We did not want to make any big announcements to the world until we had some definate answers, however some of you were aware that Danny has had a level 4 Melanoma removed in the last couple of weeks, we just wanted to let everyone know that the bi-opsy results are back from the Lymph Nodes and there is no indication that it has spread - all is well and it appears that altough it was very serious it was caught in time - there will be a lot of follow up appointments etc in the next few months with doctors and specialists but other than that it will be back to life as normal. Danny is of course disappointed that he doesnt get to retire and go travel the great unknown but seriously is very happy that things are all good.

For those of you who did know and sent cards, chocolates and your warm wishes thankyou very much, it was nice to know that so many people are there to support you when life is not going according to plan. A very special thanks to a certain doctor who shall remain nameless but if you are reading this you know who you are.

For those of you who have any concerns about any small lump or spot please go to your doctor and do something about it as soon as possible - this could have been a whole different story if it had been left to see. To bring home just how important this is, Danny came out of surgery Wednesday, on Thursday night our neighbour passed away from Melanomas that had spread to far before he went to the doctor.

Lee-Anne... I'm so glad he is ok.

So am I Lee anne. It must of been a very stressful few weeks.

So glad you've got to the other end of this with good news.
Sorry to hear about your friend... thats very sad.

Hi Lee-Anne sorry I didn't know about this so glad to here Danny's resutls were good
sorry to hear about your friend

oh wow..I didn't know this, Lee-Anne (((hugs))) What a relief the results have come back clear! I'm so sorry about your neighbour Just goes to show that catching things early can make the difference with ones prognosis.

sorry to hear about your friend Lee-anne

and glad Danny is ok and found it early.

I am very glad to know that it was caught in time, horrid thing sun cancer.
it's sad news about about your friend.
I have been having cancers taken off for the last 20 years, I can only be very grateful that none of them have gotten to level 4. I would like to reiterate Lee-Anne's comment about being checked, get checked whether you think you need to or not, just like your regular P/S though thankfully not half so invasive. If you have spent any time in the sun without a hat they will check you from the part in your hair to your toes.
Now we know the negative effects of living in a warm climate, you wear less clothes therefore more of your skin is exposed and therefore more susceptible. Even now in winter we are trotting around in shorts and tee shirts and it so important to slip, slop, slap and slide even in winter.
Well I guess I'll just hop off the soap box, have a great weekend.
See you in Babinda some time soon Lee-Anne and Danny

So glad the news is good.....such an anxious wait though. Sad news about your neighbour. It's a dreadful thing.

Fantastic News Lea-anne , I spoke with your son on Thursday xxx

Hope you are well, That poor family next doory so sad x

Good news Lee-Anne but sorry to hear about your neighbor

Dont be sorry about the soap box Trisha - that is exactly why I shared the news and why I mentioned our neighbour - people dont really think Melanomas are serious cancers but like others they also kill - it is so important to get checked regularly - I am booked in for my checkup.

yes, yes, yes, take them seriously. My GP caught a melanoma on my back just because she has a look when doing all those not very pleasant but also necessary checks. It was mostly pre-cancerous but one tiny bit of level 1 melanoma in the middle. just a mole that was changing colour. I am so grateful she caught it, and for the level of medical care that was immediately made available.

I have just spoken with my MIL she has about 5 stitches on her neck where she had a cancer cut off this week. It was a tiny spot most people would not notice but it irritated her, so she had the doctor check it and it was immediately removed as it was a cancer.
Lets all go get checked.

Oh Lee-Anne so glad the results have come back favourable for Danny All my best wishes to you both

Just an update regarding my sister Vanessa, she has had the radioactive treatment on the melanoma in her eye (a five day hospital stay!!) and its just a waiting game now to see if the cancer has been killed or at least the tumour had shrunk. Doctors say that it can take a couple of months to tell if it has worked. If it has not been successful the eye will need to be removed We are crossing fingers that it is working.

Melanoma's are very nasty, so it is wise that we all have ourselves checked out by a doctor on a regular basis.