I've just had cancer removed from my face

[elliollie]

As the title says, I had basal cell carcinoma on my nose and I had it removed last week and a skin graft used from my neck. I saw the wound for the first time the other day and it looks awful, much bigger than I thought and really not nice. I know it will get better but I'm sad.
I wish people would be honest rather than say it's not too bad or it will get better. I know they're only being nice but it makes me feel silly for being upset. (Not crying every minute but sad)
Please tell me I'm not unreasonable to wallow in self pity for a week or two!

@ShannonRockallMalin I'll keep everything crossed for you that you don't need any more treatment. Hope it's not too painful and heals quickly

That's looking so much better already!

Hi elliollie my husband had a large BCC removed from his head last week, and he said exactly the same as you. Everyone played it down loads and said it’s not too bad, but he found it really hard and the recovery is less than ‘easy’, with complications and multiple trips to the hospital and doctor. They said he would be fine to go to work afterwards, but he went into shock and I am so glad I took the entire day off to be with him, even though they made me feel silly for even wanting to go with him.
They just need to tell the truth, the operation and recovery suck. It’s not like anyone is going to be put off by being told the truth and think ‘I think I’d rather just keep the cancer actually’ so why the hard sell in the first place!

Looking good! What a difference in no time at all.

In case anyone is still interested, this was New Year's Eve with make up on. Still a bit raised but certainly not horrific. I've not been wearing makeup much (I don't anyway) because it tends to dry it out and I'm trying to keep it well moisturised. I think give it six months or so and it'll barely be noticeable.

@ellieollie thought I’d resurrect this thread to see how you’re getting on and to show you my wounds! Had my op this week and have just taken dressings off. Had a graft from my neck too. It’s pretty shocking when you first see them isn’t it?

One thing that’s weird is I have no feeling around my nostril on the affected side. I’m hoping that it comes back. Did you have anything like that?

Not RTFT but I too had skin cancer on my face . Skin graft then nose job (corrective surgery) followed .
That was in 2007 . Clear of cancer since .

Best of luck OP

@ShannonRockallMalin I'm soooo sorry! I didn't see this when you updated! It's very similar to mine isn't it! I hope you're doing ok.
Here's mine now, 7 months on. I know it's still noticeable but it does keep improving and even with light makeup, you can barely see it.