Hello Stephlb46

I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had some pain and discomfort. I think, from reading another of your posts, that you still have your stitches in place and it could well be that that has also contributed to the discomfort that you've experienced. Ten days on from the WLE is still relatively early in the healing process. 

Did the team at the hospital give you any guidance about how long you should expect to rest up and when you could return to activities such as driving? Do give them a call if you're concerned about things before your next appointment. 

I do know that it can be incredibly frustrating to be on an enforced "slow down" or rest period if you're usually very active. Try and take things a day at a time and don't push yourself too quickly. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi Stephlb46

I just wondered how things were now and if you could give me any advice on recovery and timeframes as I'm having a WLE tomoz for a 1a on my stomach. I had the initial mole removed back in June. 
I hope your now fully recovered. 

Hi,

Recovery times depend on how deep/wide the incision is and the location of the WLE. Most people take at least a week before returning to work, dependent on the job. Heavy liftng etc and sometimes driving is advised against for a couple of weeks. They will give you advice when discharged post op. Good luck today and I hope your results bring good news.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

Hey Ariesgirl, 

Hopefully Steph will pop back on the forum soon to share their tips and advice, but whilst you wait I just wanted to wish you all the best with your WLE today and let you know we're thinking of you.

If you have any questions before or after your procedure, you're welcome to give our team of cancer nurses a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Ariesgirl.

I hope you're ok, best of luck for everything tomorrow.

Mine was at the top of my thigh and it was quite painful afterwards, and I ended up off work for about 6 weeks, just rest up and don't do too much, stay on top of your pain relief, I did need a little something stronger than Paracetamol so had codeine as well.

It was a slower recovery than I expected because originally I thought I would be back in work after 3 days! Please stay in touch and if I can help with any questions I will and I'll be interested with how you get on as I do have 2 suspect ones on my stomach that do concern me though my follow ups at the hospital have give them the all clear.

Stay in touch x

Hi Stephlb46

i had a wle a month ago now for squamous 

skin cancer with a skin graft as the lesion was on my lower leg 

had most of the bandages off two weeks later 

when on a weekend away which had been planned for 3 years 

stood too much walked too much had heels on too soon and for too long 

ended up back in bandages and with my foot up for another week 

I was silly really 

all dressings of a week after that and thankfully it's healing ok now 

looks awful as it's been a big amount to tissue taken 

the surgeon got good margins so I am happy about it 

I'm older than you 70 this year so I didn't expect to heal that quickly 

do look after yourself nobody is indespencable

hope you are on the mend 

my surgeon said take the pain killers every 4 hours for 5 days as pain can cause blood pressure which impedes healing 

joanie b x x 

Hi joanieb 

Glad you're doing well as am I now, I wasn't as naughty as you but 3 years to wait for your break is a long time and all is well now that's the main thing!

I had another removed in my lower leg which was benign but its took forever to heal and still looks a bit ropey! My days of prancing about in hotpants are over though so it's all good!

Look after yourself

Xxx

Hi Steph 

it was my brothers 50th wedding Anniversary 

delayed by 3 years due to Covid 

so I couldn't miss it 

I hoping the skin graft helps with the healing but it does look gross 

take care 

Joanne B x x 

Thank you

yeah all was fine, just feel like I've been kicked in the ribs today!