later as a small lump under the scar but almost exactly in the same place. That was removed, found to be malignant and I had a wide excision where I had a large steak sized piece of my rump removed. It was hoped that the would be the end of it, but it wasn't and this year it was found in one of the lymph glands in my groin. I had all the nodes in my groin and pelvis removed on one side.

Fingers crossed, it might be the end of it now... careful monitoring from now on for a few (10) years!!

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Let us all know how it goes.

Marsha xxx

It does seem all wrong to be welcoming people and getting excited that there's someone else in the club, it's true.

That said it's been a relief for me to discover somewhere where I can read other people's experiences. Also it's been great to find people who don't think I'm demented, if I find some dark humour in the situation.Friends and family are lovely, and understanding...but shared experience makes a huge difference. I didn't know until last week just how much.

Del, I truly hope that you have good news tomorrow, and that you can get back to your life with more confidence and reassurance. Please let us know how it goes, when you get the chance.

I'm sure that whatever the outcome, you will find support and a place to let off steam here. Whether it's a yippeee or an ooer moment.

Take care xx

Glad to hear you're still smiling, still winning that battle. Huli (hallo!) I agree about the humour. I think it's a genuinely effective weapon against what we have: a good laugh is scientifically proved to do us all good - although people who aren't in our situation probably think it a bit weird that we are finding things to laugh at. However, being able to laugh about things makes me feel I'm in some sort of control. Stuff we have to go through can be seen as ridiculous instead of unpleasant, hilarous instead of embarrassing. It helps. Some of my worst moments have made my best diary entries - although I have to give it a bit of time for them to mature before I can JUST laugh! Marsha, you sound a great lady! Your vivid descriptions of rump-steak conjure up a vision or two!! They'll certainly know who it belongs to if you sit on that office photocopier!! Lots of love to all you very special people. xxx Penny

Hello

I work in the press office at Cancerbackup/Macmillan Cancer Support. I am always looking for people to raise awareness in the press about what it is like to live with cancer and the issues people face.

If this sounds of interest I would love to hear from you. My email is rgarnett@cancerbackup.org

Thank you
Rachel

Hi sorry I never got back to you on Tuesday night - yougest fell unwell and it was the other ones 5th birthday yesterday - a bit of a hectic time.

Well it is a wee bit (I think) of a Yippee momemnt - they told me that they have removed it all and that I start 3 months check up next month but also to keep a check on myself. I feel a bit of mixed emotions - relieved and also still a bit frightened.

I would also like to thank everyone for their kind words and also this is my only every time posting anything on a forum - I have really felt that I had someone to talk to and understand and this has really helped me come to terms with things.

I will definately be keeping up to date with you all. Take care - I am now away to start preparing for my sons birthday party.

speak soon
Adelle

That certainly is good news Adelle, now you can enjoy this party and many more to come and worry less!

Do stay in touch with us!

That is good news and well worth a Yippee!!! I hope your youngest is well again and that you all enjoy the party.Happy Birthday to your little one!

I can relate very well to your feelings, it's important not to let it overshadow everything else, but that's easier said than done.

Hello all, My wife has just had a groin dissection where 2 nodes were found to be malignant. This was 2 years almost to the day when she had a malignant mole removed from her back. She is just about to start radiotherapy for the next four weeks. the doctors wouldn't tell us what stage she is at as they don't want to discuss statistics. We are in limbo but remaining positive. Unsure of what the future holds but know it won't be easy.

It was nice to see you in the chat room last night Mark and I hope Rachel had a good night out.

It's a horrible time for you all, melanoma seems to be unpredicatable at the treatment we receive decidedly lacking.

Everyone here seems to have experienced feelings of abject loneliness, confusion and anger in relation to their illness or that of a loved one , but I do think it helps to know that there are others of us out here going through exactly the same issues and problems and we're all here for you.

Maybe Rachel would like to join us for a chat too sometime.

Hi again
I have finally recovered from having my sons 5 year old party. what a hetic couple of hours.

