Another surgery…could use some good thoughts
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Another surgery…could use some good thoughts

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Another surgery…could use some good thoughts

  • Post
    • June 27, 2011 at 2:13 am
    Rendergirl
    Participant

    I have pre-op tomorrow and Tuesday I have my surgery. I'm having a tumo removed from inside my leg in back of the knee. They are going to use a nerve block, injecting me in the lower back, which I'm really scared about. I'd rather be put to sleep. They have to make sure the Melanoma hasn't spread which is why they're removing the tumor. I'm really nervous about the surgery and the pathology. I could use any good wishes and thoughts right now…. thanks.

     

    Becca

    I have pre-op tomorrow and Tuesday I have my surgery. I'm having a tumo removed from inside my leg in back of the knee. They are going to use a nerve block, injecting me in the lower back, which I'm really scared about. I'd rather be put to sleep. They have to make sure the Melanoma hasn't spread which is why they're removing the tumor. I'm really nervous about the surgery and the pathology. I could use any good wishes and thoughts right now…. thanks.

     

    Becca

Viewing 17 reply threads
  • Replies
      • June 27, 2011 at 2:34 am
      tonirey
      Participant

      Wishing you all the best tomorrow and Tuesday, Becca!  Surgery is scary, but chances are you are in excellent hands, and the sooner you have all the information about your condition, the sooner you can get treatment.  Hang tough and try not to worry too much.

      • June 27, 2011 at 2:34 am
      tonirey
      Participant

      Wishing you all the best tomorrow and Tuesday, Becca!  Surgery is scary, but chances are you are in excellent hands, and the sooner you have all the information about your condition, the sooner you can get treatment.  Hang tough and try not to worry too much.

      • June 27, 2011 at 2:38 am
      lhaley
      Participant

      Becca,

      Good thoughts coming your way!

      I just had another tumor removed on the inside of my elbow 3 weeks ago.  The surgery went well and am healing now. Because it was on the nerve they didn't get margins so am starting radiation tomorrow to hopefully stop loose cells.

      Did they explain why they are using the nerve block instead of putting you to sleep?  Tomorrow during pre-op make sure to have them explain why and step by step the procedure. Often if you understand and know what to expect it will help alliviate the fears.

      During my last 2 surgeries they started me while awake in a ct machine so they could find the tumor. They put a wire in to hook onto the tumor so then the surgeon could get in and out easier.  The first time I was really scared going into the procedure. Second time I knew what to expect and didn't ask or need any meds to calm me down.

      Sendinf cyber hugs,

      Linda

      • June 27, 2011 at 2:38 am
      lhaley
      Participant

      Becca,

      Good thoughts coming your way!

      I just had another tumor removed on the inside of my elbow 3 weeks ago.  The surgery went well and am healing now. Because it was on the nerve they didn't get margins so am starting radiation tomorrow to hopefully stop loose cells.

      Did they explain why they are using the nerve block instead of putting you to sleep?  Tomorrow during pre-op make sure to have them explain why and step by step the procedure. Often if you understand and know what to expect it will help alliviate the fears.

      During my last 2 surgeries they started me while awake in a ct machine so they could find the tumor. They put a wire in to hook onto the tumor so then the surgeon could get in and out easier.  The first time I was really scared going into the procedure. Second time I knew what to expect and didn't ask or need any meds to calm me down.

      Sendinf cyber hugs,

      Linda

      • June 27, 2011 at 2:41 am
      ValinMtl
      Participant

      Wishing you the best on your operation.  I chose an epidural when they did corrective plastic surgery on my leg (removing skin from stomach to leg)…didn't feel a thing…excellent caring anethesiologist.  I was subjected to Lady Gaga (young plastic surgeon who asked my permission to put on music)…would have preferred 60s music.   Val, stage IV 

      • June 27, 2011 at 2:41 am
      ValinMtl
      Participant

      Wishing you the best on your operation.  I chose an epidural when they did corrective plastic surgery on my leg (removing skin from stomach to leg)…didn't feel a thing…excellent caring anethesiologist.  I was subjected to Lady Gaga (young plastic surgeon who asked my permission to put on music)…would have preferred 60s music.   Val, stage IV 

      • June 27, 2011 at 2:45 am
      Carol Taylor
      Participant

      Hi Becca,

      Is there a chance you can talk them into putting you to sleep? I'm sure they have their reasons, but it never hurts to try begging & pleading & a really good bribe.

