› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Feeling Lost in the Shuffle and Not Sure What Decision to Make
- This topic has 39 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 3 months ago by
MacMac.
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- August 20, 2014 at 3:24 pm
I went to my dermatologist a few weeks ago mostly because my grandma was concerned about what I thought was pimple gone wrong on the top of my left shoulder (her sister passed of Melanoma). Being the good grandaughter I am I had it checked out 🙂 Imagine my surprise when I received the call at work that it was Desmoplastic Melignant Melanoma. After that all I heard wast "blah blah blah." I got a copy of my pathology report. The thickness is 0.92 mm, Clark's level III, Mitotic index of 1, pathologic stage T1b. From that point forward I feel as if I have been shuffled from Dr to Dr and being told make this appointment go to that office fill out this paperwork. Yesterday I actually drove to the wrong office. I feel like I am only really hearing a 1/4 of what I am being told (thank goodness for my family that accompanies me to these appointments).
I saw the oncologist last week. He said that there are cancer cells along all the margins of the shave? biopsy that was done. He said that since there were cancer cells along the margins and I measured at a 0.92 mm it is highly likely there is still cancer left. He also said my thickness could have been greater since they didn't get all of it when they scraped of the mole. He feels it could have been close to or a 1mm fairly easily. He recommended a wide excision on my shoulder. From the point of the mole it would be 2cm out and all the way around. He will also be doing a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Yesterday I saw the plastic surgeon. Since the cancer is on top of my shoulder I don't have a lot of skin to maneuver to close the gapping hole I am going to have. So he gave me two options:
(1) They will re-arrange the skin the close the wound but this will cause an S shape scar that will run basically from my collar bone near my neck all the way to the outside of my shoulder on the back. He said that this will require a night stay in the hospital and will be one procedure. However, he indicated that because of the location the skin will be very tight and under pressure so it will stretch and pull on the scar causing it to widen. Sounds like it will be a pretty narly looking thing and pretty large. On the positive note I have freckles so it may act as camoflauge???
(2) The second option will consist of three seperate surgeries each with a 2-4 day hospital stay. The first surgery will consist of having a temporary skin graft placed in the wound. After x amount of time (again I am not hearing every detail) I will go back into surgery and have expanders placed under my skin – one near the base of my neck and one on the outside of the shoulder. The third surgery they will remove the expanders and they will close the wound. This will give a scar that runs in the direction of a bra strap and will be much narrower since the skin will not be under so much pressure.
I am very concerned with utlimate range of motion of that arm. I had shoulder surgery on my other arm last year and will never be 100% so I heavily relay on my left arm. I am worried if I go the S route that my skin will be so tight that it may hinder my movement.
I don't consider myself a vein person so option 2 seems like a lot to go through just for a pretty scar but I am also not sure if i want to look down and see this horrendous thing on my shoulder that may just be a constant reminder of what I am feeling right now. Also I worry if I ever need a revision to the S scar that my insurance will then consier it cosmetic.
I still have to go back to the oncologyst and the plastic surgeon for a pre-op appointment and I also have to see my eye Dr and womanly Dr to check for melanoma elsewhwere. I just feel so lost. My uncle passed away from lung cancer last year so I just keep telling myself "at least it isn't lung cancer" but then I say "but this is still scary" I am not sure what to do or what to think and I guess I just need some advise from people who may be feeling the same. I just feel like I am not allowed to make a big deal of any of this because the perception out there is "skin cancer is the best cancer so you are lucky" (or maybe that is just my fear – that people think that)
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- August 20, 2014 at 5:49 pm
It seems to be a common misconception that this is 'just' skin cancer. You might need to just let those comments roll off you.
That said, the stats are something like 5-10% will progress past stage 1, so/but 99-95% won't.
Effect on range of motion sounds like it should be a serious consideration, depending in benefit of one procedure over another, and the risk of complications of one vs. the other.
I have a large 3 or 4 cm x 3-4 cm I-shaped scar in the middle of my forehead. Range of motion is not a problem there (and I can still furrow my brow, just less wrinkles around it. I think I went home that night.
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:00 pm
The platic surgeon said I "should" maintain 100% range with either scenario. However, I talked to a few people that said they still have tightening and have a hard time moving the area where the skin is pulled tight. I guess I am wondering if that is common. Ugh! I am already a very indecisive person lol!
