Samantha's Story - Malignant Melanoma

2007 was a really memorable year for me - I turned 27, got engaged and was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma.

I was sunburned in May 2007 - only 20 minutes in the back garden and I'd applied cream everywhere but my calves by accident as I was wearing short trousers. The burn blistered but once it had gone I thought nothing more about it. In September of that year I asked my husband's opinion when sitting in the bath one evening as a "halo" of lighter colour had appeared around my mole and the middle looked really dark. (It wasn't sore, didn't bleed or wasn't itchy). I remember watching GMTV when I was younger and Dr Hillary Jones talking about the dangers of sunburn and the changes to watch out for in moles. I went straight to my GP who referred me as an emergency case to my local hospital. He actually didn't mention that it may be malignant at the time although he told me at a later date that he suspected it but did not want to frighten me - I needed it to be checked out just in case. I took it all in my stride thinking there was nothing wrong and nearly didn't turn up for the mole removal in October - I'm terrified of needles. I'm so pleased I did. My results appointment came and once again I nearly didn't go - it couldn't possibly be anything bad, right? I was shocked when I was told my results. "Have you heard of malignant melanoma?" the Consultant asked "Well its not good is it?" was my reply! I was angry and confused and frightened all at the same time.

My mole was invasive but only to the depth of between 0.5 and 1mm. I was very lucky. Reading the different levels of prognosis on the cancer research website was a real wake-up call. Thank goodness I'd gone to get checked out when I did. I had a second operation in January 2008 to remove an additional 1cm boundary around the first scar to ensure all of the affected area had been removed. Thankfully this tissue contained no cancerous cells.
It really angers me when I see young girls sun worshiping. If only they knew the permanent damage they were doing.

I now have a 2 year old daughter and she already understands the dangers of the sun and knows not to go outside without cream and a hat.

I know I'm one of the lucky ones - I am checked by my cancer nurse specialist every 6 months and so far the cancer has showed no signs of returning. 2012 will be my 5 year celebration and I'm going to make the most of it and live life to the full.