Now the good weather is here I am finding it hard to be rational how do you all cope with the sun and the heat? I am also having second thoughts about going on holiday. The holiday was booked months before I was told. I am sure this anxiety will ease with time, but finding it difficult just now.

need to get back to working.

Thanks for listening to my anxieties.
Take care everyone.
speak soon
Adelle

Hi Del,

Well I suppose my best piece of advice to you would be to treat your skin like you do your kids' (hopefully!). High factor sun screen and stay in the shade between 11 and 3 if possible. My dermatologist recommends covering up if your shadow is smaller than you! Also, you should try and avoid exposing your melanoma site to the sun (now I find that out!! 10 years after the event!).

Don't be paranoid.. just be sensible and have a wonderful relaxing break... you deserve it!

Where are you going by the way?

Hi Marsha
Thanks for getting back to me. We are off to lanzarote for a fortnight. Was close to cancelling it, after speaking to my doctor and now yourself i feel a bit better.
How are you doing?9
Thanks for all the support.
Take care
Adelle

As Marsha says, there are precautions to take which should be simple to follow. I do know exactly how you feel though. I was actually packing my bikini for a trip to Gran Canaria when the GP called to drop the bombshell. We went off the next morning, and I spent the whole week in a minor state of paranoia.I was as covered up as possible, fighting to get into the shade in the middle of the day. It didn't help that I'd had no chance to speak to anyone before we went, yet afterwards I could put it into perspective, and see that it was all *doable* and (importantly to me) it hadn't ruined anyone else's holiday.

We're off to Portugal in the Summer Holidays. It'll be different from previous ones, but I'm still aiming to enjoy it thoroughly. I hope you and your family do too, in Lanzarote!

Went into T K Mxx yesterday and they have large range of really good sunhats with BIG brims which should shade our faces pretty effectively along with the Factor 20. This should be a topic we ALL look at. Have a lovely holiday Del and Huli. xxxx Penny

Hi everyone,
I;m new to this so please be patient with me!
I was diagnosed in Oct last year, and had wide local excision plus sentinal lymph node biopsy, 1.9mm melanoma on my thigh. The result was positive so i had right side groin dissection, now have lymphodema, so I too wear a lovely very sexy stocking !!!!
3 weeks ago I had acouple of suspect moles removed and yes youve guessed it I have a 2nd primary melanoma, and im due for surgery June 9th.
I do my best to be positive, and I think im doing a pretty good job so far!!But its tough I have 4kids and its so tough for them seeing me go through all these surgeries. Melanoma certainly leaves its mark (or scar).I am determined to do my best to beat this thing, but does anyone know if it actually ever goes away? or does it always come back?
Anyway its great to talk to all of you guys,you can all understand my fears.
Keep the faith everyone.
Regards
Kimbo

/

Sorry to hear that you're going through the mill with this, but I totally understand your situation! Including the lymphoedema, waiting for my appointment to get myself a sexy stocking!

In answer to your question, if your melanomas are caught early, there's every chance that you will be "cured". However, having melanoma in the first place does make it more likely that you will have another. I've been lucky, I've never had another, I'm just on my second recurrence of the first!

We should meet and compare scars!!

Hi

I had a mole removed from my abdomen about a month ago which turned out to be MM - 2.7mm thick on a mole I'd had for 10 years or more. Found this website shortly after and although I haven't posted I have been reading your messages of support for others and just want to say that although I haven't been active on here you guys have helped me through the darkest period of my life. Like Adelle I have a very young son - he's 3 - and all those dark thoughts about not seeing him grow up kept rearing their ugly head. I have lots of concerned friends and family who have been great but they are very careful about what they say. So it's nice to log in and 'hear' people talking about things as they are - and your care and especially your humour have been a godsend. Today I have been told that the results from the wide excision (a mugful as my boyfriend describes it!) have shown no sign of further melanoma so I have a glass of (almost) champagne in my hand and would like to toast you guys for being brilliant!!
I'll be following what you're up to as I go through my follow ups and hope to hear all the juicy gossip from your wild night out in wildest Buxton.

