I was diagnosed with a superficial spreading melanoma but at an initial depth of 2mm on my neck at the hairline on my back (later revised to 1.6mm depth). I thought this was small but doctors assured me of the need for intervention and the need for further surgery.

The surgeon was very noncommittal and frankly discouraging with depressing news of the chance that it had spread and if so the prognosis for survival. I sweated from initial diagnosis 1 month until surgery-(removal of additional area and 2 sentinel lymph nodes) rather painful surgery and now just about 99% 2 months later Biopsy was negative in all additional sites from the surgery and I have so relieved that I hopefully have come through. I have as follow up next month but feel that there is so much more to do with this sinister cancer and that treatment options and awareness are still not up to the task. I had to actively push both my GP and then dermatologist to have the mole removed and they both said that it was 99% sure and likely to be a problem.

Well it was a problem and I cannot express the mix of feelings that I caught it really in the nick of time. We deserve more in response to this cancer. Moreover survivors need to be out there and heard everyone seems to have a horror story of a friend or relative there are really too few hopeful stories of survival. Too many survivors understandably want to quietly continue on with their lives after a traumatic juncture.

I understand that this favourable outcome may not mean that I am free and treat everyday well as a gift. It has changed my life perspective totally.  There is hope but be vigilant and agitate. I would love to be involved in a group such as this in New South Wales we need one!