      You'll be fine which ever way they have to "numb" you. They'll get that pesky tumor outta there and you'll be on the road to recovery. (Side note: I don't know if you've had a previous nerve block, I haven't had one in the back but it sounds like an epidural they use in C-sections…my daughter had one and loved it …if you can "love" that! She did fine and will use that method again in the future. I had a nerve block in my arm and did fine. Not the lower back, I know).

      Good thoughts going your way for the surgery and pathology!

      Lord, in Your mercy, You call the shots about the nerve block or going under, and please let this surgery get the melanoma and let Becca's report come back good. Thank You Lord. Amen and Amen!

      Grace and peace Becca and get a good night sleep!

      Carol

      • June 27, 2011 at 2:45 am
      Carol Taylor
      Participant

      Hi Becca,

      Is there a chance you can talk them into putting you to sleep? I'm sure they have their reasons, but it never hurts to try begging & pleading & a really good bribe.

      You'll be fine which ever way they have to "numb" you. They'll get that pesky tumor outta there and you'll be on the road to recovery. (Side note: I don't know if you've had a previous nerve block, I haven't had one in the back but it sounds like an epidural they use in C-sections…my daughter had one and loved it …if you can "love" that! She did fine and will use that method again in the future. I had a nerve block in my arm and did fine. Not the lower back, I know).

      Good thoughts going your way for the surgery and pathology!

      Lord, in Your mercy, You call the shots about the nerve block or going under, and please let this surgery get the melanoma and let Becca's report come back good. Thank You Lord. Amen and Amen!

      Grace and peace Becca and get a good night sleep!

      Carol

      • June 27, 2011 at 4:33 am
      ockelly
      Participant

      Becca

      Ask for a little Versed… its a conscious sedation medication.  You'll still be awake but it has a wonderful side effect of amnesia.  You wont remember a thing.  I can't imagine why they would say no.

      Kelly

      • June 27, 2011 at 4:33 am
      ockelly
      Participant

      Becca

      Ask for a little Versed… its a conscious sedation medication.  You'll still be awake but it has a wonderful side effect of amnesia.  You wont remember a thing.  I can't imagine why they would say no.

      Kelly

      • June 27, 2011 at 10:44 am
      Linny
      Participant

      Tons of good wishes coming to you from Central PA!

      You can also ask if they can give you a set of headphones/earbuds so you can listen to music while they're operating. It will also take your mind off things.

      Linda

        • June 27, 2011 at 2:52 pm
        boot2aboot
        Participant

        nerve block good…better for the body…they will 'snow you' so you are asleep…you won't know anything until it is over…make sure to get pain medicated and back on OT/PT

        • June 27, 2011 at 2:52 pm
        boot2aboot
        Participant

        nerve block good…better for the body…they will 'snow you' so you are asleep…you won't know anything until it is over…make sure to get pain medicated and back on OT/PT

      • June 27, 2011 at 10:44 am
      Linny
      Participant

      Tons of good wishes coming to you from Central PA!

      You can also ask if they can give you a set of headphones/earbuds so you can listen to music while they're operating. It will also take your mind off things.

      Linda

      • June 27, 2011 at 9:01 pm
      Rendergirl
      Participant

      Thanks everyone for the good wishes. You are all SO awesome. I just got home from a long day of pre-op at the hospital and they told me they will give me something called "Twilight" before they do the nerve block, so I do hope I'm really out of it. Unfortunately they said I'll have to stay at least one night in the hospital. I also might have a drain in my knee if it needs it, and they'll have a catheter into my back to inject pain meds into. If I can get around ok the next day and I can handle the pain, then I can go home. Lovely wonderful fantastic Mom is going to stay with me the whole time. I don't know what I'd do without her.

      I asked about pathology results. They said they could get preliminary results the next day and full results in a week, so maybe by the end of this week I'll find out if it's melanoma spreading or just a harmless tumor.

      I'll update you all when it's over and I'm home. Thank you for the prayers…they work wonders!!!!

      • June 27, 2011 at 9:01 pm
      Rendergirl
      Participant

      Thanks everyone for the good wishes. You are all SO awesome. I just got home from a long day of pre-op at the hospital and they told me they will give me something called "Twilight" before they do the nerve block, so I do hope I'm really out of it. Unfortunately they said I'll have to stay at least one night in the hospital. I also might have a drain in my knee if it needs it, and they'll have a catheter into my back to inject pain meds into. If I can get around ok the next day and I can handle the pain, then I can go home. Lovely wonderful fantastic Mom is going to stay with me the whole time. I don't know what I'd do without her.

