Melanoma

[John Arton]

Two weeks ago I went to see my g.p. about a dark, raised mole like lump on my leg that suddenly appeared a couple of months ago. She could not say with certainty exactly what it was so referred me to the dermatology clinic at Newcastle's R.V.I.hospital. yesterday I attended for my 15:00 hours appointment and an hour later I had not only been seen by a dermatologist doctor but also by the consultant. They could not for definate say exactly what the lump was but said to be on the safe side I should have it removed and sent for investigation. An hour later I had pictures taken of it for records/training purposes and shortly after that I was in a minor ops. room where a pretty young doctor removed it under local anesthetic and inserted 6 tiny stitches to close up the wound.
Of course yours truly had to make his usual conversation faux pax when I asked the young doctor what she intended to specialise in once her training was completed. Back came the reply, she was fully trained and had been for 15 years!
She was actually a nurse who had undergone special training in order to allow her to slice and dice such things as melomana and Stitch up open wounds....oooops!
Go back next week for the results of the biopsy.
The clinic was full but all were getting seen within 35 minutes of their appoint time and if necessary minor surgical procedures were carried out within a couple of hours. The consultant was also able to reassure me that two discoulerations I have were nothing to worry about.
End verdict, despite what the press and t.v. say about the NHS being under intense pressure in my case from start to finish, 14 days from g.p. to surgery to remove said blemish isn't bad eh!
I would advise anyone who discovers new blemishes or moles anywhere, get them seen too ASAP. Hopefully in my case the biopsy will come back clear but for the next two weeks I am having to put my feet up and rest until the stiches come out, which is nice LOL.
Rgds
J.A.

[Keith Tindell]

I have no complaints about the NHS, my youngest son (48)h had an endoscopy for redux 3 weeks ago, and they found cancer of the oesophagus , but found early, had all the scans and tests, and now starts chemo next week, for 5 weeks, and then the operation, so no complaints from me. its now just fingers crossed all goes well, kt

[John Pruden]

john you did the right thing some would leave things alone its a sorry day when you are told you have cancer the fear runs right to your toe nails and then its in your head cancer over and over again but the treatment today is fast and exhalant i am coming up to three years tests but still have trouble breathing i never thought i would have a bad chest i played football till i was 47 with 17 year old lads and loved it now walking up stair i sound like darth vader getting to the top no dog to take out he went to sleep 6 months ago and it was he who got me over cancer he never left my side you will be ok cancer {even if it where} caught early you have a good chance good luck my friend .. jp

[Jim Brady]

Don't wish to tell the world and his dog my troubles but both lungs at the moment,am I in fear not atall just been out and had a few pints.I'l be sorted in a couple of weeks opted for the SABR treatment,cancer is spelt with a small c now remember days gone by "He's got the big C "or they would mime or cough and not say the word.
Treatment and how dealt with now 1st class everything about it is positive so you know your going to come out the other side without a problem.I feel quite positive about the whole thing anyway,and when they say "We will see you in four weeks Jim" you know that there is no hurry and no need to get you in tomorrow and start working on you.
Regards.
Jim.B.

[Captain Kong]

Two years ago I had Psoriasis on my ankle, I went to the Dermatology at Saford Royal Hospital and showed the Doctor,
He said, `Were you a Seaman`? , I said yes, so he then said, "Take of all your clothes , everything". I stood naked in front of him and two pretty Nurses,
He examined me all over and then said " How long have you had that,"? it was a small freckle. It had been there for as long as I could remember, maybe 5 years, only small, no lump, hardly noticeable.it was on my right shoulder,
This was Wednesday, he said , "Come in Saturday morning ," so on Saturday went in on a table, local anaesthetic and they cut it out.
the Surgeon then said "Go to Christies, the leading Cancer Hospital in the country. next Wednesday, there is a bigger tumour in there, ", I went and had another op, and the Lady Surgeon held up a Malignant Melanoma with tweezers , it was four inches long, and she said, This would have killed you," I told her that I was flying out to the States the following week, for the world cruise, So she said she would put dissolving stitches in and then keep new dressing on for a couple of weeks until healed, any probs see the ships Doctor.
There were 16 stitches all together inside and on the outside.
No problems at all, new dressings every day and within two weeks just a thin line of a scar. now faded.
So within Seven days, two ops to have two Malignant Melanomas removed, my life saved due to the sharp eyes of the Dermatologist.. Thank you Doc.
I had a check up last year and another one in July.
All caused by the bronzy at sea.
Nowt wrong with the NHS.

[John Pruden]

brian broad green heart and chest are second to none normally 5 days for opp and out i was three weeks then a few months later another procedure to flush the lung what was left out and they had a look around in it the nursing staff nearly all Indian Pakistani dedicated to the limit i had them all up the wall wires tubes all things all over me but i could not have got better care the consultant dr poulis he is supposed to be the best cancer surgeon in the country the staff call him you majesty one time if you were told you had lung cancer they would send you home not now?? jp

[robpage]

As I have said many times on this site and on others are local hospital the Queen Alexandra Hospital Portsmouth is absolutely brilliant except for one major Factor they are clogged up in the accident and emergency with people that have abuse problems of drink and drugs get rid of those out of there and I think the hospital would run to perfection everything I've ever needed has been spot on

[Captain Kong]

Hi Rob.
that is where my son is a Consultant Hepatologist, at the Queen Alexandria Hospital, trying to cure or replace the Livers of all the Nut case who drink too much and losing their Livers, many too far gone and dying because it is impossible to have a transplant.
He is the very Best in the country, Known world wide, In Hawaii when I was in hospital there five years ago they all knew him,
He travels the world giving lectures at conferences etc, been on TV several times, and his next Conference is the first week in June in Liverpool at the Echo centre, where he started at Liverpool Uni, many years ago./

Not bad for the son of a Peggy.