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:18 pm
In the long run, skin is more "flexible" than some internal structures. I've had surgeries when I haven't recovered full range of motion for whatever reason – except it is "internal". But every scar I've had has stretched over time to accommodate ALL actions. It will certainly be tight at first, but I bet it will stretch and long term, be no issue as the plastic surgeon says.
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm
So I guess ultimately the decision is have a quick fix that results in a very unpleasing and large scar or take the long route and end up with something much nicer and with the ability to hide it……….lol it seems like it should be an easy decision but for some reason this just makes it all real.
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm
So I guess ultimately the decision is have a quick fix that results in a very unpleasing and large scar or take the long route and end up with something much nicer and with the ability to hide it……….lol it seems like it should be an easy decision but for some reason this just makes it all real.
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm
So I guess ultimately the decision is have a quick fix that results in a very unpleasing and large scar or take the long route and end up with something much nicer and with the ability to hide it……….lol it seems like it should be an easy decision but for some reason this just makes it all real.
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:18 pm
In the long run, skin is more "flexible" than some internal structures. I've had surgeries when I haven't recovered full range of motion for whatever reason – except it is "internal". But every scar I've had has stretched over time to accommodate ALL actions. It will certainly be tight at first, but I bet it will stretch and long term, be no issue as the plastic surgeon says.
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:18 pm
In the long run, skin is more "flexible" than some internal structures. I've had surgeries when I haven't recovered full range of motion for whatever reason – except it is "internal". But every scar I've had has stretched over time to accommodate ALL actions. It will certainly be tight at first, but I bet it will stretch and long term, be no issue as the plastic surgeon says.
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:00 pm
The platic surgeon said I "should" maintain 100% range with either scenario. However, I talked to a few people that said they still have tightening and have a hard time moving the area where the skin is pulled tight. I guess I am wondering if that is common. Ugh! I am already a very indecisive person lol!
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- August 20, 2014 at 6:00 pm
The platic surgeon said I "should" maintain 100% range with either scenario. However, I talked to a few people that said they still have tightening and have a hard time moving the area where the skin is pulled tight. I guess I am wondering if that is common. Ugh! I am already a very indecisive person lol!
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- August 20, 2014 at 5:49 pm
It seems to be a common misconception that this is 'just' skin cancer. You might need to just let those comments roll off you.
That said, the stats are something like 5-10% will progress past stage 1, so/but 99-95% won't.
Effect on range of motion sounds like it should be a serious consideration, depending in benefit of one procedure over another, and the risk of complications of one vs. the other.
I have a large 3 or 4 cm x 3-4 cm I-shaped scar in the middle of my forehead. Range of motion is not a problem there (and I can still furrow my brow, just less wrinkles around it. I think I went home that night.
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- August 20, 2014 at 5:49 pm
It seems to be a common misconception that this is 'just' skin cancer. You might need to just let those comments roll off you.
That said, the stats are something like 5-10% will progress past stage 1, so/but 99-95% won't.
Effect on range of motion sounds like it should be a serious consideration, depending in benefit of one procedure over another, and the risk of complications of one vs. the other.
I have a large 3 or 4 cm x 3-4 cm I-shaped scar in the middle of my forehead. Range of motion is not a problem there (and I can still furrow my brow, just less wrinkles around it. I think I went home that night.
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- August 20, 2014 at 9:40 pm
The S scar may not be as bad as you think. I have a large S scar on my upper arm. The surgery was done by a plastic surgeon that specializes in skin and breast cancer. I'm honestly shocked how good the scar looks. I think part of why it looks so good is that almost all of the stiches were internal. I would ask about that if you are concerned about the look of the scar b/c my scars that had mostly internal stiches are much better looking than the ones with external stiches. Also, I was also told that visually, people notice straight scars more than curvy scars, something about your eye being more drawn to a straight line than a curvy one ( I can't remember why…).
Some tips on getting a good scar outcome based on my experiences with surgeries over my life time – 1. Avoid getting any sun (i.e. always wears sunscreen when you go outside) on the scar while it's healing!!! (like 2 – 3 years) 2. Once the skin has fused back together and your dr ok's it, massage the heck out of your scar using vitamin E, or some other type of scar oil (I use Palmer's scar oil). 3. Remember it take time for the scar to heal! Scars continue to get better for about 3 years, so try to be patient with it (this is definitely the hardest part for me!)
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- August 21, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Thank you so much! I can't tell you enough how helpful that was! I have another appointment with the plastic surgeon today so I will be asking him about the sutures. Thank you.
