Hi,

I had one removed from exactly the same location many years ago. It may sound silly but I suggest you take some slippers with you to wear post op (ones with backs on them) as they would be the most comfortable footwear. I was wheeled out to where my husband had the car & then for 2 days I had to keep completely off my foot. You need to keep it elevated at all times to stop any bleeding and to give the wound a chance to start healing. Ideally, lie down on the sofa and put your foot on cushions so it's elevated above the level of your heart. These days they sometimes give the patient crutches, it depends on the location of the excision and the weight placed on the foot when standing or walking. With or without crutches, after 2 days try just to hobble around the house without placing weight on the foot. After about a week it should be easier to walk very short distances but if you feel the wound isn't healing or that you've broken the stitches get in touch with them immediately.

My stitches were dissolveable ones but it's entirely the choice of the surgeon. It took about 2 weeks for them to start looking good The surgery will be done as a day patient. It only takes about 15 minutes but with the pre & post-op you will be there about 2 hours. They let you go home after a cup of tea and biscuit - usually an hour after surgery. You can't drive so make sure you have transport arranged.

I hope this helps & I hope all goes well. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)