Friday, May 14, 2010

Post WLE Surgery

It would seem that I should be feeling something to the tune of relief since the re-exision is over. Not necessarily so, not yet anyway...
I mean the tumor should be completely excised now and that is a very good and positive thing. As long as the turmor was in the Radial growth phase and not the Vertical growth phase.

However; I hurt, so therefore it is of constant thought. I have no knowledge of the pathology of things until next Thursday when I go back to see the surgeon, God help me If she calls before then.

I am very blessed to have my wife Susan; for without her I could not have maintained a positive-peaceful frame of mind, we joked a little and she documented the event with some pictures and video (at my request), it made a big difference and I would suggest this to anyone.

I have posted a before and after picture and video on my facebook page, there other photos however I opted to not post them there. I don't want to scare the little ones. This is what it is. This is here to educate you.   Protect yourself; please.

Remember this my friends:
 This drastic surgery was the result of a "small" Malignant Melanoma tumor; believed at this point to be Stage 1A - That is to say; less than 1mm in depth and non-ulcerated (diameter was approximately 5mm X 8mm (oblong))
Size references:

  • A grain of sugar is approx. 1mm in size

  • 1mm = just over 1/32 inch

  • 1mm= 0.03937 inches

  • 0.3mm=0.01181102362206"

This last example is the thickness of tumor reported in the original pathology report for this surgery.




GRAPHIC PHOTOS BELOW










This first photo is prior to the WLE, about 2-weeks after the original excision. The reddened area in the center area of the picture/neck is where my mole "was". This fresh scar is about 1 inch in length.


 An approximation for the re-excision. The skin is whitened by the epinephene that is is the local that was administered to the entire area/perimeter. I was numb almost to 1/2 way up my ear.







After internal stitching by the plastic surgeon / Dissolvable sutures.




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