I was wondering if given the opportunity to have a thin scar you can hide at a three surgery cost, or a wide scar you couldn't hide in one shot which you would you do? It is scary choosing which battle scar to carry the rest of my life. I have just been asking friends and family what they would choose and why and hopefully that helps me. I worry about insurance covering any future scar revisions.
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- August 22, 2014 at 12:17 am
Glad I could help! I'm not a doctor, and I don't know 100% of the story, so I don't really want to advise you either way…. it's definitely a personal decision! I know this would be a really tough decision for me, as I see pros and cons for both choices. However, I will say based on my surgery experiences (not just melanoma, I've had 2 hip surgeries as well), less surgery is usually better than more surgery. Maybe you could get a second opinion from another surgeon to help you make your decision?
Also, if you are concerned about range of motion, definitely get set up with a good physical therapist. I would be lost with out mine!
Lastly, I think the scars we all bear are more mental than physical (which is not easier at all!!). I know I have had a really hard time getting used to my physical scars. In my mind, the scar on my arm is a huge, ugly, disfiguring thing…. but really, people say they hardly notice it. I think that it is a lot worse in my head than it looks like in real life, and as time goes on, I'm starting to feel better about it.
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- August 22, 2014 at 12:17 am
Glad I could help! I'm not a doctor, and I don't know 100% of the story, so I don't really want to advise you either way…. it's definitely a personal decision! I know this would be a really tough decision for me, as I see pros and cons for both choices. However, I will say based on my surgery experiences (not just melanoma, I've had 2 hip surgeries as well), less surgery is usually better than more surgery. Maybe you could get a second opinion from another surgeon to help you make your decision?
Also, if you are concerned about range of motion, definitely get set up with a good physical therapist. I would be lost with out mine!
Lastly, I think the scars we all bear are more mental than physical (which is not easier at all!!). I know I have had a really hard time getting used to my physical scars. In my mind, the scar on my arm is a huge, ugly, disfiguring thing…. but really, people say they hardly notice it. I think that it is a lot worse in my head than it looks like in real life, and as time goes on, I'm starting to feel better about it.
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- August 22, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Well I went back to the surgeon yesterday and he indicated the sutures would mostly be internal but he expected to scar to stretch to at least 1 cm wide (could be wider). He drew it on me and it would go from my neck accros the top of my shoulder to the outside and then down onto my shoulder blade in a big S. Sounds pretty big! They have to remove essentially all the skin on the top of my shoulder so it is going to be a big hole to fill. On the other hand the skin graft thing pretty much chills me to the bone lol.
I guess my I am just having a hard time because I feel like it is selfish of me to choose the long route for a scar I can hide. My family has been through so much already. My uncle died at home of lung cancer a year and a half ago and my grandpa just got out of the hospital himself from a brain bleed. I feel like I am a bad person if I choose the long route and put my family through more hospital visits and needing their help all for a better looking scar (yes I am a pleaser lol). But I guess I just need to get over it since I will be the one that has to live with it. The people closest to me tell me to go for the long process because they feel in the long run I will be happier. I'm a very private person so the thought of people asking me for the rest of my life what happened is just as scary as the multiple surguries lol.
My family is supportive but I still feel alone in this. So thank you again for making me feel like I am not! I really appreaciate your words. You have honestly helped me so much I wish you knew…..
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- August 22, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Well I went back to the surgeon yesterday and he indicated the sutures would mostly be internal but he expected to scar to stretch to at least 1 cm wide (could be wider). He drew it on me and it would go from my neck accros the top of my shoulder to the outside and then down onto my shoulder blade in a big S. Sounds pretty big! They have to remove essentially all the skin on the top of my shoulder so it is going to be a big hole to fill. On the other hand the skin graft thing pretty much chills me to the bone lol.
I guess my I am just having a hard time because I feel like it is selfish of me to choose the long route for a scar I can hide. My family has been through so much already. My uncle died at home of lung cancer a year and a half ago and my grandpa just got out of the hospital himself from a brain bleed. I feel like I am a bad person if I choose the long route and put my family through more hospital visits and needing their help all for a better looking scar (yes I am a pleaser lol). But I guess I just need to get over it since I will be the one that has to live with it. The people closest to me tell me to go for the long process because they feel in the long run I will be happier. I'm a very private person so the thought of people asking me for the rest of my life what happened is just as scary as the multiple surguries lol.
