Hi Brownmouse, I am waiting to see a Surgeon on the 15th of this month to be advised how extensive my surgery will be for a BCC on my nose. I am 78 but if being vain is doing my hair and make up every day even if I am just around the house then count me in as vain!

All I can say is that I am getting reports that with one as small as yours the scarring will be unnoticeable in a years time.

My BCC has been assessed as 4mm and I am hoping that next spring we will be wondering what we had been so stressed about.

I am going private as my Husband has private cover as part of his retirement package so I appreciate how lucky I am. In my area the NHS wait was at least 3 months, was told probally more like 6+ which was too long for me. I want rid of it as soon as possible so that I can get on with the rest of my life. We celebrate 55 years together this year and my Husband turns 80 so I could really have done without this!! Sending love.

Hi, thanks for replying. I’m sorry to hear you’re also worrying about this. I want to explore non surgical options although I appreciate this may not be possible. Freezing or shaving are two procedures I’ve read about, but not sure whether my lesion would qualify for these as I don’t know how deep it is. 

All we can do is consult the experts, more than one if necessary, get as much information as we can then go for it! Another reason for a Private consultation for me was that the NHS consultant just said, surgery with reconstruction using a skin graft if needed . It was a case of that's what you are getting. Times up ,next please. Hope you manage to get a solution that suits you. Best wishes.   

You too - good luck and do let me know how you get on. My appt not until 25 March…

Yes let's keep each other informed of progress. 

Hi  Brownmouse,  just to let you know how I got on with my Dermatologist appointment.  He has referred me to a plastic surgeon colleague as any scar will be somewhat visible on my nose.  I am so glad that I've gone private as on the NHS you may get your BCC removed but cosmetic/plastic surgeon will give you a  better visual outcome.

Whilst I was with the Dermatologist he gave me the once over, kept my undies on and my Husband was in the room, he found several other places/small warty thingswhich looked suspicious and froze them of there and then. Just stung a bit.  Glad to be rid of them. Benefit of going private! 

Will keep you posted as things progress, try not to worry too much. I'm sure everything will work out OK. Keep smiling. 

Thank you so much for remembering. I really do appreciate it. I’m also going private - appointment 25 March. Hope I get a good experience, like you x

Hi Brownmouse, my appointment with the plastic surgeon who will do the actual work is on the 27th March when he will explain in detail what he will need to do. Have seen some before and after photo's of his work and the results look amazing. Pity we have to wait even when going privately but I was told by my Dermatologist that the good ones always have a waiting list! Good luck. Sending love. Xx

Hi Brownmouse, if you want to,  you can contact me using email pinklady19452024@outlook.com. xx

Hi Brownmouse, Just wanting to say good luck for the 25th, will be thinking of you. Let me know how you get on if you feel able.

Will update you after my appointment on the 27th. Sending love.x

Oh thank you for remembering. It feels like it’s been such a long wait. TBH I just want it gone now - so fed up worrying about it all. 

Hi Brownmouse, Just checking in to let you know how I got on yesterday with my visit to the Plastic Surgeon.

My operation will be in two parts, both done at the same time. First the BCC itself will be removed with a suitable margin, this will then be sent to the lab for them to look at in depth.

They apparently freeze it in some strange liquid and then thinly slice it to look at each slice to make sure enough has been taken out. This takes a week or two apparently before the results are in!

Once the BCC is out of the way the surgeon will take a skin graft from just infront of my ear, where any scar will be hidden by my hair. He then sews it into the hole left in my nose where the BCC was removed.

All this is done under local anaesthetic and will take about an hour. A  protective dressing is put on and when I feel ready I can go home. Apart from not getting my face wet until I get the all clear a week later thats about it. A couple of check up visits later I should be finished with it.

Sounds a bit gruesome but we really have no option.

How did you get on during your visit on Monday.? Let me know if you feel up to it. I know its a lot to take in but we will get through this. Sending Love.xxx

Hi Brownmouse, Just checking in to let you know how I got on yesterday with my visit to the Plastic Surgeon.

My operation will be in two parts, both done at the same time. First the BCC itself will be removed with a suitable margin, this will then be sent to the lab for them to look at in depth.

They apparently freeze it in some strange liquid and then thinly slice it to look at each slice to make sure enough has been taken out. This takes a week or two apparently before the results are in!

Once the BCC is out of the way the surgeon will take a skin graft from just infront of my ear, where any scar will be hidden by my hair. He then sews it into the hole left in my nose where the BCC was removed.

All this is done under local anaesthetic and will take about an hour. A  protective dressing is put on and when I feel ready I can go home. Apart from not getting my face wet until I get the all clear a week later thats about it. A couple of check up visits later I should be finished with it.

Sounds a bit gruesome but we really have no option.

How did you get on during your visit on Monday.? Let me know if you feel up to it. I know its a lot to take in but we will get through this. Sending Love.xxx

Hi Pinklady, sounds like you’re moving closer to getting this all resolved. I’m sure it sounds more dramatic than it is and you’ll be fine within a week or so! My appt was moved to yesterday. The consultant told me that mine could be removed with scraping which I’m relieved about as excision would mean a much bigger scar. As my BCC is on my cheek, next to my nose, I was worried about this, as you know. I have some other spots on my face which are keratoses which he’s going to prescribe cream for. I’m pleased to be moving forward with this and just want it all gone now. Thank you so much for checking in. When is your surgery? Mine is going to be June xx

Hi Brownmouse,

So pleased for you that your problem can be resolved with just a minor procedure and without further surgery. If the cream you are prescribed is Efudix then I have much experience of that as I have been using this cream periodically since 2017 for various Solar/Actinic Keratosis on my face. If you want I can tell you more about what to expect with it. 

I am currently waiting for my operation date to be confirmed but it will most probably be early May.

Good luck for your June appointment, chin up, you will look back in a years time and wonder what was all that about!

Sending love. Xx