Over the past 18 months I have been seen by various professionals - pharmacist, GP, several different dermatologists. They all agreed that I have some basal cell carcinomas. Two on my arm and one on my back were dealt with by liquid nitrogen and seem to fully cleared up. One is bigger and I was told last September that I would need an excision. In January I was given an appointment for an excision to be carried out at my local hospital.When the letter came through it said it was for an excision on my chest. I called the hospital and the secretary said that she would need to cancel that appointment and set up a new one. I heard nothing for 11 weeks. Someone told me about a Patient Advice and Liaison Service at my hospital. I contacted them and they arranged for a new appointment. This is in mid May and is at a hospital about 20 miles away. My daughter happens to work near there and has agreed to take me and bring me home. I would really like to have some idea how long it will be between dropping me off (at 09.30) and when she can pick me up. Is it a short or long procedure? Also I would like some idea about how long recovery will take. We grandchild mind after pre-school each afternoon, will I be able to get about on the next day, or not for a long time? I fear these my be pretty unanswerable questions, but some ideas or experiences would be helpful.
Hi Ancien and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about the journey you are on..
The cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but reaching out to the community will give you the opportunity to ask questions and getting support from others who are navigating the ‘exact’ same journey.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend consider joining our supportive Skin cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To join a group first click on the “Bold Link” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post. You can also scroll through other members posts and click “Reply” to get involved.
Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat where you will find one of team there to help you out. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
