How long is too long to wait for surgery!?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › How long is too long to wait for surgery!?

  • Post
    • August 26, 2017 at 3:22 am
    Hawthorne7304
    Participant

      Hello! I was diagnosed with Superficial Spreading Melanoma 2 weeks ago. This past Monday I saw a plastic surgeon who will do the wide excision and sentinel node biopsy. My derm did a shave biopsy, the pathology report showed 0.82mm thickness (although I'm feeling like that's probably not accurate given the shave biopsy), cells are showing mitosis and the borders were not clean. This thing came out of nowhere and grew FAST. My biopsied spot has healed and as of two days ago just appeared dark pink. Tonight I noticed it's black again and looks larger than before!! My surgery is schedule for Sept 5th and I'm afraid that's too long to wait. Is this normal to wait this long or should I call and push them a little? I'm 39 and a mom to two little ones and this is all I can think about. 

      Thank you for your feedback!!

      Noel

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    • Replies
        • August 26, 2017 at 4:34 am
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          It is not uncommon to wait 2-4 weeks before surgery. It's nerve wracking waiting, but you may just have to hang in there unless the surgery dept gets a cancellation beforhand, but that's not as likely to happen as it is with other medical appointments. 

          • October 13, 2017 at 7:27 am
          jetdoctor67
          Participant

            Hello Noel,

            I understand how you felt.  I first saw the dermatologist back on Sept. 8th 2017 and received the news of my biopsy about 7-10 days later telling me I had melanoma.  Like you the area has healed (shave biopsy on my ear).  I was able to get into see the plastic surgeon on Sept. 26th where I was informed i would need a Wide Local Excision and SLNB.   The surgery is scheduled for Oct. 25th.  Sometimes if feels like to much time has gone by and my tumor is growing or spreading.  How did your surgery turn out?

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