Best gift of all

4:00pm Saturday 22nd December 2007

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Being given the all-clear was the best Christmas present skin cancer sufferer Michelle Amey could have hoped for.

After being told that she had a malignant growth, the Christchurch mum-of-two had put her festive plans firmly on hold.

"I couldn't even think about Christmas; now we're planning a big family party to celebrate," 31-year-old Michelle told the Daily Echo.

Two years ago Michelle noticed a mark at the top of her right leg. "It was just pink to start, then I noticed a black dot had appeared in the middle.

"I went to my doctor's three times and she told me there was nothing to worry about."

On the third occasion, when her son George was just two months old, Michelle insisted that she was referred to a dermatologist.

"Despite my doctor's assurances that everything was fine, I was still concerned. My leg was beginning to feel sore and occasionally bled," she recalled.

Michelle saw a dermatologist in October. "He thought I might have a pyrogenic granuloma, a condition that is brought on by pregnancy and is not serious.

"On the day I saw him he phoned asking me to have the mole removed three days later.

"He removed the growth and then used laser treatment around the area. When the results came back a fortnight later confirming it was malignant melanoma I was so shocked.

"I've always associated skin cancer with sunbathing. I'm very fair skinned and don't lie out in the sun so I'd never thought I was at risk."

Michelle underwent surgery at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital a fortnight later.

"They made a wide incision and carried out a lymph node biopsy. Two nodes were removed and I had to wait another fortnight for the results. Those two weeks were horrendous.

"My family and husband Stuart were very supportive and I wouldn't have got through it without them.

"When I was given the all-clear the relief was incredible. It's been such a roller-coaster year. After the joy of having a baby I discovered I had skin cancer."

Michelle must have three-monthly check-ups for the next three years. "I will have a scar but that isn't important. Now I can get on with living again," she said.

"I can't go out in the sun unless I'm covered up and have applied sun block but it's a small price to pay.

"From experience, I would advise women who are worried about skin cancer to follow their instincts. Doctors aren't always right; if you're not sure, seek a second opinion."