      I asked about pathology results. They said they could get preliminary results the next day and full results in a week, so maybe by the end of this week I'll find out if it's melanoma spreading or just a harmless tumor.

      I'll update you all when it's over and I'm home. Thank you for the prayers…they work wonders!!!!

        • June 27, 2011 at 9:22 pm
        lhaley
        Participant

        twilight is good.  Between that and the nerve block you will not be feeling anything and will also not be aware of what is going on.  You will be able to respond to them if they talk to you. Less dangerous then putting you fully asleep.

        The drain will help in your recovery. Less swelling.  Hoping to hear an all clean report, but even if it isn't you will have gotten rid of it!

        Good luck tomorrow!

        Linda

        • June 27, 2011 at 9:22 pm
        lhaley
        Participant

        twilight is good.  Between that and the nerve block you will not be feeling anything and will also not be aware of what is going on.  You will be able to respond to them if they talk to you. Less dangerous then putting you fully asleep.

        The drain will help in your recovery. Less swelling.  Hoping to hear an all clean report, but even if it isn't you will have gotten rid of it!

        Good luck tomorrow!

        Linda

        • June 28, 2011 at 3:33 pm
        boot2aboot
        Participant

        then you and i will be scanned at the same time? the 30th?

        boots

        • June 28, 2011 at 3:33 pm
        boot2aboot
        Participant

        then you and i will be scanned at the same time? the 30th?

        boots

        • June 30, 2011 at 4:01 pm
        LynnLuc
        Participant

        Hope you are doing well and have good news to share! Any results on the path report?- Lynn

        • June 30, 2011 at 4:01 pm
        LynnLuc
        Participant

        Hope you are doing well and have good news to share! Any results on the path report?- Lynn

      • June 30, 2011 at 4:49 pm
      Rendergirl
      Participant

      Hi all, I'm back home from the hospital. First off, pathology reports an annoyng benign tumor… yay!! They did the nerve block before they took me into the ER, and I remember saying ouch twice, but that was it. They were giving me something in my IV at the time so I'm sure it was relaxing me. Then I remember being wheeled into the OR and talking to my doc a second, then I don't remember anything until I woke up in recovery. Spent one night in hospital and I have a big blue velcro leg immobilizer on from my thigh to my ankle. It took about 14 hours for the block to wear off. They kept warning me that when it did, the pain would really slam me, but it never did and still hasn't. At the most it was a level 3, easy. I have a walker and crutches, but I'm already putting full weight on the leg with just a little pain which is really good. I give it another few days and I should be limping around quickly. All in all, an easy experience and I am greatful that it's not Mel. For the first time since March, I have no surgery hanging over my head. I just have to heal and get on with the rest of my life…. NED!!!

      Love and appreciation to all  🙂

      • June 30, 2011 at 4:49 pm
      Rendergirl
      Participant

      Hi all, I'm back home from the hospital. First off, pathology reports an annoyng benign tumor… yay!! They did the nerve block before they took me into the ER, and I remember saying ouch twice, but that was it. They were giving me something in my IV at the time so I'm sure it was relaxing me. Then I remember being wheeled into the OR and talking to my doc a second, then I don't remember anything until I woke up in recovery. Spent one night in hospital and I have a big blue velcro leg immobilizer on from my thigh to my ankle. It took about 14 hours for the block to wear off. They kept warning me that when it did, the pain would really slam me, but it never did and still hasn't. At the most it was a level 3, easy. I have a walker and crutches, but I'm already putting full weight on the leg with just a little pain which is really good. I give it another few days and I should be limping around quickly. All in all, an easy experience and I am greatful that it's not Mel. For the first time since March, I have no surgery hanging over my head. I just have to heal and get on with the rest of my life…. NED!!!

      Love and appreciation to all  🙂

      • July 3, 2011 at 2:53 am
      nicoli
      Participant

      BENIGN !!

      I LOVE BENIGN !

      (Did I even spell that right?)

      Might seem a like a lot of work for a benign tumor but it sure is worth it to know it isn't mel.

      Nicki, Stage 3b

      • July 3, 2011 at 2:53 am
      nicoli
      Participant

      BENIGN !!

      I LOVE BENIGN !

      (Did I even spell that right?)

      Might seem a like a lot of work for a benign tumor but it sure is worth it to know it isn't mel.

      Nicki, Stage 3b

Viewing 17 reply threads
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
About the MRF Patient Forum

The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.