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Diagnosed today with Basal Cell Carcinoma on the nose and feeling worried.

lou-77
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I’ve gone and done what we would tell any friend not to do and that’s consult doctor Google. When you get a diagnosis, you want to find answers to your queries but it really hasn’t helped my nerves. I have a follow up appointment next week where the doctor will be discussing treatment. 
I feel like my worry has been split in 2. There is the C word no one wants to hear and then I’m equally worried about what treatment I will need. I know it’s incredibly vain of me but I’m worried about how I’m going to look once they’ve cut it out. You can’t hide you nose! 

  • Offline in reply to Dawntreader

    Yes, my dad had MOHs surgery on his eyelid and also my sister in law on her eyelid. Both were fine and you can’t notice at all.

    dad had a squamous cell cancer removed from his nose which needed a skin graft and unless you know you can’t notice that either. 

  • Offline in reply to JA60

      That’s encouraging to hear about the skin graft not being too noticeable. I had a skin graft on my nose 6 weeks ago and currently it’s incredibly noticeable. The first 5 weeks there was great improvement every day, but that now seems to have slowed right down. I know I probably just need to be patient, it’s just really knocking my confidence at the moment. 

  • in reply to lou-77

    Hi lou

    Im pleased that your procedure is behind you and you are recovering well. Be assured that the healing will progress over the next year or two becoming less noticable. Did you get around to looking into the charity Changing Faces who can help. The most unusual and the most helpful tip that actually works I got from a cancer chat member was this. To aways look your best, keep hair tidy, nice makeup, close shave for men. Wear your best clothes smell nice. I think this not only makes you feel good in yourself but distracts others from noticing something you are self conscious of. For myself Im a bit scruffy being a farmer but do make an effort if Im out and about. Ive got an almost unnoticible scar on my nose from a skin graft 5 years ago but 3 very noticible 50mm+ scars on my forehead and scalp and a 25mm scar on my face. These have faded a bit with time. Wishing you a good recovery and a lovely Christmas.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to lou-77

    Hi Lou, I’m sorry that things aren’t going as well this week, that you’re feeling self conscious. It is reassuring to hear that JA60’s family had good outcomes, seems awfully likely you will too, eventually. In what way do you feel the graft is noticeable, is it still a bit raised? 

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Hi Ed, thanks for passing that on -  good advice for us all, I’m going to hang onto that til the time comes for my surgery. I bet you look very smart when you’re in town!

  • in reply to Dawntreader

    Hello Dawn

    I know that you have surgery coming up soon and will face the anxiety that comes with waiting. The waiting is worse than the actual procedure, which will be quick and pain free and the Doctors and nurses will make you feel comfortable and put you at your ease. If you follow all their aftercare instructions it will be a success. Be sure to have plenty of rest in the days that follow and don't physically over exert yourself while the initial healing takes place. Eventually it will all be a distant memory and you can get on with your life. Have a lovely Christmas

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thank you for those kind words Ed. You have a great Christmas too

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