What do you know now that you wish you had been told when you were first diagnosed?

[MaddieHU]

What general advice would you give a person who has been newly diagnosed with melanoma?

[Foxy79]

Hi I'm foxy79 my deepest support don't put your self down cause of it fight it enjoy what you have left instead of dying and feeling sorry everyday make the most of what you have by smiling take care 🙏

[Meloney SYSF Ambassador]

I wish I'd known about the Save Your Skin Foundation when I was first diagnosed. I wish I'd taken advantage of the counseling available at the Cross Cancer Institute. I wish I'd have searched out more financial type aid avenues. Most importantly, I wish I'd have been a better advocate for myself before I was diagnosed. If I had pushed my family doctor to refer me to a dermatologist about that mole on my back years earlier, I wouldn't have had to endure what I did. The best advice I could give anyone is get your skin checked regularly and if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't so get a second opinion.

[Bobger SYSF Ambassador]

It's really important to know that it is possible to be cured of this disease. When I was first diagnosed I didn't know this. A lot has changed. I was given hope after we met Kathy at SYS and my current oncologist, and I believe you need to find supportive and positive thinking people to help you to keep positive. I really think your emotional attitude towards this plays a major role its outcome.

[canada123]

As mentioned by Melony, I would encourage those just receiving a diagnosis to be a strong advocate for themselves. In my situation, i would also have liked some suggestions of who and where to go for support. Suggestions of Save your Skin or Melanoma Awareness Canada. I would have also liked to have been offered more support for the mental side of thing- especially during the waiting game.