A few days before Christmas I went under the plastic surgeon’s knife. Not for a boob job. Not for a tummy tuck. Not for a butt lift. Although apparently if I do want any of those procedures, I am EXACTLY the right age for them. At 43. Sheesh!
No, my thigh was sliced open and a malignant melanoma was removed.
I must say, the ABSOLUTE last thing I expected to be told the week before Christmas was “you have a malignant melanoma and I’ve booked you in to see a plastic surgeon”. Um, what?
For so many reasons I was incredibly lucky. Not that I had a melanoma, that bit sucked.
I was incredibly lucky (and am extremely grateful) because:
- 11 Dec – I noticed a large freckle that had been on the top of my thigh since I was a teenager had changed significantly over a few weeks.
- 12 Dec – I had a very bad gut feeling about my freckle so I made an appointment to see my GP. I see my GP about every six months for another matter, and had only seen her a few weeks earlier. When my freckle looked pretty much the same – maybe it was a little darker. If that gut feel hadn’t been so strong I would have waited until April when my next appointment was due.
- 13 Dec – my GP (who I have been seeing for about 13 years) looked closely at the freckle under her scope, said nothing seems remiss, but yes, it’s changed. Let’s just slice it off to be safe. And she had time to do it there and then (Friday morning). Oh, and my GP usually NEVER works Fridays.
- 16 Dec – Monday morning – THAT phone call. Ugh.
- 17 Dec – followup appointment with GP who tells me “my previous patient cancelled so I had time to call my favourite plastic surgeon who specialises in melanoma – he can squeeze you in tomorrow. Is that OK?” Er, yes.
- 18 Dec – visit plastic surgeon. Tried not to vomit from nerves, stress and general all-round freakoutyness. Yes, that’s a word. Plastic surgeon takes a look, reads the path report (by now I’ve been listed on the Cancer Registry Queensland – more freakoutyness at that realisation) and says “what are you doing tomorrow afternoon”. Again, stupidly grateful he can fit me in, otherwise I’d be waiting until January.
- 19 Dec (Thursday) – frantically try and do all my Christmas shopping – groceries and gifts; cook a few meals, cancel all my appointments, meetings, the Christmas party we were hosting for 35 on Sunday, and a few other bits and pieces. All before heading to the hospital at 2.30pm. Surgery went well. Was only under anaesthetic for 30 minutes. YAY. Home by 7.30pm.
- Next two weeks were spent largely reclining on the couch recovering. No walking allowed. Needless to say we had a quiet Christmas. I did manage to cook a few things (of course!).
- Today – have an impressive 10cm scar on my thigh, it’s healing well. No trace of cancer. Thank goodness. I am very lucky. I am ridiculously grateful.
Oh, and in case you are wondering, the most painful bit was the top of my hand where the drip went in! No pain with my leg, just a bit of discomfort. Phew!
So, what do I want YOU to do.
A few things.
Please be aware that melanoma is cancer. Cancer can kill. Melanoma does kill. I was very lucky. Had I not gone with my gut, had I waited until April, maybe melanoma would have killed me. I’m glad I didn’t have to find out.
Don’t be blasé about it. Lots of people die from this.
1,500 Australians die every year from melanoma.
Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world and 12,500 new cases are diagnosed in Australia every year. One in 17 Australians will be diagnosed with melanoma before the age of 85.
Be aware of what the freckles, moles and other splodges on your skin look like. If they change get them checked. Get your GP to check your skin at least once a year. Your GP can refer you to a dermatologist if they have concerns.
Slip. Slop. Slap.
Slip on a shirt. Slop on some sunscreen. Slap on a hat.
If you aren’t sure about what hours it’s safe to be outside, then download the SunSmart app put out by the Cancer Council. It’s one of my favourites AND it’s free. It’s available for Apple, Android and Samsung.
Invest in sunscreen. Use it. Every day. Even in winter.
We only have one life. Please look after yours.
For more information about melanoma please visit the Cancer Council website.
Massive thanks to everyone who treated me, helped allay my fears, lent me books and DVDs, entertained me – my GP Dr Sue-Ellen Silburn, plastic surgeon Dr William Cockburn, all your staff and colleagues, and everyone at Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital, Shaun, Ronan, other family and friends, my twitter and facebook family for your love and condolences, the Australian cricket team for playing such great cricket (although I would have appreciated a couple of 5 day tests…). I’m very grateful. xxx
Please slip slop slap.
