Cancer Stories – Charles, Melanoma
Charles was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2020, this is his story.
My name is Charles and I am 82 years old.
I have never been a fan of sunbathing and as I have never holidayed outside the British Isles, skin cancer was never anything I had given a thought to. That was for people who liked to holiday abroad and lay in the sun.
In February 2020 my wife noticed a dark coloured spot on the top of my left ear. As it did look rather strange, photos were taken to record any changes and a routine GP appointment made just as a precaution which resulted in a referral to the dermatology department at my local hospital.
An appointment was arranged for early March when I was advised to have the “spot” cut out to be sent for analysis, meaning 4 stitches in the top of my ear and resulting in my feeling a bit rough for a couple of days.
At the end of March I received a phone call from the dermatology department advising me that the sample of skin taken was in fact cancerous, greatly upsetting/frightening my wife and 3 children. I was advised more of my ear would need to be removed to see how deep the cancer was.
Early May I received a call advising me that my local hospital was only dealing with Covid patients and would I be prepared to travel to another hospital 20 miles away, which I agreed to and an appointment was made for me. At this appointment more of my ear was removed needing more stitches, but the consultant was optimistic that this sample of skin would be cancer free. Another few days of feeling rough.
Back to the hospital at the end of May to have stitches removed but as there was some infection, I was given antibiotics and asked to return the following week when the stitches were removed. At this appointment, unexpectedly and very painfully, a piece of cartilage was removed, so more days of feeling rough.
Mid June I was sent an appointment to attend my local hospital for a head-to-toe inspection of my entire skin area. As there were a couple of inoffensive blemishes on my back these were “frozen” with one being removed resulting in more stitches, but this was completely cancer free. It was recommended I take vitamin D tablets, keep out of the sun and wear long sleeved shirts at all times. My wife was also advised to check all areas I couldn’t check myself.
The removal of part of my ear has resulted in some hearing loss. Not as insignificant as it sounds, as I was born with no hearing at all in my right ear and losing part of my ear caused problems wearing spectacles, particularly as Covid restrictions meant wearing a mask. I also had great difficulty keeping my hearing aid in, but the NHS came up trumps and fitted me with a different style of hearing aid. Minor things compared with the alternative outcome. So very pleased I acted on finding “just a little black spot”.
At this point I have no further cancer concerns and have only praise for the treatment I received and the support and love of family members who kept my morale high.