? BCC on temple now urgent referral to Max-Fax

My GP first diagnosed a precancerous Actinic Keratosis on my temple 4 months ago and prescribed a course of treatment of 3 weeks of applying Diclofenic gel and said that if that didn't get rid of it, he'd refer me to the Dermatologist. It did seem to have gone with just a red mark where it had been. Then 2 months later another scab appeared so I saw my GP again and he did a 2 week referral to Dermatology and prescribed an immunotherapy cream, (Imiquimod), for me to apply 3 nights a week for a month. During this time I had teledermatology photographs taken of the lesion and have now been referred from the Dermatologist straight to Max-Fax to have the suspected BCC excised. The referral, (which I've read on my NHS App as my letter from Dermatology has not yet arrived), says it needs this removed as a matter of urgency because it is in a 'high risk area'.

I am also immunosuppressed being on Methotrexate injections and Truxima infusions for Rheumatoid Arthritis and there is a definite spreading of the lesion now going up well under my hair with another 'spot' going towards my eye which is really worrying me. It also looks yucky,(my Grandaughter's word), and  weeps on my pillowcase. I found out today that I have a telephone consult tomorrow when I'm hoping they'll tell me what I can  expect. We're due to go on holiday to Cornwall in 4 days time but my husband is saying that we'll come back if there's a date for the surgery!.Not really sure how anybody can help but it feels a bit better, just typing this. Sorry.

  • Hi Hippyginger

    Nice to read a good news post on this forum. When healed keep the skin graft and donor site moisturised and gently massaged each day and your usual spf 50 routine. While the scar wont dissapear its appearance will fade over the coming months. The NHS is indeed wonderful despite the huge pressure it is under and the increased waiting times that causes. Best wishes

    Ed

  • Hi Ed,

    I have to say neither the 50p sized scar on my temple or the long one on my neck where the graft donor site is will bother me. I have a niece in her 50's who, bless her, had much larger skin cancer surgery on her face, and she told me that she wears her scar with pride and I shall be doing the same.

    I know the graft takes 2 years to really heal and settle but I know the use of Bio oil can really help eventually. It made an ordinary scar on my chin virtually invisible after 6 months of use but am never expecting those results for the graft of course.

    Looking forward to being able to wear my prescription varifocals again though as the reading readyspecs my hubby removed the right arm from for me tend to fall off lol And can't wait to get back driving with my glasses on. Not enjoying this dependence thing lol

    I hope others waiting for their surgery are seen very, very soon.

    Take care folks,

    Hippyginger

  • Hello Hippyginger and thanks for your further post,

    I am pleased to hear that you have now had the operation after the worrying wait that you have had.

    I do wish you all the best with the results.

    Catherine

  • Hi Catherine,

    I'd just like to say thank you so much for your support, it's much appreciated especially when my problem has been so minor in comparison with others on this forum.

    Now just the wait for the lab results to go which I've put to the back of my mind as I'm sure it will just still have remained as being precancerous after the Solarex gel followed by the Imiquimod cream treatments. Time will tell.

    Many thanks to everyone,

    Hippyginger