Love Claire xxx

Hello again, id just like to say thank you to Marsha for your kind words of support, it means a lot.
Yesterday i had a mole scan took a while cos i have lots!!!
anyway, only found one more unusual mole, so that will be removed at same time of next surgery.
Marsha it would be fantastic to compare scars, I dont know one other single person with melanoma, (that I have actually met, in the flesh).
I just want to say what an inspiration all you guys on the site are,
I wish good health to each and every one of you,
keep in touch, its so comforting.

I think most of us are probably in the same situation as you in respect of not knowing anyone in the flesh, to have melanoma. This has been one of the aspects hardest for me to cope with. I have friends who are battling, or have *beaten* cancer but as yet, nobody has experienced the particular delights of MM.

Without access to a forum like this, with the voices of experience, hope or grim acceptance, it's clear we'd all be treading a very lonely path.

You know when I said I wanted to be an individual, doing something *different* and worth mentioning, I wasn't talking about this...I was thinking of discovering a new planet or setting a new land speed record!!

(All from the comfort of my sofa, you understand)

Take care, and make sure you keep us uptodate won't you, Kimbo?

Kimbo, what's mole scan? Sounds interesting, tell us about it, we might want one too!! I have photos... front and rear views of me in the knack, well almost, I was allowed to keep my drawers on, cos I have a mole free botty... it's comforting to know such photos are stored in the NHS vaults!

And Claire, I'm glad you had good results from your wide excision.

I've had a day of dark thoughts today, it's something we all have from time to time. My baby's almost 18 and I want to be around to see her children grow up!

Huli, maybe you could start work on the cure for melanoma?

Not being known for my scientist type qualifications, it may take a little time. In fact my Mum still swears that the GCE O'level examination board invented a special grade for Biology results as poor as mine.

However, I'm game and here's a preliminary suggestion to throw in the pot:

Eye of newt and toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog...

Stop me if you've heard this one before!

Thanks for your comments, and i will deffo keep you all up to date
with my progress.
I have seen my mother through 2 lots of bowel cancer and chemo,
and many others, through my job as a nurse, with various types of cancer,
but never ever anyone with MM!
Like you i want to be remembered for something,it certainly isnt MM,
and so few people have any understanding of it, or the seriousness.
I have had friends say things like oh well you can get that cut out and you will be fine!!!!
Another one is ,my mother ,father, auntie, bloke down the road, etc had that, and they are fine they've never had any other treatment, why are you!!!!! aarrrgh!
Has anyone else had comments like this???
sorry ill get off my soap box now. thanks for listening, take care all. Oh sorry I meant to tell you about mole scan, it's not really a scan as such it's a scope that is used to look at every mole, it gives a 3D image and can determine whether or not the mole has any changes, I have one other that will be removed at same time as next op.

Can I join you on here for a moment, please? What huli has just said struck a definite cord - about people thinking cures are simple and certain - maybe called the "Get over it" factor? I've outlived the docs' prognosis by quite a few months. Although I am still terminal, I've had a few people who presume that because I've beaten the deadline (that word never so appropriate!) it means I must be cured altogether. How is everyone on here doing these days? xxxx Penny

I think it was probably Kimbo's thread which struck home for you, but everything she said was word for word my experience. In that at least, I know we're not alone and your experience is similar to a friend of mine, sadly gone now.

Once she knew that her time with her children was so severely limited, she made a real effort to give them as much *quality* family time as possible. She leased a convertible car for the Summer, took them out to theme parks etc. and it led many people on the fringes of her life, to assume this was because she was cured.

It always amazes me that doctors still give an estimated timescale for survival, unless it's simply an effective method of giving patients an incentive to prove them wrong...? I think that'd work for me, it looks like it may do for you too, Penny.

People imagine that they know enough about skin cancer, which I also did until this year. Initially when the doctor told me that melanoma is not treated with chemotherapy, I felt a real sense of relief...who wants to be pumped full of a drug which 90% kills you while curing you? Not me, not very much.

