Hi Faye, I can appreciate your “oh, no!” reaction to your dermatologist’s proposal to do repeat skin surgery on the same spot. I had Moh’s surgery in February on two spots on my ankle and shin. The ten weeks of follow-up, twice-a-day changes of the bandages is a pain in the neck. But a lesser pain than the melanoma that eventually took my husband’s life. Within 10 years of surgery for the proverbial, “pencil-eraser” sized spot on his neck, his melanoma returned internally, and he didn’t have a chance the second time. Things I found helpful: Running soapy water over the wound site daily, to help shed the detritis, then rinsing and patting dry. Bandaging with a breathable, non-stick Telfa pad cut-to-size and held on by paper tape in order to allow a bit of air circulation. Follow-up cream to calm and moisturize the wound after the bandaging ends. Ask your doctor for recommendations on the type of cream. Also ask if it might speed healing to do a few arm exercises or a little gentle massage outside the bandaged area. These last two are to improve circulation.
I’m now in a holding pattern. After my Moh’s sites healed I did 5 weeks of Flourouracil, a do-it-yourself chemo ointment, on the remaining spots on my shins and ankles. Then I applied a prescription steroid ointment for two weeks to calm the angry areas left by the Flourouracil. My doctor has granted me a vacation from treatment over the summer. In September I will return to her for further evaluation. I anticipate a few more biopsies then.
Good luck. Sending up a prayer for healing, patience and optimism for you. - Jean