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Basal Cell Carcinoma

(114 Posts)
Sunflower2 Sat 05-Aug-23 17:49:33

Hi all,
I know this subject has come up before but I have an appointment on 15th for hopefully, removal of Bcc. It’s at the top of my cheek bone, between the corner of my eye and the temple. It came up in a matter of weeks. I’m feeling nervous and have read there are several different ways it could be removed. I’d be interested in hearing anyone’s experience of this and the method used to remove it. Sorry if it’s a repetition of what’s been said before, but thanks for your help in advance.

Sar53 Wed 23-Aug-23 10:27:21

We have just had four days away on our boat and DH has been fine in himself. He is not the type to take things easy and just gets on with things.
When we got home yesterday I removed the dressing and it didn't look very good. I cleaned it and redressed it. He has an appointment with the nurse on Friday.
He has been taking antibiotics so hopefully no infection.
The other one he had done, in front of his ear, looks ok. It is not covered and I put antibiotic cream on it each morning.
It's a good job I am not squeamish.
Thanks for asking.

karmalady Fri 25-Aug-23 11:17:53

Sar, I hope the nurse is happy with the covered wound on your dh today and well done you

I am on the last stage of healing now. Just 15 days after cryo and the last newer scab moved off as did the big one on my back. Naturally underneath is still at healing stage of making new skin cells. the nose lesion will soon be completely gone, as far as I can tell. 18 days after cryo is very fast, giving me confidence in my immune system and the healing process.

Just 30 days ago, that was the day I decided to find a consultant dermatologist

RosesandLilac Fri 25-Aug-23 15:47:00

Please be aware that you can get skin cancers from sun shining through a car sunroof.
I know two people who developed it this way; both were not sun worshippers, always wore high protection sun screen and sun hats when outdoors.
Both were asked if they’d ever had cars with sun roofs, both had.

Sunflower2 Sat 26-Aug-23 19:31:56

Update.
I was booked to have the carcinoma removed on 12th Sept., but asked to be put on the short list for cancellations. Got a phone call on Thurs. asking if I could be there for 11.30 as they’d had a cancellation. After hurriedly dressing etc., arrived at Dermatolgy dept. Lovely lady did the surgery and her assistant offered to hold my hands and talked to me throughout the whole procedure. I was so grateful. It helped immensely! As I was still a bit shaky I was taken to recovery area and offered a cup of tea and biscuits. Took about half an hour to do the surgery. Took dressing off today as instructed. Several stitches which will have to be removed next Thursday, and have to keep it Vaselined for a while. Couldn’t fault NHS. So grateful. Result of what they removed in 4-6 weeks. Thank you to everyone for your interest, good wishes and helpful comments.
Hope those who are still recovering are doing well.

karmalady Sun 27-Aug-23 17:15:47

Brilliant news sunflower. I am so pleased that it has been done and the worst is over

Sunflower2 Mon 28-Aug-23 08:33:31

karmalady

Brilliant news sunflower. I am so pleased that it has been done and the worst is over

Thanks Karmalady,
hope you’re continuing to heal. Maybe you’ll be able to get back on your bike soon, with loads of suncream and a big floppy hat, of course! I’m applying Vaseline at every opportunity. Stitches out on Thursday. We’re due to go away to the Lakes so will have to find a Walk In centre to do the deed!

Sar, how is your DH?

vintage1950 Mon 28-Aug-23 08:40:55

flowers to Sunflower and all the others with this condition.

Sunflower2 Mon 28-Aug-23 19:10:43

vintage1950

flowers to Sunflower and all the others with this condition.

Thank you.

karmalady Mon 28-Aug-23 20:20:53

vaseline is wonderful and much recommended by dermatologists to cover any area of skin that needs healing. It keeps the area beneath moist and safe from microbes. I am still using it and will do until my nose skin is flat again. There is still a small uneven lump of sorts

I went out on my bike today and used a polyester cycling cap, with a peak, underneath my helmet and also a buff pulled right over my ears and nose. Close knits like polyesters are the best protectors from uv rays. I was back by 10 but am now so aware of covering any skin especially on my face and scalp. There is so much more potentially lurking out of sight below the epidermis and uv rays could well activate the nasties.

Thanks vintage. I feel very much as though I have dodged a bullet

Sar53 Mon 28-Aug-23 20:24:16

I hope you are improving day by day Sunflower2. I'm sure you are pleased that the worst if now behind you.
DH is getting there. The one by his ear is healing well and most of the stitches have dissolved.
The one on his forehead, which is quite large, has started to heal but still weeps a bit at times. He has been told to keep it covered for the next few weeks.
I met a lady yesterday who is waiting to have a BCC removed from her nose. She is very apprehensive, poor thing.
It is quite amazing how many people suffer from skin cancer.
My youngest daughter had a malignant melanoma on her cheek removed about two years ago. It was a very invasive operation and she has been left with extensive scarring on her face. After two years it has faded a lot but is still noticeable. She now makes sure that she and my two granddaughters stay out of the sun and always go out with Factor 50 on exposed skin.
Hopefully you are feeling better Karmalady.
Best wishes to all xx

Sunflower2 Mon 28-Aug-23 22:11:15

karmalady

vaseline is wonderful and much recommended by dermatologists to cover any area of skin that needs healing. It keeps the area beneath moist and safe from microbes. I am still using it and will do until my nose skin is flat again. There is still a small uneven lump of sorts

I went out on my bike today and used a polyester cycling cap, with a peak, underneath my helmet and also a buff pulled right over my ears and nose. Close knits like polyesters are the best protectors from uv rays. I was back by 10 but am now so aware of covering any skin especially on my face and scalp. There is so much more potentially lurking out of sight below the epidermis and uv rays could well activate the nasties.

Thanks vintage. I feel very much as though I have dodged a bullet

Yes, I’m very anxious about getting any sun on my face. We are going to the Lakes and I’ve been experimenting with head bands down to my eyes and a buff up over my nose. I was using factor 50 winter and summer AND wearing a sun visor.

Sunflower2 Mon 28-Aug-23 22:17:51

Sar53,
Sounds like he’s making progress. Poor lady, and your poor daughter. Playing out in the sun wasn’t something we thought about in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

karmalady Tue 29-Aug-23 08:14:46

That weeping is good sar, as long as it is clear, the fluid brings healing necessities into the wound site.

Those of us who have had skin cancer procedures, at least we know and can make every effort to keep the uv off. Many don`t realise that a `spot` may not be just a spot.

My latest bits were from solbari. The visor has a very big shade area and I pull it right down to shade my nose at any time of the day. The visor has a top cover for the head. Australia is best for sun protection. I bought my first wallaroo hat over 20 years ago, at least my scalp was protected much of the time