My family is supportive but I still feel alone in this. So thank you again for making me feel like I am not! I really appreaciate your words. You have honestly helped me so much I wish you knew…..
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- August 23, 2014 at 2:15 am
First off – it sounds like you have your decision made – go with the longer surgery route, you seem to be leaning that way (honestly, I would probably want less of a scar as well).
Also, you should be selfish right now!!!! You are gearing up for a major surgery, you totally have the right to be selfish. The fact that you are worrying about being selfish tells me that even when you think you are being selfish, you are probably not. Someone who was truly selfish (in a bad way) wouldn't even think about it. The people who are important in your life will all understand that you need a little extra TLC right now, as I'm sure you would be there for them in their time of need. Seriously, you have to do what is best for you right now. Do not make a decision to try to make others happy, it will only hurt you in the long run!
Lastly – glad I could help!!! Since I'm not exactly in the best place right now (interferon has been really hard on me), it cheers me up a bit to know I helped someone! Feel free to message me any time if you have more questions. Good luck!!!
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- August 23, 2014 at 2:15 am
First off – it sounds like you have your decision made – go with the longer surgery route, you seem to be leaning that way (honestly, I would probably want less of a scar as well).
Also, you should be selfish right now!!!! You are gearing up for a major surgery, you totally have the right to be selfish. The fact that you are worrying about being selfish tells me that even when you think you are being selfish, you are probably not. Someone who was truly selfish (in a bad way) wouldn't even think about it. The people who are important in your life will all understand that you need a little extra TLC right now, as I'm sure you would be there for them in their time of need. Seriously, you have to do what is best for you right now. Do not make a decision to try to make others happy, it will only hurt you in the long run!
Lastly – glad I could help!!! Since I'm not exactly in the best place right now (interferon has been really hard on me), it cheers me up a bit to know I helped someone! Feel free to message me any time if you have more questions. Good luck!!!
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- August 23, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Hey MacMac
I look at this site as a place to be supportive & informative as we can in the face of a disease presenting a very difficult prognosis
and I have just short of 50" of surgical scars resulting from opening my axilla to an extended hockey stick from my left ear lobe from my initial 7 1/2 hr operation to a recent amputation – radical mastectomy of my left breast region and they are all part of a story that had a forecasted ending of about three yrs ago so bring em on if that is what it takes
If that is you in picture w / your grandpa ( or dad ) you have won the lottery in the appearance category & a little scar on your shoulder will only add a little patina to what I hope will be a long & wonderful life
I have forgotten much of names / pieces of treatments I've received but I had a skin graft in conjunction w / a mohs (?) surgery I had & the graft didn't really work ( performed by a fellow overseen by famous dermotologist ) but I healed nicely nevertheless. So I'd ask him / her about efficacy of grafting, scars in that regard.
I'm no fan of tatoos but w / that element you would be the envy of many peers.
Stretching, vit e oil, flaxseed oil, massage all part of your maintenance, recovery in between glasses of water. You GO girl…all the best, john
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- August 23, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Hey MacMac
I look at this site as a place to be supportive & informative as we can in the face of a disease presenting a very difficult prognosis
and I have just short of 50" of surgical scars resulting from opening my axilla to an extended hockey stick from my left ear lobe from my initial 7 1/2 hr operation to a recent amputation – radical mastectomy of my left breast region and they are all part of a story that had a forecasted ending of about three yrs ago so bring em on if that is what it takes
If that is you in picture w / your grandpa ( or dad ) you have won the lottery in the appearance category & a little scar on your shoulder will only add a little patina to what I hope will be a long & wonderful life
I have forgotten much of names / pieces of treatments I've received but I had a skin graft in conjunction w / a mohs (?) surgery I had & the graft didn't really work ( performed by a fellow overseen by famous dermotologist ) but I healed nicely nevertheless. So I'd ask him / her about efficacy of grafting, scars in that regard.
I'm no fan of tatoos but w / that element you would be the envy of many peers.