Realising that it's because there isn't a chemotherapy regime to cover melanoma, was a bit of a wake up call, as I'm sure it would be to most people. All of a sudden, not being offered further treatment didn't feel quite so comforting.

I've made a rod for my own back, not wanting to worry my loved ones too much and hating a *fuss*, I've not disabused them of the notion that my brilliant surgeon has cured me by cutting out anything and everything nasty. Of course it's possible that he has, I may well never have any recurrence, which is the only way I can look at my situation.

Vigilance, fingers crossed and buttering up the surgeon, (who may be the only thing between me and melanoma)...lets hope it's effective until the cure is developed!

Dear All,
Well what a weekend I have had!!!
In brief, got admited to hospital on Fri with septacaemia.
God iv never felt so ill in my entire life.
Apparently because of my groin dissection my immunity is very low, they are responsible for fighting infection, and even though I have no open wounds whatsoever , the nasty strep A bug got in somehow, and caused havoc. Never in my entire life have I ever felt so ill,and never again do I want to experience anything like it. I am one lucky lady, my medical/clinical knowledge saved my life. and I was able to recognise
the signs.
Ladies and gents please please be vigilant, and dont hesitate to
contact someone should you ever have any doubts, especially those of you whom have had lymph node clearance.
I am resting at home now, struggling with the whole enormity of this goddamn cancer, I will continue to fight with my all, and I constantly
remind myself that this is the only cancer that can completely regress.
Keep fighting everyone.
BLESS YOU ALL.

What a terrible experience for you. I know that this can be a killer. My ex died of this at the age of 48 (funnily enough the age I shall probably join him!). I am not really sure what the symptoms are but I think I shall look them up... Well done Kimbo for surviving. xxx Penny

Hi everyone, and thanks Penny for your reply.
I hope you don't mind me asking, did your ex have Melanoma? or was the Septacaemia caused by something else?
The symptoms are High temperature, mine was 39.5 on admission to hospital, normal is about 36.4.
Hot and cold sweats, uncontrollable shivering,aching from head to foot, + or - headache.
Then a red rash usually on the affected area, mine being my right thigh.
Eventually your breathing becomes laboured and you lose conciousness.
It's a dreadful experience, I hope none of you guys ever goes through it.
I truly believe my number is'nt up yet, otherwise I would have never gotten through it!
Stay strong everyone
kimbo
x

Huli, no it wasn't a challenge, it was based on statistics, and the average time that a woman with my sort of Stage 4 terminal cancer survives once it has spread beyond the original sites. They told me I might last a "bit longer" than 3-4 months if I was strong. Doctors are scientists and I always find they are rather harsh people. In fact although they give you Cisplatin, there is actualy no drug that cures Cervical Cancer either - altho they have better success in Scotland and Wales where a cocktail of drugs are given (not yet licensed here). Even "survivor" only means 4 years down the line! I was quite shocked when I heard that one!

Thanks for giving us the symptoms for septacaemia, Kimbo, as I wouldn't have known. That sounds horrible. I only found out about my ex-partner's death a year or so after it had occurred, and it definitely wasn't as a result of Melanoma. I was very shocked, and as I'd not kept in touch with anyone from 20 years ago, I hadn't been contactable for his funeral. He was quite a character, and it was a shame that he should go like that. I don't know the exact circumstances at the end, and it sounds like whoever was looking after him, wasn't doing it very well!

Thank you to both of you, and keep battling. xxxx Penny

Oh Kimbo, you poor thing...you've really been through the wringer haven't you?! I hope you're already making a good recovery, does it leave you with after effects? My BIL has had a couple of bouts of septicaemia but we've never really discussed it. It's a sore point in his family and he gets it in the ear, because he has had vascular problems and still smokes heavily. I remember he came down with extreme flu symptoms initially and at one stage was warned he may lose his leg.

Penny, I seriously can't imagine (even though in my darker moments, I've used my imagination) being told how brief your life expectancy is, especially not in such a cold scientific way. I had to ask my surgeon not to bother telling me statistics, just use terms like *not too hopeful*, *very hopeful*...and more of the latter, less of the former. In fact all I wanted to know was if it was going to be a waste of money renewing my passport.

