Skin cancer removed from my right nostril

I had a  an operation  on Friday 26th to remove skin cancer from my right nostril.

The only real thing the surgeon said to me before the operation was in walking past saying my nose will not look the same again but will do my best.

It was performed under local but the pai  of having g 6 anesthetic needles put into my nose was actually one of the worst pains I have experienced. In hindsight I feel they should have offered to give an option of full anesthetic and let me rest through

I heard the surgeon say its bigger than I thought and decided on graft rather than flap. The donor site was down the side of my ear.

No visit from surgeon to explain what he had done, had he taken all of the cancer etc.

No medication given to take home

Since I arrived home I gave not slept, the pain is not the the nostril but within my right ear, a very sharp throbbing pain that can last 6-8 hours.

I went back to hospital yesterday another plastic surgeon saw me and gave me a heavy dose of a antibiotics due the a lot of inflammation around the wound and down right had side of my face. They didn't comment on why I had this pain in my ear. Last night another episode that lasted for 7 hours and is still there now

I am due back on Friday 3rd May to see nurses about taking the cover of my nostril.

I am so worried about everything really but especially the pain I am having in my ear, can you give me any advise 

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to learn that you have skin cancer and that you are having lots of pain following the surgery.

    Having a skin graft done can be painful and it will take a while for things to heal and settle, hopefully, the antibiotics will help. Are you taking any regular pain medications? These may help as well. If the pain worsens or you cannot wait until Friday to see the nurse, it would be worth contacting the hospital again or perhaps calling NHS 111 for advice.

    I would clarify with the nurse on Friday what was found during the operation, what happens next, and if you will receive a follow-up appointment with the surgeon in the near future.

    It can be a stressful and difficult time going through what you have and having so much pain. Hopefully the nurse on Friday will be able to advise and give you more reassurance as they know your situation.

    Take care, please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Jemma

  • Hi Jemma

    Many thanks for replying Jemma.

    When someone says you have cancer, no matter what type, I feel it is human nature to feel a little scared and unsure.

    I just felt a little helpless on the operating table and when I heard the surgeon say it was larger than I expected then no further comments it just made me worse.

    I did not comment, maybe I should have but didn't feel I should.

    The dressing on my nostril is looking pretty bad a lot on congealed blood and it does seep out so constantly trying to keep it clean, cannot get it wet so a little difficult.

    Just hope the nurses can take the dressing off without any problems and the antibiotics have worked against the infection.

    Thanks again Jemma