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New 1a diagnosis, upcoming wide excision
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New 1a diagnosis, upcoming wide excision

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › New 1a diagnosis, upcoming wide excision

  • Post
    • February 23, 2019 at 11:55 pm
    Kjos
    Participant

      Hello everyone,

      i am having a wide excision on my left shoulder blade on Monday and was told I would be able to drive myself after the appointment. Do you think that is realistic, or should I try to get someone to take me? I will also be doing my own care with bandages, etc and was told I would probably have about 35 stitches. I just got my diagnosis 2 days ago and I am terrified. I’m looking at all my weird moles and I have already found 3 that I’m worried about. Did they do a skin check and remove additional moles at the time of your wide excision? 

      ‘Thank you,

      Kristine

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    • Replies
        • February 24, 2019 at 3:09 pm
        Jamie1960
        Participant

          Although you will likely have only local anesthetic, surgery of any kind is a shock to the body, so be good to yourself and have some else drive.

          Although my least WLE was three years ago, I will continue to see my dermatologist at 6 month intervals, and surgical oncologist at 6 month intervals (such that I am seeing someone every three months) until I hit the five year mark, at which time I will see only the dermatologist.

          You will be fine; stay on it, cut often (and frequently too).

          "Beating" cancer, of any kind, seems like a statement based in hubris; we can, however, stay ahead of it for the long haul with vigilance.

            • February 24, 2019 at 4:26 pm
            Kjos
            Participant

              Thank you, I will try to find someone to drive me. I’m not good with medical stuff and am sure I will feel a little “fainty” after someone is slicing into me. I know this is probably just the beginning of this journey for me as much of my skin is pretty badly sun damaged. I plan to be vigilant on my follow up. I let my doctor convince me the mole was nothing to worry about for 3-4 years. I will be much more assertive going forward. Of course I’ve already identified 5 other moles that seem very suspicious. All of them look suspicious now! I wish they could just remove them all. Thanks again for your response.

              • February 26, 2019 at 8:23 pm
              MLD1973
              Participant

                How are you doing, was thinking if you on Monday.  Hope all went well x

                • February 27, 2019 at 7:18 pm
                Kjos
                Participant

                  I wanted to let you know how it went. I know you have one of these coming up Mandy.  The worst part was the anticipation and the numbing shots. After that, it went by in a blur. My incision is about 6 inches long, which surprised me, but my mole was about the size of a dime so I guess they went a little wider. Today is my second day after and I am experiencing almost no pain. My cousin who is a nurse is coming by tonight to take off the compression bandage and get a first look at it. All and all, not nearly as bad as I was getting myself worked up for! 🙂

                  • February 27, 2019 at 9:13 pm
                  MLD1973
                  Participant

                    It’s great to hear from you.  I have been thinking about you, as I know we are in a similar situation.  So glad to hear you are doing well, take it easy and I wish you a speedy recovery x

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