Take care xx

Hi ladies,
I dont think septacaemia leaves you with any after effects, apart from once you have had it, you are more suseptable to getting it again.
Not something I want to think about!
Penny I take my hat off to you, you truly are a very brave, inspirational lady, I agree Drs can be unfeeling, I guess they are dealing with it on a daily basis ,and forget that we are human. Maybe a
reality check is in order?
Just the word cancer scares the pants off most people, and we all have to live with it on a daily basis, thats a challenge in itself. Let alone having medics being so clinical.
I dont think about statistics, and i dont bother asking about them as they change all the time, and I have to keep believing that there is a cure out there, not just for melanoma, but for every single type of cancer,because quite frankly its one of the few things that keeps me sane.
Im not looking forward to having my next surgery on monday because of recent events, but I cannot not have it, whos to say it hasnt spread? if I dont do it I may never know
Someone once said to me that there is far too much good work for me to do on this planet yet, I hope that is the case, cos Im not ready to go anywhere for a long time yet.
Penny, my thoughts and prayers are with you, its great to talk, and share. We are fortunate that we have the technology.
Keep the faith.
xx

Hi everyone, just a quickie to let you all know that on mon I had my wide local excision done and sentinal lymph node removal, am at home now resting.
Bit sore and extremely tired, gotta wait for results now, due on 24th June, ill keep you all up to date,
keep well
Kimbo
xx

Hi Kimbo

It's good to see you back again. I'm keeping everything crossed that you don't need anotheer groin dissection, two lymphoedema legs, although a matching pair, is not something that you need!!

Keep your legs up and take it easy!!

Hi Marsha: I'm very new to the forum. I'm going on July 3rd to a dermatologist to check out a very susupicious mole on my stomache that has been there for a while that has changed and itches. I will also have them check some dark moles on my back. I am preparing for the worse and getting info on Melanoma. I have no insurance at all so if it is the worse I will be dealing with how I will be able to afford the treatments I need without insurance. This is a great forum and I appreciate this being here. Diane

Hello everyone,
Just to let you all know that I've had my results from WLE and sentinal node biopsy and I'm all clear!!
I can't quite believe it, so i,m off to see my specialist nurse tommorrow to learn about the way forward.
Did loads of celebrating at the weekend, and a little delicate today!
I know this type of cancer is notorious for returning, but for now I'm cancer free, YIPEE.
Love to all of you
xxx

And you're absolutely right to take delight in it, just enjoy the feeling and believe that it's for good.

I'm thrilled for you!

I'd like to welcome Diane as a potential new member of our club! But I'm obviously keeping everything crossed for her that it doesn't turn out to be melanoma, and I have told her so privately!!

And as for Kimbo, well done you!! Let's hope the ruddy beggar leaves you alone now!! It does seem a hollow victory though when you're still left with the worry that it will return.

Take care everyone!!

Hi just to let you know there is someone else out there. Had a groin lymph node dissection 5 weeks ago.

Hi Margaret,

Just a few short words to welcome you to a place I'm sure you would rather not be.

Hi everyone

Just joined and I have lived with MM since 2002. I also got cancer again in 2006.
I had the tumour at the back of me knee, so it went un-noticed (you don't look behind your knee very often). Had two ops on that, plus lymph removed in area. Then in 2006 got another cancer (non MM) in calf muscle of other leg, had surgery for that then as well. Offered Chemo for that but refused it.

I keep myself fit with swimming and a very over fifties ballet class (ex dancer) also walking my spanials.
Careful what I eat etc, veggie since 1970. Don't drink or smoke, take lots of vits etc, do meditation, you know all the usual things, and I will not let this thing get me.

I was under my NHS oncologist for 5 years and although I can see her at anytime in the future, I also have a private one. I intend to live along and healthy life. Of course you can all remind me of this when I freak out as I do around scan time. Anyway nice to meet you all.

Stay well
love
Dancer xx