Hullo. I am rather nervous about writing, but have been encouraged to do so.
I have a melanoma on my scalp. The Registrar said that it would be excised 21/2cms all round, with the possibility of further surgery. He said that local anaesthetic was the method of choice, though sometimes GA is used.
I have every faith in them and have endeavoured to approach it all pragmatically. Respiratory tests are tomorrow & anaethetist interview on Wednesday. My date & time for surgery came through today for the following week.
Now I am anxious, with it approaching fast. I am worried about being obliged to have a GA & kept in, as that will be complicated at my age - not least because I have spinal stenosis & R.A. and rely heavily on morning floor exercises. Maybe they have lighter, less deep anaesthesia for some procedures? I shall ask.
In this worst-case scenario, with COPD maybe I will fail the respiratory as I did for the proposed spinal surgery last year...then local anaesthetic will be used.
As you can see, I am at the beginning of my journey, and would very much like to hear from anyone who has experienced the same as me.
I send every possible good wish to you all 