Stretching, vit e oil, flaxseed oil, massage all part of your maintenance, recovery in between glasses of water. You GO girl…all the best, john
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- August 23, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Hey MacMac
I look at this site as a place to be supportive & informative as we can in the face of a disease presenting a very difficult prognosis
and I have just short of 50" of surgical scars resulting from opening my axilla to an extended hockey stick from my left ear lobe from my initial 7 1/2 hr operation to a recent amputation – radical mastectomy of my left breast region and they are all part of a story that had a forecasted ending of about three yrs ago so bring em on if that is what it takes
If that is you in picture w / your grandpa ( or dad ) you have won the lottery in the appearance category & a little scar on your shoulder will only add a little patina to what I hope will be a long & wonderful life
I have forgotten much of names / pieces of treatments I've received but I had a skin graft in conjunction w / a mohs (?) surgery I had & the graft didn't really work ( performed by a fellow overseen by famous dermotologist ) but I healed nicely nevertheless. So I'd ask him / her about efficacy of grafting, scars in that regard.
I'm no fan of tatoos but w / that element you would be the envy of many peers.
Stretching, vit e oil, flaxseed oil, massage all part of your maintenance, recovery in between glasses of water. You GO girl…all the best, john
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- August 29, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Thanks John for your kind words. I just keep telling myself that it could be worse so keep smiling that it is an early catch. Yes the picture is of me and my grandma (my hero). He is a stage 3 lung cancer survivor!!!! Lol many of my friends have told me i can always get a tattoo lol!
Are you all in the clear now?
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- August 29, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Thanks John for your kind words. I just keep telling myself that it could be worse so keep smiling that it is an early catch. Yes the picture is of me and my grandma (my hero). He is a stage 3 lung cancer survivor!!!! Lol many of my friends have told me i can always get a tattoo lol!
Are you all in the clear now?
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- August 29, 2014 at 5:53 pm
Thanks John for your kind words. I just keep telling myself that it could be worse so keep smiling that it is an early catch. Yes the picture is of me and my grandma (my hero). He is a stage 3 lung cancer survivor!!!! Lol many of my friends have told me i can always get a tattoo lol!
Are you all in the clear now?
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- August 29, 2014 at 5:50 pm
I'm sorry you are having a hard time 🙁 I honestly had no clue just how serious skin cancer can be. I was a part of the majority out there that naively thought it can always just be cut out. Boy do I know better now! I hope that you start feeling better soon! Thank you again for all your kind words!
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- August 29, 2014 at 5:50 pm
I'm sorry you are having a hard time 🙁 I honestly had no clue just how serious skin cancer can be. I was a part of the majority out there that naively thought it can always just be cut out. Boy do I know better now! I hope that you start feeling better soon! Thank you again for all your kind words!
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- August 29, 2014 at 5:50 pm
I'm sorry you are having a hard time 🙁 I honestly had no clue just how serious skin cancer can be. I was a part of the majority out there that naively thought it can always just be cut out. Boy do I know better now! I hope that you start feeling better soon! Thank you again for all your kind words!
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- August 23, 2014 at 2:15 am
First off – it sounds like you have your decision made – go with the longer surgery route, you seem to be leaning that way (honestly, I would probably want less of a scar as well).
Also, you should be selfish right now!!!! You are gearing up for a major surgery, you totally have the right to be selfish. The fact that you are worrying about being selfish tells me that even when you think you are being selfish, you are probably not. Someone who was truly selfish (in a bad way) wouldn't even think about it. The people who are important in your life will all understand that you need a little extra TLC right now, as I'm sure you would be there for them in their time of need. Seriously, you have to do what is best for you right now. Do not make a decision to try to make others happy, it will only hurt you in the long run!
Lastly – glad I could help!!! Since I'm not exactly in the best place right now (interferon has been really hard on me), it cheers me up a bit to know I helped someone! Feel free to message me any time if you have more questions. Good luck!!!
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- August 22, 2014 at 3:19 pm
Well I went back to the surgeon yesterday and he indicated the sutures would mostly be internal but he expected to scar to stretch to at least 1 cm wide (could be wider). He drew it on me and it would go from my neck accros the top of my shoulder to the outside and then down onto my shoulder blade in a big S. Sounds pretty big! They have to remove essentially all the skin on the top of my shoulder so it is going to be a big hole to fill. On the other hand the skin graft thing pretty much chills me to the bone lol.
I guess my I am just having a hard time because I feel like it is selfish of me to choose the long route for a scar I can hide. My family has been through so much already. My uncle died at home of lung cancer a year and a half ago and my grandpa just got out of the hospital himself from a brain bleed. I feel like I am a bad person if I choose the long route and put my family through more hospital visits and needing their help all for a better looking scar (yes I am a pleaser lol). But I guess I just need to get over it since I will be the one that has to live with it. The people closest to me tell me to go for the long process because they feel in the long run I will be happier. I'm a very private person so the thought of people asking me for the rest of my life what happened is just as scary as the multiple surguries lol.
