Matt had his operation at 8.30am this morning, well that is when he went down to be prepared and he came back on the ward just before 1pm [ a long time to be gone and in the care of others]
We were told they had removed the 4 lesions as planned and taken skin for graft from behind his ear, also a little bit of skin for genetic testing. His biopsy samples were sent off to be done and we have been told 2-4 weeks for samples to come back with any kind of results...
What do I see in my son - well his left side of his face has two 2.5cm long incisions with very neat stitches where two BCC's were removed. Right ear they took the lesion away, cut our a disc and turned it over [back surface of ear is now front surface] and sewed it back together and they say it is a very neat job, we haven't seen it as it is covered. His skin graft donor site was behind this ear and also covered and according to the surgeon it will be as good as new...
The final lesion and largest by far was on his nose, this was cut away and the damaged skin around it taken away, this has left a large patch about 3cm long by 2.5 cm wide, it affects the shape of his nose as there is a large dent. The skin graft has apparently taken neatly pending healing they believe it will be a good repair although they have said he may need further reconstructive surgery one they have the biopsy results and he is in the clear, if left at present he has a difficult profile from the right hand side of his face and perfect from the left side - so he really does have a 'good side' for photos for the time being!
He was groggy and fed up with leakages and dried blood spots, dry mouth and sore throat after GA, they are keeping him in [his dad is sleeping at his bedside tonight] hopefully all going well he will be home tomorrow...
How do I feel, like a protective mother prowling around unsure as to what to do and fanatical about people using hand cleanser before and after going near him... it seems it is all you can do... I have asked questions and been given supportive answers, the auxillary staff were amazing to us and kept us well looked after all day. Everyone we have seen was keen to get Matt up to speed with his treatment and after care... felt looked after. Thanks to the team at Nottingham City Burns Unit!
How else do I feel, exhausted and fragile.... he is my baby boy and I want to wrap him up and look after him like I always have... just that at 15 he is bigger than me and has his own ideas of what he wants to do following the treatment, I know I have my role to play, it is just getting into a routine and making it work... let him have the control he seeks and let me make sure his care is the best it can be...
More to follow in coming days
Jules xx
