BCC

Hi Eapresso,

Thanks for getting in touch.

Many people express after they have had treatment for cancer that it hits them about why the treatment was given. The good news is that you have had surgery and the BCC has been removed and that you are reaching out for support, this shows strength. I do hope that you also have people around you who are supporting you.

Worrying about how the skin on your forehead will look is understandable so please be reassured that you aren’t being a fraud.

It can take time for things to settle down, of course everyone heals at different rates so it’s impossible to know about how long it will take for you. You might find that the skin on your thigh (donor site) might look a little pink while it is healing.

The area that your skin was grafted (recipient site) will have a light scar but plastic surgeons are aware of this and use stitches that minimise scarring. You might find this information helpful to read from an NHS Foundation Trust.

If you continue to feel like you are spiralling I would encourage you to speak with your hospital team to talk things through. They may be able to show you photographs from patients who have had similar surgery to try and give you peace of mind about how yours might look.

I wonder if it would help to explore one of these workshops as they are a UK-wide charity helping people manage the impacts cancer treatment can have on them.

We are coming to that time of year when the weather is getting warmer, so it’s important to keep yourself safe in the sun. Exposing our skin in the sun safely is important for health benefits such as getting Vitamin D. We have information and tips on how to stay safe which I hope you find useful.

I really hope this information was helpful.  Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.

Take care and best wishes,

Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

Ref:  SMc/AR

Hi Sarah

Thank you so much for your email and links which I really appreciate.

I’m angry - angry at myself for not dealing with it earlier & angry with my plastic surgeon who never told me I would need a graft from my thigh until after I had the first part of the process done. What scares me the most is when the dressing gets checked this week and then comes off for good. 

And on top of all of this, I can’t avoid feeling guilty as technically I’m cured but I know being rational isn’t that easy.

Anyhow, enough wallowing!

Thank you