Wle and slnb

Hi fifitrix1, thanks so much for your feedback. Is it claustrophobic like an MRI machine? I am really claustrophobic and have already told staff that I won’t go into an MRI machine so this worries me. Thanks for the heads up about the breathing exercises, my years of going to yoga will hopefully pay off. I didn’t really get a choice on the epidural as I have COPD and an epidural is considered the safest option although a GA is apparently plan B. I have to say that the nearer it gets the more overwhelmed I am feeling although the logical side of my head is telling me it will be fine. I think the problem is that this mole was removed 4 years ago and was fine and when it’s grown back it’s cancerous and I can’t quite get my head around it. I really appreciate the positives from you.

Hi. You don't go inside the machine at all.  The giant bit that looks like you'd go in stayed at the end of my feet and then a flat machine was put over my legs to do the scan.  My body and head were not enclosed at all and like I said the machine was over my legs but not all around it.

I do get your fears.  It's really hard and there are no easy answers to managing the anxiety.  But please be re-assured that lots of us are doing ok.  I've found the whole thing WAY better than I thought it would be.  Just got to take it easy (not easy), rest up and wait for my results.

Hi Fifitrix1 

I'm pleased to hear you are well and it went well for you, hopefully you get your results soon! And you get the best outcome. X

That's really kind of you to say. Thank you. x

Hi Fifitrix1, just wondered how you are. How is your recovery going? Hope you have had your stitches removed and are comfortable. Finally have date for my wle and sentinel node biopsy for 15th Feb. Will be so glad when it’s over

Hi! That's nice of you to ask and I'm glad that you have a date!  That will come & go before you know it! Do you feel more nervous now that you have a date? I found the anxiety up and down.

Like I said though the scan was more fascinating than anything else.  I can honestly say I've had an amazing time recovery wise. I actually can't believe it. I've had very little actual pain and have had more problems with my groin than the WLE. I have a seroma in my groin and it's mildly uncomfortable. The surgeon says it should go of it's own accord. I saw him last week to get my staples removed and next week I can take the dressing off which will be interesting as I haven't really seen what it looks like. 

Also my results were clear! So that's a relief.

Hope you're doing ok - feel free to get in touch if you're feeling wobbly.

Hi Fifitrix1, starting to feel very wobbly but at the same time will be so glad when it’s over, I can worry about the results then. I know it’s daft but I’m also worried about getting upset and tearful on the day. I’m just so nervous. 

Hi! Nice to hear from you. And my reaction to your message was 'aw I wish I could give you a bit hug'. I so remember the nerves and I'm not sure if I said but when I woke up from the anaesthetic, I spent the afternoon crying. I think it was just the realise of the amount of nerves that I'd been carrying. It is a scary procedure that's not to be taken lightly BUT I can't get over just how comparitiively easy the whole thing has been for me ultimately. 

And I can relate to the waiting. I'm back in next week for a biopsy on the other mole I had which they weren't interested in as it's skin cancer but not melanoma.  But now they want to double check that it's not something else. So like you I will be waiting ....

Anyway, you get your surgery over and feel free to keep in touch. I'm really hoping your experience is as positive as mine.