I am an Italian 38 year old living in Switzerland. Due to my mother's Scottish origins I have fair skin and have therefore always kept an eye on my many moles and almost never sunbathed unprotected.

I went to the dermatologist (a professional who has now been seeing me for some years) for my last yearly check up in June and everything seemed to be OK. During Autumn I noticed a mole I had on the lower left side of my back was swelling. In December I decided to have it checked by the same dermatologist who told me to not worry as it looked "peaceful". Don't know what got me at that stage but I said I wanted it removed anyway and as Christmas was approaching the doctor said she would do so in January. Having heard her words I somehow relaxed, had it removed on January 13 and forgot about it.

I was called up by the dermatologist's studio a week later with the news: Malignant Melanoma Breslow 1 mm Clark III. I was literally shocked and had very mixed feelings of anger, resignation, fear and determination.

I decided I had to move, gather as much info as possible and then do something. I travelled to Milan (Italy) to the Istituto dei Tumori where the doctor told me the best move would be that of a Wide Local Excision and Sentinel Lymphnode Biopsy. Listening to all the cases he had seen he told me that with a Breslow 1 mm he would find maybe 1 patient out of 50 who tested positive in SLB. Statistics were in my favour but when you know there could be even the slightest possibility of uncertainty you must clear all doubts.

As I live in Switzerland I decided to consult the doctor here in order to evaluate where I would feel more comfortable to have the operation performed. Dr. Martini of the Clinica S.Anna in Sorengo, Lugano (Switzerland) confirmed he carried out the same procedures regularly so I would undergo the operation asap which was fixed for January 30th.

During my waiting time I spent many hours on the net really appreciating MPIP and the book by Candice Bert "Molecole di Emozioni" (Molecules of Emotion) which I really suggest to everyone who has been or who is going through the ordeal (slightly technical but well written and explained even for those who do not have knowledge in chemistry).

Doctor Martini called me up yesterday: the SLB tested negative!!! No chemio necessary, no more threat of life: I am through!!! I have been given the opportunity of a second life and I will do something special about it!

But what if?
Is it possible a professional dermatologist who I have been going to for regular check-ups for years did not recognise it was a Melanoma, or having shared with me my doubts did not insist in having it removed immediately to check what it was? What if I had listened to her and carried on my life as usual? We all know how dangerous and MM can be ...

All I can say is to move fast and NEVER RELY ON ONE OPINION ONLY, always search for a second. It is your life and you should do your best to look after it. What I can also add from my personal experience is: WHEN IN DOUBT TAKE IT OUT!!! EARLY DETECTION IS VITAL!

A special thanks to all the doctors and nurses who were by my side, to my friends, my family and my beloved husband Giorgio for being so close to me during this objectively very short but extremely hard time which seemed eternity. A special thought to all of you who are still fighting: NEVER give up!

Maria
Switzerland