Hello Dave, and thank you posting.

I am sorry you are going through a difficult time with the Basal cell cancer on your nose, unfortunately as nurses we can not give a medical opinion on which surgery you should have.

Other forum users may come back to you with their experiences of these surgeries, but of course their situations are individual to them.

All we can suggest is talking this all through with your surgeon as they are the experts.

Take care Dave and if you want to talk anything through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9am till 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Sarah.

When my mother was 86 she was diagnosed with the same thing and had to wait a year before being operated on. I know this is not very reassuring or helpful but just to let you know you are not the only one who has had to wait a long time. Hope you get sorted out soon. By the way she was 95 when she died and nothing to do with cancers.

Thanks so much. I'm 57. I'm now in month 9. It's on the bridge of my nose and is now 1cm. It's growing quickly. I've been referred by the plastic surgeon to Maxilofacial in an NHS hospital and even though it's classed as urgent, there is a 44 week wait. I'm an band 6 NHS nurse and I am totally ashamed of the NHS. It is not fit for purpose and should be scrapped from the top down. 

If I see another Royal or Celebrity bang on about how they've had their skim cancers removed within a week I think I'll tell them my story.

What is the point of all this skin cancer as advertising when there is zero Services in place.

I am so angry.

Curious if you have got any further with this by chance. 

I've only just seen a GP a few weeks ago, and they seem to think I've got 'skin cancer' (I'm supposing basal cell) on the bridge or slightly lower on my now. They said not to be worried if referral takes a while, but everyone seems to think dermatology is usually quite quick. 

I'm a bit shocked you'd be told a 44 week wait when growing quickly. Mine is only a couple of mm, but I've had it for a year at least. Didn't really think it was anything sinister all this time. 

Hi there,

Thanks for your question.

I finally had mine removed two weeks ago but it was one heck of a battle to get those appointments.

I had to go through my GP who wrote a letter to request the expedition of the apt and also PALS, I also contacted the CQC and Health Ombudsman.

I had already been left 9 months as they forgot about me, and it had grown to 1.3cm from a few mm. If it were on my arm or back etc I would not have minded so much but this is on my FACE!!!

I wanted MOHS technique but the wait was even more months so I had no choice but to accept excision by a Maxillofcial Surgeon.

I had 8 stitches and am now awaiting the Biopsy results again to see if they got all the cancer out.

Health care in this hole of a Country is a JOKE, unless you're Royal or rich we do not stand a chance.

I doubt whether Hugh Jackman has a scar and dent in his nose like mine now. 

PLEASE PLEASE complain your head off, otherwise if we sit back things will NEVER improve.

I do wish you all the very best.

Well your previous post is showing as a month ago, and you're saying it was sorted 2 weeks ago, so I'm very glad you didn't have the 44 week wait. That's utterly ridiculous length of time to be waiting. It's a shame you had such hassle and stress trying to push your way in to get treatment. so they actually forgot about you rather than that being a normal wait?

I'm thinking hopefully you still have time to improve, you're saying your nose is dented, do you think this might improve with the healing process? 2 weeks is a short time for healing, presumably not long had your stitches out. No skin graft, or was it one of these shaped cut and stretch type things? I hope it is healing well. 

One of my main concerns is that I won't want to leave the house if I get surgery on my face. Also wondering how long it looks bad that would keep me in hiding!

Oh yes indeed, if I hadn't have pushed and pushed I would still be on that 44 week wait now.

They forgot about me from July 23 after I had a photo taken of the lesion until I chased it in December, but it's 9 months in total that I was left.

I do not think the dent will improve as the flesh is gone. It was as you say, a cut and stretch.

It looked gross for the first week as they didn't cover it, I just applied antibiotic cream twice a day which I think is far better than covering it, as the first Biopsy was covered and that went rancid. The antibiotic cream (eye ointment actually they use) kept it moist and the scab and stitches came out easily.

Being a mental health nurse I took two weeks off. I'm sure you will be fine, don't worry. Just keep pushing them.

Kind regards.

Thanks for the reply. Try t remain hopeful about the final healing. I think that makes sense to take time off, particularly if working in a busy or public place or with the public. I hope your results go well. Hopefully I'll hear something in a few weeks. 

Thanks very much. I'm going to ask for a proper reconstruction when I eventually see the Surgeon to see whether I need more off or not.

All the very best. Let us know how you get on.