Experience with large/medium mole removal? Post-surgical update/PIC pg 3

[poohandwendy]

Hopefully the two moles on her back will turn out to be negative. DH & I go to our dermatologist every 6 months for full body checkups. Both he and I have had skin cancer (he had melanoma and I had basal cell carcinoma) - because of that we both keep a close eye on ourselves and our kids - especially using lotion on them when they're outside.

Fingers crossed for your DD and an easy removal for the one behind her ear.

Thanks, my father and grandfather both had melanoma (both died of other causes though), so I am extra concerned about the possibility.

I think it alarmed me to see which moles he immediately said had 'to go', because they didn't look particularly scary to me. (of course, that is why I am not paid to be a doctor, LOL)

This is why I want my son and myself to get checked, just better to be safe than sorry. (my other DD didn't inherit my wonderful 'moley' genes, LOL.

 

[Feralpeg]

Thanks! That is what everyone keeps saying. Any ideas about how to minimize the itching?

I put a little bit of cortisone on mine, but I later learned that it actually slows the healing process. It did, however, stop the itching.

 

[poohandwendy]

I put a little bit of cortisone on mine, but I later learned that it actually slows the healing process. It did, however, stop the itching.

LOL, that figures...everything that helps 'feel better' seems to have some sort of downside!

 

[poohandwendy]

Hi, just posting an update for anyone following this, or just the morbid at heart, LOL

My DD had her sebaceous nevus (aka mole) partially removed today. It went very smoothly. It was done in the dermatologists office/clinic (it's in one of our local hospitals).

It was really pretty simple, although she ended up with a larger incision than I expected. (I was able to stay with her and watch, which was cool) The incision is about 2.5 inches long, but much of it is very close to the hairline, so I think it won't be too bad when it heals. There are about 12 outer stitches that will be removed next week. He was able to remove most of it with this first installment, so the next time will be a much smaller incision.

She is pretty sore, (went to sleep tonight with our friend 'Mr Tylenol w/COD') but I think mostly because any movement of her neck pulls on it (including talking, yawning and chewing). I think I am just going to let her take tomorrow off, from school.

I changed the dressing before she went to bed, mainly because she really wanted me to take a picture so she could have a chance to see it, I am posting a pic (blurry, sorry) It actually looks worse in the picture than in RL. Very clean incision and looks like it will heal quite nicely.

He only has a small amount to get at the to part close to the ear fold, which is barely visible in the picture.

It took about an hour, all said and done. She will go back in a few months to have the last part dealt with and bam, all done with that.

She was able to see her mole floating in a little pathology cup afterwards, totally fascinated (like mother/like daughter, LOL) It definitely was thicker than I expected. Strangle looking, actually. Reminded me of a prop from CSI. Doctor doesn't expect anything unusual in the pathology report-obviously just SOP.

Interesting that horseshoemom mentioned it looking like a guitar, the dermatologist thought so too. And he actually plays guitar as a hobby, said he has 9 guitars and joked that DD was helping him buy a new one; )

 

[wdwmom2]

poohandwendy

Did the derm tell you to make sure your DD uses sunscreen over the area this summer? Sun and scars don't mix well.

Here's wishing your DD a fast and easy recovery!!!!

 

[poohandwendy]

poohandwendy

Did the derm tell you to make sure your DD uses sunscreen over the area this summer? Sun and scars don't mix well.

Here's wishing your DD a fast and easy recovery!!!!

Yes, he did mention that, fortunately her hair is about shoulder length so it probably won't get too much sun exposure, but she definitely needs to be reminded when she swims or puts her hair up, that the sunscreen needs to be applied there too.

He actually went into a long discussion about how she should always have sunscreen on when she is in the sun, her risk factors due to fair skin tone, etc.

Here's wishing your DD a fast and easy recovery!!!!

Thanks!

 

[4nana]

Sorry P&W, I am just seeing this and definitely want to send your DD ((hugs)) and a speedy recovery. Sending prayers that other procedures and all biopsies go well. If she's concerned about scarring, I'd perhaps ask her dr about Medernca or Vit E that helps muchly. ((hugs)) to Mom too!