Sally - My Custard Pie says
A very important post – thanks for sharing such a personal experience as a reminder to be vigilant.
Mel Kettle says
Thanks Sally. Have seen a couple of friends with the same experience lately – luckily also the same outcome.
Rachel @ Reality Chick says
Wow. Scary how long the scar was and what they obviously had to cut out. Thank heavens you got to it early Mel. Glad you’re doing okay now and thanks for the reminder – have been ignoring my follow-up annual check-up letter after last year’s mole removal and I’m off to make the appointment RIGHT NOW!
Mel Kettle says
That’s what I like to hear (not the ignoring bit, the making the appointment bit!). And thanks 🙂
Judy says
I know how you feel. Small very dark freckle on my upper arm had changed considerably and deep down I knew it was a melanoma. I googled it and it clearly was a melanoma. Went to my clinic and my normal GP was away so the GP I saw did a biopsy and rang the next day to say it was a malignant melanoma. She said she could remove it. Two days later I went to the clinic and went through the procedure. Two weeks later I was advised she hadn’t taken enough so I had to have the already considerable cut made even bigger. When I went back I was advised that she had only gone 4mm each side and to be safe and sure it needs to be 5mm so I need to go back again. That was 12 months ago. I have lost faith in the medical profession and believe my GP should never have touched it and should have referred me to a specialist. Pleased you had a better experience than me Mel.
Mel Kettle says
ouch! What an awful experience for you Judy – hopefully it’s all gone now.
colleen says
Thanks Mel for taking the time to document the stages and share the photos. So relieved you acted on that instinct and followed through. And glad to know it is a good outcome. Walked around Brissy town today January (sunscreen and blue umbrella) – so few people wearing hats. Maybe some stylish diva could make hats and umbrellas tres chic again? All the best for continued good recovery and hope there are no more.
Mel Kettle says
It astounds me how few people wear hats outside – we were in the US over their summer and were constantly looked at weirdly as we had our hats on. Very few others did
Surely Sarah says
So glad it turned out ok! Impressive scar you will have though O_o
thanks for that info about the app, that looks cool!
Mel Kettle says
the app is great – especially if you’re not sure, such as on a cloudy day
Deb says
Hey Mel, stirred up lots of emotion for me reading this ……. great post! Huge hugs DC x
Mel Kettle says
sorry Deb xxx
Jenn says
Mel – you are very brave and good on you for sharing – wise words for everyone to watch and be vigilant – told my 23yo work colleague she must invest in a rashie when she swims at lunch time (out in the sun!) Such a mother – but is it any wonder when you read stories like yours. x
Mel Kettle says
Thanks Jen – feel free to share my post with her. Many melanomas get their start years before they become visible
Michelle says
Whoah scary stuff Mel! So glad you trusted your gut. Thank you for the reminder to be vigilant; I haven’t been sunburned in over 15 years but I know the damage was done in my childhood and everyday sun damage is just as bad. We are very sun smart in our house! And very pale… 🙂
Mel Kettle says
We are all pale here too – and try to be sunsmart, and yes it’s a pain sometimes, but so worth it!
Alisha says
So glad you caught it in time and I must also say, I’m so glad to have you here sticking around for a loooooong time xxxx
Mel Kettle says
haha!! ME TOO!!!
Chris Rowley says
Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. A few more mushrooms and you should be in peak health. Keep smiling….
Mel Kettle says
Thanks Chris – yes, eating lots of mushrooms 🙂
Sherryl says
Great article Mel
Glenda @ Healthy Stories says
Glad to hear you’re doing okay Mel and that it was all able to be taken care of so fast. It can be very freaky when things happen so quickly, but at least it was done before there was a chance for it to spread.
Andrea says
Important story, thank you for sharing, my husband has skin checks every year after a scare, and I had my first skin check this year and am all clear. Important to do as having grown up in far North Queensland , I was in the sun! Slip, slop, slap was a powerful message then, it should still be today!!! Lets all Slip, slop, slap!!
Mel Kettle says
Thanks Andrea, it’s such an important message. Glad to hear you and your husband are getting regular skin checks.
Christine @ Cooking Crusade says
Oh my goodness Mel, how scary. So glad everything went smoothly and you are okay. thanks for spreading the awareness, this is such a serious issue, one that many of us should be more concerned about checking ourselves out for more often!