Surgery for Squamish cell carcinoma

Hi GG58,

My name is Penelope and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. I can see that you have joined the skin cancer forum and I hope you are finding the online community helpful and supportive.

From the information you have posted I believe that your operation is for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.  I can see from your other posts that you have already had numerous appointments so I can understand that you do not want any further delays.

As I am sure you are aware the reason for the pre assessment is to check on your general health to minimise the risk of complications from surgery. Identifying something like a urine infection (UTI) gives the opportunity for this to be treated prior to surgery. It would be up to the surgeon themselves and the recommendations that they follow, but in general a UTI would need to be cleared before surgery can go ahead.

Many urinary tract infections clear up quite quickly with treatment so the fact that you have already collected the antibiotics is very encouraging. To have the best opportunity for the surgery to go ahead as planned it would be good to know if the infection has got better after the antibiotics. If you have a contact number of a specialist nurse, pre assessment clinic or consultant secretary you could get in touch to confirm what the next steps should be after taking the antibiotics. This would be particularly important if any symptoms continue or worsen. You can also speak to NHS 111 24 hours a day if you need urgent advice.

In general drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, so that pale coloured urine is passed regularly through the day is often recommended to help with UTIs and to prevent recurrence. Wiping from front to back when you go to the toilet can also help to prevent bacteria getting into the bladder.   

If you are feeling anxious whilst waiting for surgery, then please do get in touch with us on the Macmillan Support Line to talk things through and find out what other support is available. Alternatively, you may also find these NHS resources from every mind matters helpful.

To speak to the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm).

Best wishes,

Penelope

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref/ KS

Thanks for replying Penelope . I started the antibiotics last night : the doc just prescribed 6 tablets 2 per day for 3 days so I’ve already started the tablets .  How will I know if infection has cleared . 

Dear GG58

My name is Joanne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. I hope you found the information helpful that my colleague Penelope posted.

It is excellent that you have already started the course of antibiotics for your UTI and this will put you the best possible position to go ahead with your surgery on 28^th August.

You ask how will you know if the infection has cleared? If you had symptoms such as frequency in passing urine, raised temperature, burning or stinging when passing urine these symptoms will improve as the infection clears. You mentioned your UTI was picked up at your pre op assessment so you may not have had any symptoms.

The only way to be certain the infection has cleared is for your urine to be tested again. If you have a contact number of a specialist nurse, pre assessment clinic or consultant secretary you could get in touch to confirm if this is necessary. Alternatively, you could contact your GP and ask if your urine can be tested on Tuesday 27^th August for peace of mind.

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water will help with any UTI symptoms and speed up the recovery time. Also avoiding alcohol or caffeine can help.

I hope this information helps and that your surgery goes ahead as planned on 28^th August. If you have concerns or worries it may help to talk to one of the nurses on the support line. Our lines are open 8-8, every day including weekends and bank holidays. Phone free on 0808 808 0000.  

Best wishes

Joanne F

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref; JF/UH