I had my second op on Monday afternoon. They were running late so I didn't get into theatre until 5 pm.
I had erroneously thought that the wide margin excision was going to be on the surface around the edge of the original melanoma site but the surgeon explained that he needed to cut away tissue beneath it, in case any abnormal cells had infiltrated to a deeper level. At least no skin graft would be required.
This time around I found the procedure a little more uncomfortable. There was much zapping and sizzling with the cauterization tool and firm pressing down with thick swabs so I presume there was some blood letting going on. I could feel the none too gentle tugging of the surface skin being yanked closed and stitched and then there was a blast from a spray can before the dressing and bandage was applied.
The tissue removed is being sent to the lab in Liverpool for testing. The surgeon is confident it will be clear. If they do find anything though I don't think I want to have any more surgery. As it is supposedly a non aggressive form of melanoma I may just take my chances and carry on.
I have been in quite a bit more pain this time around but that's probably because it was a little more invasive.
My walking pole has come in handy to help me wobble around the house but I haven't been able to get up and down the stairs. I actually quite like sleeping on the sofa beneath the big stained glass window. The moonlight shining through it is quite magical and, as it faces east, the rising sun also catches the colours in the glass.
P has been very good fetching and carrying for me. He stocked up on convenient ready-meals from the supermarket for our supper these past two evenings but I think I am ready to try to prepare some "real" food now!
Once I have the stitches removed and the 4 to 6 week recovery period is over I shall look forward to getting out and about again. It will be spring by then. Lovely.
Gruesome. Maybe you should ask Weaver if you could have Priscilla on loan.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Priscilla can cope with stairs?
DeleteOh gosh, that sounds like you had to have your Brave Pants on! I bet you're glad it's all done and you don't need a skin graft.
ReplyDeleteYour downstairs sleeping arrangements sound magical. Get well soon.
Ha, ha. My Brave Pants must have been a bit loose. I almost lost them.
DeleteThanks JayCee! There's vomit all over the keyboard now and it's running off the desk like vegetable soup lava! I hope your recovery goes well. I guess it will be quite a while before you are out walking with your pals.
ReplyDeleteEwww... I was planning on having soup for lunch. I may change my mind now.
DeleteThe surgeon says no walking for at least 4 weeks. I may need to go on a diet as P keeps giving me tasty treats to cheer me up!
Hopefully all done now. The four weeks will have gone quickly when you look back on them, so I'd milk the being waited on for as long as poss!
ReplyDeleteI shall do my best but I forsee he will quickly become very bored with being my servant.
DeleteEeee too many little details for me. I got as far as zapping and sizzling and skipped a paragraph.
ReplyDeleteSleeping beneath a stained glass window with a full moon. Pity you weren't in a state to dance naked in front of the fire 🤣🤣🤣 magical indeed.
6 weeks is a long time. You're in quarantine without the bug. Hope it passed painlessly
Passe-s
DeleteOops sorry, Linda. I wish I could have skipped that part in real life!
DeleteWell that was pretty unpleasant for you. Sorry that it was even more painful than the previous excision. Hope the healing process is fast and that the pain level declines quickly.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you can bend your leg, but when I had ankle surgery and was not allowed to put any weight on that leg for six weeks, I bought a knee-roller contraption to whiz around on (it had brakes). Even had a little basket on the front so I could make my tea in a closed travel mug and bring it back to my (home)office. Luckily, most everything I needed in my house was on one level, but there were eight steps to navigate in or out of the house. Will admit that stairs are a bit of a facer. Could get down them on my bum, but my arms weren't long enough (or strong enough) to pull myself back up on my bum. Let's just say I didn't go too many places during that period. Glad you will be up and able to get around by spring.
Your roller contraption sounds pretty whizzy. Perhaps I can get P to make me something similar!
DeleteWell glad that's over for you - hope so much all will be well from now on and you'll be skipping and dancing come spring!
ReplyDeleteThat would be worth capturing on video wouldn't it.
DeleteSounds so painful, JayCee, sorry you have to go through this but glad to hear that this should take care of it. Hopefully, you will recover smoothly and your 4 weeks will go by quickly. Maybe P can push you in a wheelchair when the weather is nice enough to get outside. I am glad your stained glass windows are bringing you joy. Please take care and get well soon, JayCee!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ellen. P suggested sticking a roller skate to the bottom of my walking stick. No brakes though 🙄
DeleteSorry to hear that this time round was more traumatic, but hopefully that will be the whole procedure over and done with for good.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though the light through your beautiful stained glass window is more than compensation for all you've been through, and not being able to use the stairs.
It was quite lovely; made up for the sleepless night.
DeleteI hope that's the worst behind you now and you can make a full recovery in time for the nice spring weather.
ReplyDeleteI am sure I shall Addy. I feel very optimistic about the outcome.
DeleteI am feeling rather sorry for you sleeping alone in the chapel by the window. I hope you are alright J xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachel. I am fine really, just too painful to sleep last night. I feel much better already tonight x
DeleteWell, that was a very graphic explanation of your surgery 😂 !!! Sounds rather uncomfortable but great to get it done and dusted …. you can now make the most of P’s fetching and carrying …. milk it for all its worth !!! All the best JayCee … wishing you a speedy recovery. XXXX
ReplyDeleteWell, that was a very graphic description of your surgery 😱 !!! Great to get done and dusted …. Make the most of P’s fetching and carrying …. milk it for all its worth !!!! Wishing you a very speedy recovery JayCee XXXX
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about that !!! Goodness knows why it posted so many times !!! The first three didn’t post so I tried a fourth time then they all appeared ! Get well soon five fold XXXX
DeleteHa, ha. It obviously made an impression on uou Jackie XXX
DeleteSorry about the level of gory detail. Good job I left out the worst bits 😁
4 to 6 week recovery??? That sounds like quite some Op'. Still, good to have it done, and it gives you the chance to ring a bell and get Jeeves to run errands for you.
ReplyDeleteThe recovery time is quite long because I have to be careful not to stretch the wound which is in a vulnerable location.
DeleteJeeves is beginning to lose his enthusiasm.
Sorry. I missed this. I was wondering what had happened to you and now I know. I do hope that everything is as it should be and that you recover fully quickly.
ReplyDeleteThank you Graham. I am optimistic that all will be well.
DeleteThat all sounds horrible and I'm glad it's over. Finger crossed for the results and meantime get well soon!
ReplyDeletexxx
Thanks Vronni xxx
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