My family is supportive but I still feel alone in this. So thank you again for making me feel like I am not! I really appreaciate your words. You have honestly helped me so much I wish you knew…..
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- August 22, 2014 at 12:17 am
Glad I could help! I'm not a doctor, and I don't know 100% of the story, so I don't really want to advise you either way…. it's definitely a personal decision! I know this would be a really tough decision for me, as I see pros and cons for both choices. However, I will say based on my surgery experiences (not just melanoma, I've had 2 hip surgeries as well), less surgery is usually better than more surgery. Maybe you could get a second opinion from another surgeon to help you make your decision?
Also, if you are concerned about range of motion, definitely get set up with a good physical therapist. I would be lost with out mine!
Lastly, I think the scars we all bear are more mental than physical (which is not easier at all!!). I know I have had a really hard time getting used to my physical scars. In my mind, the scar on my arm is a huge, ugly, disfiguring thing…. but really, people say they hardly notice it. I think that it is a lot worse in my head than it looks like in real life, and as time goes on, I'm starting to feel better about it.
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- August 21, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Thank you so much! I can't tell you enough how helpful that was! I have another appointment with the plastic surgeon today so I will be asking him about the sutures. Thank you.
I was wondering if given the opportunity to have a thin scar you can hide at a three surgery cost, or a wide scar you couldn't hide in one shot which you would you do? It is scary choosing which battle scar to carry the rest of my life. I have just been asking friends and family what they would choose and why and hopefully that helps me. I worry about insurance covering any future scar revisions.
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- August 21, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Thank you so much! I can't tell you enough how helpful that was! I have another appointment with the plastic surgeon today so I will be asking him about the sutures. Thank you.
I was wondering if given the opportunity to have a thin scar you can hide at a three surgery cost, or a wide scar you couldn't hide in one shot which you would you do? It is scary choosing which battle scar to carry the rest of my life. I have just been asking friends and family what they would choose and why and hopefully that helps me. I worry about insurance covering any future scar revisions.
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- August 20, 2014 at 9:40 pm
The S scar may not be as bad as you think. I have a large S scar on my upper arm. The surgery was done by a plastic surgeon that specializes in skin and breast cancer. I'm honestly shocked how good the scar looks. I think part of why it looks so good is that almost all of the stiches were internal. I would ask about that if you are concerned about the look of the scar b/c my scars that had mostly internal stiches are much better looking than the ones with external stiches. Also, I was also told that visually, people notice straight scars more than curvy scars, something about your eye being more drawn to a straight line than a curvy one ( I can't remember why…).
Some tips on getting a good scar outcome based on my experiences with surgeries over my life time – 1. Avoid getting any sun (i.e. always wears sunscreen when you go outside) on the scar while it's healing!!! (like 2 – 3 years) 2. Once the skin has fused back together and your dr ok's it, massage the heck out of your scar using vitamin E, or some other type of scar oil (I use Palmer's scar oil). 3. Remember it take time for the scar to heal! Scars continue to get better for about 3 years, so try to be patient with it (this is definitely the hardest part for me!)
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- August 20, 2014 at 9:40 pm
The S scar may not be as bad as you think. I have a large S scar on my upper arm. The surgery was done by a plastic surgeon that specializes in skin and breast cancer. I'm honestly shocked how good the scar looks. I think part of why it looks so good is that almost all of the stiches were internal. I would ask about that if you are concerned about the look of the scar b/c my scars that had mostly internal stiches are much better looking than the ones with external stiches. Also, I was also told that visually, people notice straight scars more than curvy scars, something about your eye being more drawn to a straight line than a curvy one ( I can't remember why…).
Some tips on getting a good scar outcome based on my experiences with surgeries over my life time – 1. Avoid getting any sun (i.e. always wears sunscreen when you go outside) on the scar while it's healing!!! (like 2 – 3 years) 2. Once the skin has fused back together and your dr ok's it, massage the heck out of your scar using vitamin E, or some other type of scar oil (I use Palmer's scar oil). 3. Remember it take time for the scar to heal! Scars continue to get better for about 3 years, so try to be patient with it (this is definitely the hardest part for me!)
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Tagged: cutaneous melanoma
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