Infiltrative BCC - are others experiencing seemingly long wait times for surgery? Has anyone had a skin graft to the lower leg?

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Hi - Many thanks for taking the time to read this post.  I am new to the Forum today!  I wondered what people were experiencing in terms of skin cancer (BCC) surgery wait times?  I live in the East Anglia region and was diagnosed with BCC to both lower legs in late August 2023.  One leg, which was superficial BCC, was treated with Imiquimod over a 5 week period during Sept/Oct and I'm hoping that's now been treated successfully.  I'm awaiting a follow-up but no appointment date as yet.  The other leg was described as an 'infiltrative' BBC and would require surgery, including quite a large skin graft, due to the size/location of the lesion.  I saw the Plastic Surgeon in November 2023 and was told I'd have a 2 months wait, so was expecting surgery towards the end of this month.  Having telephoned the hospital, I've now been told surgery is 'very unlikely' either this month, or February, and 'may hopefully take place' in March 2024 - due to appointments having been pushed back due to recent Industrial Action.  I'm reluctant to make a fuss as there's nothing to be done about waiting lists but at the same time I'm feeling a bit in limbo.  Has anyone else experienced similar waits?  As much as not knowing when the surgery will take place, I've not been given any indication how long I'll need off work to allow the graft to 'settle' which makes things tricky with regard arranging cover at work (I work in an office so am assuming I won't be able to sit with my legs dangling at a desk all day).  I know all Cancer experiences are very different but has anyone else had to have a graft to their leg?

  • Hi   and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

    I can't help with your questions but noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list.

    If your able to take a last minute cancellation you could mention this to the admissions team so that they can put you on the list for a cancellation.

    I hope you get a date soon.

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