Denise’s Story

Denise was diagnosed with melanoma on the 28th May 2025. A diagnosis that changed her world and brought her fears to life as her mother passed away from breast cancer at 58.   

The hardest part of her diagnosis was sharing it with those that she loved.  

‘The very worst thing for me was telling my family, it was very difficult. But they have been wonderful and very supportive.’

Here Denise has very kindly shared her story:  

I had a lesion on my leg for about 9-10 years. I had been seen by my GP who was a skin specialist. I have also had several referrals to a dermatologist. I have documented most of this time with photographs to show how it evolved.  

In October 2024, my family and I moved from Essex to Norfolk, which was a massive upheaval as we had lived in the same house for over 30 years.  

Once we had settled in I made a GP appointment with the new surgery as I felt that my lesion had changed considerably, compared to previous photographs. Luckily, she was an amazing GP, said that she didn’t like the look of it and put me on a 2 week referral.  

I saw the dermatologist at the hospital who said she didn’t think it was cancer, but would biopsy anyway.  

After some weeks, I got the dreaded phone call with the diagnosis it was cancer. I don’t think you can ever be prepared for this news. Although, I always thought I would get cancer as my mum passed away aged 58 with breast cancer.  

I was 25, and this affected me very deeply.  

Not long after this I went in and had it removed visiting the hospital weekly for dressing changes, when it had almost healed I had a letter to say that they would like me to take a further margin around where the melanoma was, to ensure there was less chance of it coming back. I was left with a very large whole.  

But that was ok, as I did not want it to come back.   

Again, I was back to the hospital weekly for dressing changes. The nurses were amazing and I was looked after exceptionally well. It took several months to heal completely, and I am with a deep dent in my leg.  

I have gone through lots of feelings; my mental health has been fragile at times.  

Sometimes, I look down at my leg and feel sad. But most of the time I’m ok, and very grateful it was caught at this stage. My best friend’s husband has had melanoma too, and it was very therapeutic talking to him. He said that we all go on a journey and everyone is different, but it never leaves you, it’s always in the back of your mind.  

The very worst thing for me was telling my family, it was very difficult. But they have been wonderful and very supportive and I’m still here, living a good life and healthy, cancer free.  

Denise would like to encourage people to check their skin, seek advice, don’t take 1st opinion if you are not happy. Don’t use sunbeds and use sunscreen regularly.

Why is Melanoma Focus important to you?

Knowing there are people out there that are experts in melanoma, and are able to support people like myself. Raising awareness about melanoma is so vital too. The research that is carried out is so important.