Bcc scalp

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

My BCC was on my chest, so not much help for you, but I've had a look in the group and I'm 'tagging' D132 and LinMc into my reply as they've both posted recently about having BCCs on the scalp. Hopefully one or both of them will respond and share their experiences with you.

I had a large 10mm bcc removed from my scalp in January and was set to have a skin graft. I was terrified. Not because of the removal but because of the size of the bald patch afterwards. I discussed this with the plastic surgeon who said he would try the excision route. The operation was not unduly uncomfortable and looked like a zip parting in my hair which has now blended really well with my hair. It was uncomfortable for about a week and now 6 weeks later I don't notice it. I found it really difficult waiting for the histopathology results but they did come faster than expected and all good.  Try not to worry although I now it's hard. Sadly I have now discovered another one on my face so will be going back very soon but at least I know what to expect. Also I had cryotherapy for sun damaged areas across my face and will be using chemotherapy cream on other areas after the latest bcc is excised so my journey is far from over.  I am a keen golfer and gardener so life is on hold right now but am grateful that things aren't far worse as I had ignored all the signs, telling myself I was too busy or it was probably nothing. I wish you all the very best on your journey. Please let us know how you get on.

Thanks Latch;)

I appreciate the welcome and support 

Hi, Golf;)

Thank you for your reply

• I'll have the procedure this Tuesday. We chose a plastic surgeon because it's in a tricky spot at the top of my scalp and esthetics ate still important for me. We made sure of his experience in skin cancer excisions and "sewing skills" ( sorry don't know how else to say that but that's exactly what I mean).

I'll have local anesthesia and also be sedated  with I.V. drugs like the stuff they use for colonoscopy. Not sure but it could take more than an hour or so. It's a dual flap reconstruction? Probably about a 10 mm stitched incision after excision.

I'll  be happy to be rid of the spot but obviously a bit anxious about the recovery and pathology. 

I think mine is about 2.5 mm so smaller than yours and it's encouraging to know you recovered quickly and didn't have too much pain. 

I'm a foreign language teacher with a very full schedule and lots of students who depend on me for regular lessons.  I really  hope I can get back to a bit of normal regarding work and routines sooner than later.

How soon did you return to a relatively typical daily schedule?

Did you have to sleep upright? If so, for how long?

And, the most important question, should I wear my jammies to the procedure so I don't have to pull anything over my head to get comfy?

Much love and appreciation for you and happy to hear any extra advice you might have

Good luck with your surgery next week. In answer to your question, no jammies necessary.but I wore a button up blouse or shirt for a day or two to make life simpler. You are well covered up.during procedure. Wobbly legs after but a cup of tea and biscuits walked out with little problem.  Follow your medical teams advice on recovery but my 'worst' days were the first two when I took painkillers and generally felt very sorry for myself. After 4 days I was able to wash my hair and felt so much better getting rid of all the goo they used during surgery. I was worried about.doing it but used baby shampoo and lukewarm water very gently.  I struggled with sleeping upright but if I rolled over in my sleep then my stitches gave me a little reminder.to move back. I did surprisingly get enough sleep though.  It wasnt as difficult as I had imagined. No heavy lifting ar anything strenuous and I was given an info sheet on what to do afterwards. I had to get.my husband to apply antibiotics cream to the wound twice a day.so maybe buy some cotton buds for gentle dabbing just in case you have to do the same. I went for my stitches and infection checkup after 6 days and looked and felt fine so recovery was surprisingly quick. Everyone's experience is different though but if you follow all the advice as best you can your life will be back to normal before you know it.  I wish you well and please let me know how your recovery goes. If anything else worries you about the practicalities please feel free to contact me.

Hi, Golf;)

Thanks so much, that's great advice!

I turn 50 next weekend and my family had planned a dinner party on Friday, before all this came to light. We haven't canceled because I thought I might be ok(-ish) at 3 days post procedure.

Were you feeling mostly ok in day 3?

Well they'll say no alcohol to help blood clotting and plenty of rest, also to keep fairly quiet so as not to risk damaging the stitches. There isnt a lot of 'give' on the scalp skin apparently, so probably not that quickly. It will be very tender as well. Its up to you but personally I wouldn't. I did have friends round for tea and cake for an hour or so and I was relieved when they went home. Having said that we are all different.  Ask your medical team though. Mine were brilliant with all the questions I had.  Xxx

Ok sounds good. I've put everyone on alert that the party could be postponed, and we'll see how it goes. 

I really truly appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions, it's been so helpful in what to expect.

I'll try to update once "Operstion: Out Damn Spot!" is complete and I'm feeling better on the road to recovery!

Have a good week, Golf! I hope you get back to your sport and hobby soon. It's so hard to be without the activities that feed our wellbeing on so many levels.  

my doc said it would be quite a while before I can get back in the gym, so I guess I'll just do a lot of walking and maybe some weights at home?

I've come to realize that life will just be different this year. Maybe it will be the kick in the rear I need to start decluttering and deep cleaning my house!

Xoxoxo

Hi EmmiCassi  I had 2 basal skin cancers removed from my face by skin graft for one and skin flap for the other 3 years ago.  I had a "thing" erupt on my scalp a year ago and went back to see my plastc surgeon who wasnt sure if another bcc or not.  I had it excised with just stiches not graft or flap and when results came back it was a pillar cyst not a bcc, but the procedure I had was the same as if it was.  I had to put antibiotic ointment on the wound twice a day, with a cotton bud.  It was slightly painful on the day of the operation and the next day, but nothing paracetamol couldnt cope with, not too bad at all.  I took it easy (but am retired) for a couple of days , but then just took care if we went out.  Sleeping on it was a bit difficult as was right on the top of my scalp.  I had stitches out 7 days later and cleaned up and saw my surgeon 6 weeks later, who gave me the good news not another bcc, which was good news.  I was told I could wash my hair after 2 days but didnt until 6 days just before I had stitches out.  The hair around the operation site hasnt come back as the surgeon said it had destroyed the hair folicles, but my hair covers it so not to bad. The actual procedures aren't as bad as you envisaged but not pleasant, but my surgeon and his nurse were so kind and reassuring and put me at ease which was nice.  Hopefully you will be ok to celebrate your birthday.  This site helped me so much to chat to other people with the same problem, as sometimes people say "its only skin cancer" yes it is, but still not very nice to have. I didnt even have to get undressed just took my coat off but I did put a blouse on so didnt have to pull anything over my head.  Good Luck, hope all does well, and please keep in touch xx

Hi, Harlyn;)

Thanks for checking in and telling me about your experience!

It's been so nice to have advice from people who've been there. It makes me feel so much more at ease going into the procedure and knowing what to expect after.

I hope these exchanges will help others going through the same.

Scalp lesions are so weird' because closing the wound is so tricky with tight  skin and hair. Mine is right at the top of my head, like yours, so I would prefer not to have a huge bald spot there.

I'll certainly be in touch with updates about how I'm getting on. 

Xoxoxo