Experiences of melanoma
Tessa's story
My melanoma story started in 2008. I had been suffering with a separate
skin condition for years and had frequently sought help from various GP's
without anything alleviating the symptoms. After a particularly acute period
I sought help through a private consultant. Whilst at the appointment the
consultant looked over my skin and mentioned the mole on my abdomen. Prior
to this I hadn't given thought to skin cancer, although I have always been
careful in the sun. The consultant removed the mole and I was confident that
it would be non malignant.
After two weeks the results of the biopsy came back positive to melanoma. It
was only small melanoma at 0.4, but quite a shock to be told that I had
cancer. I was then transferred to the NHS as my private healthcare doesn't
cover cancer. The NHS undertook the Wide Local Excision in January 2009. the
results came back clear. Transferring from private to NHS is not a exercise
that I would wish upon anyone. After the WLE I needed to make numerous phone
calls and send letters to get the aftercare that should be given to melanoma
sufferers. However I persevered and am now in regular contact with my local
hospital. Since my first diagnosis I have needed to have two further
biopsies. Only one was positive to melanoma and was in the very early stages
of changing.
Having a serious condition has a major impact on your life. When first
diagnosed I became very unhappy and uncertain of my future. People try to
make light of your illness and tell you that 'everything will be alright'.
However I found this did not help and searched for hours on the internet and
in medical books looking for info that might enlighten me. However this
passes and a year later I do not have the need to search the dark corners of
the internet for information that might be incorrect. I ensure that I
regularly check my skin and keep an eye on any suspect moles through the
magic of digital photography. This enable me to keep a good perspective on
any changes that may occur.
I am one of the lucky ones ! I had a very small melanoma and a vigilant
dermatologist enabled me to be dealt with in the early stages. I am very
grateful to her.