Appointment to see plastic surgeon for WLE

Hi Kaussie, 

I think it depends to the hospital. I had my appointment on the 9th of September. First I was given a date for WLE on the 10th of October during the appointment, than they've realised that there was a cancellation for the 21st of September so I was given that date. I had general anesthesia as mine was 1b and had SLNB too. 

You can see my timeline on my profile.

Hope this helps. 

Hi Elmyra, thanks for replying. I’ve just read your timeline, I hope you’re keeping well? My mole was 0.7mm deep so stage 1A. Very lucky that it was caught early but kinda dreading WLE now I’ve got my appointment date. I think because there’s been weeks in between each stage of this journey  I put it to the back of my mind then the next appointment comes through and I panic again. I’ve never had surgery before (apart from the biopsy) so I’m nervous.  I’m hoping for local anaesthesia as I’ve never had a general before. 

Hi Kaussie, 

I am now 8 weeks post WLE & SLNB and back to my normal routine. Scar is healing well, actually this week it started to look much better. 

I was worried about the general anesthesia myself, but after talking to the anesthesist I was assured that I am in good hands. It happened exactly as she explained it would. One minute I was talking to her and next I was gone and when I woke up two hours later I had a nurse sitting next to me. 

I suggest you ring and ask your nurse if it'll be general or local anesthesia, to put your mind at ease. I found that more I know about what's gonna happen, I feel more assured and less worried. 

Hi Elmyra, yes I’m exactly the same I like to know what’s what. I think that’s why I’ve struggled through this whole process because everything is taken out of your hands and you’ve no control over anything. I will see what the plastic surgeon says when I see him next month. My consultant dermatologist told me it would be local but I guess it’s up to the person doing it. Apparently I don’t need the node biopsy with stage 1A. I’m glad you’re keeping well and things are improving for you. 

Yes, I know some people prefer not to know the details, but I am the opposite. 

I think you can assume it'll be local if your dermatologist said so. Hope it goes well and keep in touch. 

Thank you. Will do. Hope your recovery continues to improve 

I’m just waiting for my plastics appointment and in the same position as you (diagnosed with 1A), my consultant said it should be under local too, his only concern for it to require general was due to my neurological condition (I may not be able to sit still for them to do a bigger removal). So hopefully you’ll be fine with the local 

Hi KFaythe, thank you for replying. It’s all quite stressful isn’t it. I just want everything done and dusted. My plastics appointment is in a couple of weeks so I’m hoping I’ll get a date for the op then. I hope you’re keeping well. 

I’m the same. I want it done before Christmas so I can utilise the support visiting family. But probably won’t be until the new year now. Wishing you all the best with yours

Yes I think my op won’t be done this side of Christmas even though I really wish it would be. I wonder because we are early stage we’re not classed as being as urgent as someone who’s later stage. Which is fair enough if that’s the case. It’ll be just over a month from diagnosis to my first plastics appointment. Wishing you all the best too!