seven years later, it’s back

In patient for wide excisions?  Not that I've ever heard of.  It's simple surgery that can be done in a doctor's office.  As for the after care?  Changing a dressing and adding neosporin is about the extent of mine.  In fact, I typically have no dressing on mine after the first 24 hours because I'm so allergic to adhesives.  I've even gone back to work after having my excision done.  I have had two small to moderate excisions done at the same time on my back (and I lived alone so after care was mine alone). I don't consider these excisions anything more than an inconvenience and the worse part of it is my allergy to adhesives.  Personally, if my doctor could fit it in I'd have everything done at once and argue pretty strongly for that.  There is no way insurance would pay for inpatient.  They may go along with a out-patient hospital stay to remove them but if you don't need a sentinel node biopsy, it's cheaper and easier to do an in-office procedure.  What after care have you required before that you couldn't do yourself?  Granted, the ones mid-back can be more challenging alone but I even did that 3 times.  I've only had 3 primaries but have had excisions for other atypical sites – maybe about 12 in all.  I guess some consider this major surgery, but I've had major surgeries before and I think these are easy-peasy and try not to stress at all about them.  You can do this without extra help, I'm positive!

We all have different tolerances and I get that.  I have a high pain tolerance but I get being stressed out by circumstances.  (Just lost my mom, my constant companion dog of 14.5 years, had eye surgery with complications and my husband lives in another state).  I need an inner eyelid biopsy and I'm putting it off because I cannot deal with another set of doctors and appointments on top of the rest.  I'm not saying my situation compares to yours but I get when something is just too much.  I didn't mean to make it sound cavalier.  But again, you can do this.  If you struggle with bandaging, ask your derm if you can stop by for a nurse visit to have someone else help.  Or again, a home health aide if this is too problematic.  That's their specialty.  Tell your doc you are struggling and would appreciate suggestions on how to cope or get a little extra help.  Also, consider talking to a counselor at your institution if possible.  More melanoma on top of the rest is not trivial.  They may offer other services you hadn't considered.  REACH OUT – there are usually options out there if you tell people this is pushing you past your limit!!!!  Hugs!

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