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Laser treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Cancer | Last Active: Apr 21 7:55am | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
Mermaid7272 Thank you for your response! I have some more questions if you don’t mind…you said they gave you shots of anesthesia. Were you sleeping for the procedure? I was under the impression that I will be awake through the whole thing. How long did the entire process take? They told me to expect to be there for 5-6 hours. Did you have trouble eating/drinking after surgery? Did they give you any pain medication? You said you don’t know what he will do for the scar…did they mention anything about reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery? My surgeon told me there is the possibility of a flap, and I’m not sure what to expect with that if it happens. Do you experience any anxiety? This is my third cancer diagnosis in a year (kidney cancer, melanoma, and now this.) I have two spots, one on each side of my upper lip so I’m going to need another surgery for the other side. I have horrible anxiety about three cancer diagnoses and still have two more surgeries to face. I really appreciate your conversation as I feel I’m in a boat by myself with no oars!
Replies to "Mermaid7272 Thank you for your response! I have some more questions if you don’t mind…you said..."
litl18----- Yes, you will be awake, but dr. will give you shots of Lidocain (or such) anesthesia in your lip. I will be truthful, they are somewhat painful, but quick. If your Dr. can pre-numb this area, that would be great, and you should ask!
The time everything takes is dependent on how many "passes" are involved. 3 - 5 hours is normal, but maybe if you only need 1 pass, it could be quick. You get a rest between passes, so bring a book.
Eating afterwards was only a little hard, so was brushing teeth & drinking, use a straw for drinks, and eat small, soft things--no apples! I had my procedure 6 weeks ago and I am still healing & am very aware of how it feels & looks. It doesn't hurt, but I hope it will look and feel less noticeable in a couple of months. Nothing was said about plastic surgery, but you know, I am sick & tired of surgery and don't want any more stuff done to my face.
Pain meds- nothing was prescribed but Tylenol, which is like baby aspirin for me. So maybe you should get something stronger, please ask for it. Ice pack might help too.
Like you, I have had numerous cancers, some very rare. But I really don't worry about them as I beat them, and so have/will you. I had something much worse than cancer, (don't want to mention it) so I just worry about little things like the scars. You will be ok, believe me.
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@litl18 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have had quite a go of things recently, and it is understandable to be anxious.
I have had several skin cancers removed, some through excision, some by MOHS. From basal, to squamous, to melanoma. This last one was another aggressive squamous just above my right wrist. Because of the location, the excision pulled skin across the area, and it was pretty uncomfortable until my skin [no fat there!] was able to elasticized enough to stretch. I think any time there is a removal of skin or underlying tissues, you get that uncomfortable stretching, no matter where it is on your body. One on the side of my nostril was the same way, slightly altering my nose shape and breathing pattern.
The doctors I have had have always made sure there is adequate local anesthesia so I do not feel anything, and they will check in with me to ensure there is as little discomfort as possible. Have confidence in your team, and keep in communication with them!
Ginger