Now it's not just him it's me as well:Do I really need a biopsy or can they go ahead a remove all of it

1 minute read time.

My husband got skin cancer 5 years ago.I've been looking after him.Now I                                                                   I have been told I have a BCC on my nose,inner side near where my glasses rub,,,,it will need a skin graft,

They were  one doctor short when I attended on Jube 2nd so the biopsy was not done.What i'd like to know is whether a biopsy  is essential or whether they could go ahead and remove the entire nodule without a separate biopsy

.I am already having a sad and  anxious time because my husband was having a check up and the doctor [not a consultant] told me I had something bad on my nose.She examined me without asking my husband to leave the room.. and broke my confidentiality and got a trainee to examine me without permission......He had just  had cryotherapy and was weak.We both got depressed and he could not eat much.He's 87 years old..Then it was Easter so I could not see my GP.I eventually got a hospital appt on 2nd June but nothing was done but repeat what the original doctor said.. and they were too busy to do a biiopsy then so they said they'd call me...

Now,could I skip the biopsy?I have read they can be dangerous as they spread the cancer cells and anyway he said it will need to be cut out so why can't they just cut it out and save money by doing just one operation?

My husband had  a biopsy for a rodent ulcer 2 weeks ago and they said it was too deep to remove xompletely so he'll need another op after they get the results....

He has an appointment tomorrow aboiut his scalp where he's had 2 ops and cryotherapy and ointment.I feel afraid of this doctor as  she's the one who broke my confidentiality.I thought she was seeing me on the 2nd June but I was seen  by a man.I don't know if she was embarrased as I  have told her i was very upset by her behaviour in April

We have no children and no relatives near by.I have angina too and arthritis.

I'm feeling alone and unspported

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Marika,

    Welcome to the Online Community. I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, when you are already looking after your husband with cancer. It sounds as though the way the doctor broke the news was really upsetting for both of you.

    I'm not a medical professional myself, so I can't answer your question about the biopsy. I'd suggest giving our team of nurses a call on the free Macmillan Support Line, 0808 808 0000, Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm. (For this week only, they are also trialling opening until 10pm.) They should be able to answer your question, and they are also there to listen if you need to talk.

    I hope that it's helped a bit to share things here on the site. As well as blogging, you might be interested in joining and posting in some of our groups - that way you have a better chance of a response from someone with a similar experience. 

    I'd recommend joining our skin cancer group,  where there are lots of other members with BCC. We also have a carers only group, for people who are looking after loved ones with cancer.

  • Hello Marika,

    It sounds very much as if you both had a really tough time, have sent you a friend request….

    Sending you and your husband big hugs xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Thank you very much,yoiu are so kind

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Thanks for the responses.I spoke to my husband's consultant today at the clinic.Now I have got an appointment for my biopsy tomorrow.This doctor was so good and so feeling.My husband's biopsy on his nose was ok so he will only have that cream to put on his scalp for 3 days.

    And my biopsy will be at the   local hospital whereas  my husband had to go further .

    I asked this consultant if the biopsy can spead cancer and she said,not if it's ina lump on the skin.. she was so helpful I feel fortunate to have seen her

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Thanks for the responses.I spoke to my husband's consultant today at the clinic.Now I have got an appointment for my biopsy tomorrow.This doctor was so good and so feeling.My husband's biopsy on his nose was ok so he will only have that cream to put on his scalp for 3 days.

    And my biopsy will be at the   local hospital whereas  my husband had to go further .

    I asked this consultant if the biopsy can spead cancer and she said,not if it's ina lump on the skin.. she was so helpful I feel fortunate to have seen her