Taryn, Australia
In 2022, I noticed a mole on my toe changing shape. After some research, I booked an appointment at a highly rated Skin Cancer Clinic. Following a full body check the doctor reassured me the mole was fine and recommended annual checks.
Months later, I still felt uneasy about the mole’s appearance, so I visited my GP, who referred me to a dermatologist. Although the dermatologist also thought it was benign, they took a biopsy. After a week of waiting for results, I called the receptionist. Initially, she seemed quite cheerful while searching for my results but then changed her tone, telling me the dermatologist would call. I knew something must be wrong and when he called, he confirmed I had melanoma.
The surgery to remove the melanoma was complex, requiring a general anaesthetic and a skin graft. The plastic surgeon also recommended testing the lymph nodes to check for spread. Fortunately, I agreed to this, and two lymph nodes were removed for testing during my surgery. A week later, while at the surgeon’s office to have stitches removed, I was handed my biopsy results to read myself — without the doctor or nurse having read them prior. It was then that I learned the melanoma had spread to one of my lymph nodes.
I was devastated and couldn’t stop crying while I dealt with the reality of the diagnosis. To make matters worse, the plastic surgeon took weeks to send a referral to an oncologist, and I was left in limbo, not knowing what my diagnosis meant or if I would need treatment. During this time, I managed post-surgery care, including crutches, a plaster cast, and regular appointments. Thankfully, I had the support of my family and friends.
When I finally saw the oncologist and had a PET scan, I was diagnosed with Stage 3A melanoma. Fortunately, the oncologist was excellent, and I now have a strong team of doctors managing my care.
Although I’m grateful the plastic surgeon suggested testing my lymph nodes and referred me to one of the best oncologists I could have asked for, the way my diagnosis was handled by him and his team lacked empathy and compassion and left me feeling unheard and unseen. This experience, along with the initial consultations from the doctors who did my skin checks, has given me a lack of trust in the healthcare system.
When facing something as serious as cancer, it’s crucial to have healthcare professionals who listen, offer support, and provide clear, compassionate communication. It makes all the difference in navigating such a challenging time.