Waiting to be diagnosed

[Julie91]

So this is gonna be quite long.....

I've had this mole on the inner corner of my eye since I was born. I've noticed recently it's gotten bigger so I just went to the drop in gp on my way home from work because I wanted to be reassured it was nothing. They couldn't do that and told me to go to the gp. I went to the gp on a Monday where he had a looked and said it looked fine but since it's grown he would refer me to a dermatologist and should take 2 weeks. The NEXT day I got a call for an appointment on Sunday -which I thought was really odd. During the appointment she looked at the mole and said she's never seen one on the eyelid before so will refer me to another dermatologist. She asked if it affected my eye sight because apparently my gp made a note that there was a odd shadow on the eyeball near where the mole is. She checked the rest of my body for other moles and said 2 were pretty dark so I should have them removed as a precaution and it will take 2-3weeks to get the appointment since it's just a precaution. The NEXT day I received a phone call saying I Have been booked for an emergency biopsy for the following Monday. I don't know if I should be worried or the staff have nothing to do coz its all happening to quickly.....

At the appointments I freeze up and accept everything the doctors says without asking questions. By the time I get home I have more questions then I went in with. Can't concentrate at work and coming up with all sorts of scenarios. I'm super scared and worried and literally on edge all the time. I've been googling like crazy trying to find someone in a similar situation and saying they were fine... Hence how I some how ended up on this forum and why it's past 1am and I'm online when I need to wake up at 7am for work.

My siblings know about the appointments and are pretty worried too since in the past few years we've had 3 direct/close family members encounter other cancers so I've basically put on a front telling them it's nothing and I'm not worried at all. Since it's happened so quickly I haven't had a chance to speak to a friend. Ive calmed down abit after typing it up here but any advice would be really helpful!

[Mercime]

Julie, there's a saying that one of our members here uses, "[I]its not cancer until they SAY its cancer[I], he has survived head and neck cancer.
It sounds to me like they are moving quickly to get this sorted for you. I won't lie, they do move at speed if they are suspicious there may be something sinister, but that's it - they are ruling something worrying out, rather than ruling it in. When did you have the biopsy done?

[Julie91]

That's actually true! I've never heard someone say it so bluntly.

Biopsy is on Monday 17th to remove 2 the other moles. I had pictures taken yesterday of the moles and they are still unsure what to do about the one on the eye.

[Mercime]

That's actually true! I've never heard someone say it so bluntly.

Biopsy is on Monday 17th to remove 2 the other moles. I had pictures taken yesterday of the moles and they are still unsure what to do about the one on the eye.

I honestly hope my post wasn't too blunt Julie? I do stress about this sometimes, but believe honesty is the best, and right, thing to be when someone asks questions. I've had cancer myself, advanced like the gent I quoted (Fishmanpa) but a different sort. I'm certainly not saying I think that's what you have for a second, I know many who have had the "urgent" two week flag - and investigation has shown something benign.

I hope that all goes well on the 17th, drop me a PM if I can help in any way x

[unsure_about_this]

I also was urgent flag up and was booked in to the see a specialist because the GP thought I had a lump which needed looking at. I had a phone call within 20 minutes of arriving home, and was booked in a week later so that set alarm bells ringing that it could be serious.
Thankful the specialist could not feel anything but still requested an ultrasound which was done on the same day. All what was seen was some cysts

[Julie91]

No I don't think it was. Something I seriously really needed to hear. As my dad used to say honesty is the best policy. Just need to get a grip and get rid of these uneasy feelings. I know it could be nothing and should be grateful they aren't brushing me off but deep down I want to be prepared if the outcome is bad.

My dad was one of my family members who had cancer and because it was so advanced the doctors didn't tell us much or what to expect. I went to all his appointments yet I was too scared to ask questions and in return I don't think he got the best treatment possible. One day he seemed healthy chatting away the next he was gone. This is the main reason I worry and stress so much. My friend told me once that knowledge is key and now I do a redic amount of googling which makes it worse.

Im sorry to hear that. Since you said had I really hope your doing well now! Thank you for your concern. I'll keep that in mind.

[Beachlady]

Those biopsy situations are so unnerving, and you have every right to feel nervous. Skin lesions are weird; they can look menacing and be completely benign. Hang tight and let us know how you do.

[Fishmanpa]

Hi Julie,

I'm the one Mercime mentioned and yes, "It's not cancer until they SAY it's cancer" is the mantra among us warriors and survivors. As Mercime said, they don't mess around if they think something is going on. Please understand that it doesn't mean there is, but there are signs that warrant expedited investigation. Consider yourself fortunate that you have medical professionals that are looking after your best interest.

Even for those without anxiety, situations like this are extremely stressful and I totally understand where you're coming from. In my case, when I went to the ENT about the node in my neck, he did a "scope, poke and prod" and I told him flat out to give me his professional opinion. He said "IMO, This is cancer. I don't know what type but I've seen enough of it to know" . The biopsy confirmed it. You on the other hand have not been told anything of the sort. So, as difficult as it may be, hold onto the hope that all is well and your doctors are doing what they're supposed to be doing to ensure your well being. One more thing and this is vital... IF this turns out to be cancer (remember the saying), it's not a death sentence. It's a PITA and it sucks but it's not the end all of end alls. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and I'm over 3.5 years post treatment and clean ;)

Feel free to PM me with any questions. I'll do my best to answer them.

Positive thoughts