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Melanoma and hip replacement.

(10 Posts)
Murraymint Wed 01-Nov-23 12:30:46

I have just discovered I have a melonoma on my arm, and because of this, my consultant will not do my hip replacement. He said there is a high risk of infection. Although I understand his reasoning, I am still very disappointed . I was
Looking forward to being pain free and mobile again. My emotions are all over the place right now. I retired last year, and have so much to look forward to.

SueDonim Wed 01-Nov-23 13:22:48

I have no experience or advice to offer but couldn’t pass this by without acknowledging your post. flowers I hope you can find a way though the problem and maybe some other posters will be able to help.

B9exchange Wed 01-Nov-23 13:37:53

This must be hugely frustrating for you. If you have only just discovered the melanoma, is it treatable, ie hasn't spread? In which case once treated would you be drug free, or having to take lifelong immunosuppressants, which might be the problem? Definitely something to discuss with your GP? flowers

Whiff Wed 01-Nov-23 13:43:23

Murraymint what I am going to say is not to frightened you but to put things into prospective.

Hip is not cancer the melanoma may be . The consultant said about the risk of infection so as not to scare.

I don't know what sex you . But my husband had a malignant melanoma grade 4 . We didn't know it was malignant or the grade until after the biopsy. January 2001 we where told because of the grade he wouldn't live 5 years. He had the cancer removed they had to go as deep and the same size round to make sure they took cancer and healthy tissue . The cancer was 2.5mm. It was on the side of his face just Infront of right ear. He has skin taken from left side of his neck for a graft.

In October 2003 found out he had 6 tumours. And give 4 months to 2 years. He lived just under the 4 months . He died 4 days after his 47th birthday.

I know your emotions are all over the place but the priority at the moment is the melanoma. You need a biopsy then you will know if it cancer or benign.

The good news if my husband was alive today and was diagnosed with grade 4 malignant melanoma there are treatments that could extend his life expectancy.

Sorry this is so blunt but you needed a wake up call. I know what it's like to be in pain as I have been in pain with my limbs my whole life I am now 65.

The only relief I get from pain is when I am asleep.

And no one criticise me unless you have had personal experience of malignant melanoma and had the other half of you die from it.

welbeck Wed 01-Nov-23 13:43:44

so what is the plan now ?
are the different departments liaising ?
can you discuss with GP ?

Whiff Wed 01-Nov-23 13:49:05

B9exchange my husband's melanoma appeared over night. And because of the grade wasn't treatable. When he became terminal with the 6 tumours it was palliative chemo every 3 weeks . The day he should have started radiotherapy was the day he died.

Thankfully as I said there are treatments to extend life . But a grade 4&5 cancer does mean you will die sooner than later.

Murraymint Wed 01-Nov-23 14:01:25

The mole on my arm is a melonoma. Consultant is to take off another half inch . I know my hip is not cancer, but it is very painful. I did not mention in my post that cancer does seem to run in my family. I have lost too many people to this disease. So I do not need a wake up call as you put it. I lost my. Mum and my father to cancer, and this is my second time. Actually I,m sorry I,m not really sure why I posted this in the first place. Thankyou for all your comments. PS.....I. am female

Whiff Wed 01-Nov-23 15:25:28

Murraymint I didn't want you feel that way. And would have worded my post differently. But in your post it can across you were more worried about your hip than your melanoma.

Once the melanoma has been dealt with then hope you will have you hip done.

My mom had breast cancer twice the second time she had dementia as well. She lived until she was 90. She lived with me for her last 18 months .

My brother had a hip replacement after a bike accident. He said it was painful doing the exercises after it but it was worth it as he was pain free after 2 years waiting for the op.

There is a thread on this forum for people with hip or knee replacement. There is a lot of helpful advice and tips on there. It may be of some help to you.

Nannarose Wed 01-Nov-23 15:37:31

I think you definitely need to discuss this with your GP. One of the particular skills they have is holistic assessment - and another is interpreting 'consultant speak'.
Consultants quite rightly get rather obsessed with their own specialities. Your GP can help you see the overall picture and MAY (depending on so many factors) suggest another opinion.
I recently had a difficult (but not life threatening) medical decision to make. My GP was able to put the different factors in context.
GP surgeries are organised so differently across the country - but I would email / send a message / explain to receptionist that you don't need an urgent appointment, but time to discuss your treatment for these 2 conditions.
Good luck

silverlining48 Wed 01-Nov-23 16:26:54

Hello MM I hope you get speedy and successful treatment with the melanoma. That does need dealing with.
Yes it’s terribly disappointing about the hip because it is painful,
Do have a look at our ongoing hip and knee thread under health forum, where there is plenty of help and support