BCC

Hi Babyyoda123 and a very warm welcome to the online community.

You'll find lots of people here happy to help so was there any advice in particular you were you looking for?

I noticed that the subject title of your post was BCC and wondered if it was a basal cell carcinoma that you have been diagnosed with rather than melanoma?

x

Hello latchbrook tHank you for your rsvp. Yes I understand that a bcc is a common form rather than a melanoma but I’m new to understanding the types 

My first biopsy has left quite a scar on an already non healing wound. I’m worried the 2nd op will obviously leave a bigger scar and wanted some advice on how to help the healing process. 

I’ve felt a bit down about this and I know it’s not a major diagnosis  but it’s still hit home a bit

I've had both a BCC and a melanoma removed. The melanoma was nearly 5 years ago now and the BCC just this last summer. It doesn't matter how 'major' the diagnosis is, it's still a shock to be told that you have cancer and to know that you have operations plus changes to your lifestyle to get your head around.

When the melanoma was removed I was left with a wound about 6 inches long on my arm and another a couple of inches long in my armpit. Once the wound had completely healed (about 2 weeks) the skin cancer nurse specialist advised me to massage it a couple of times a day with E45. She said that expensive lotions and potions weren't needed and it certainly did the trick as the scars are barely visible now.

I followed the same advice with my recently removed BCC and that's almost disappeared too.

I hope you don't mind me suggesting that you join the skin cancer group as well as that's where you'll find the majority of people with non-melanoma skin cancers. It would give you the chance to find out what has worked best for them. If this is something that you'd like to do then click on the link I've created which will take you straight there.

It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

x

Thank you so much for your help and advice. I’m glad you have healed well yourself. I hope you continue to stay cancer free ️

This may sound very simplistic but when I had my mole removed it left me with a 2 inch scar in the middle of my back which opened up when the stitches were removed. I had the wound packed and redressed every 2 days which was a chore to say the least.  When I had my WLE my scar became 5 inch long . My treatment was successful which was really all that mattered. I, personally, couldn't care less about the scar. I know it's there but there is no discomfort and it's now healed without problem. I'm sure you'll receive good advice about your non healing scar from your medical team so.

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Thank you I’m glad the treatment was a success for you

Hi Lynskey

I'm glad to hear that your wound has healed well and that you have no discomfort.

Whilst I agree that removing the cancer is probably the most important thing, it can depend on where the scar is as to how it leaves a person feeling emotionally. We don't know where Babyyoda123's scar will be. For example it might be on their face in which case it may have a very emotional effect on them.

x

Thank you both. I’m always grateful for feedback.

I’ve also got a scar on my back 20 years plus which went keloid? Raised but healed very quickly.

The new BCC is on my face right under my eye. It’s about 4cm atm but I know they will have to remove a wider area to get it all out. I would rather have a scar than cancer absolutely but it’s in a very difficult place under my eye and I am worried about it healing it’s been quite painful since the first op and I constantly catch it dressing/washing/wearing masks etc 

i will definitely look at using the cream.

Sorry to hear you had such issues with the scar initially.