"Follow up excision following discovery of melanoma"

So professional, thorough and effective throughout! Wonderful! In under three months I went from ‘a slight concern’ to excision, to second excision to include sentinel lymph node, and letter from surgeon giving the all clear! How could have been better?

Showed GP in Somerset a small ‘place’; he said “not sure. I’ll refer you”.

Saw derm consultant towards the end of August. 

Had an excision in September by Mr Richards, derm at Yeovil Hospital. 

Histology later revealed melanoma in excision specimen. 

Early October, met cancer nurse, Mihaela, specialist who explained what was to happen and how I would have 5 years of ongoing checks of skin.

Met Mr Wilson shortly after: outstanding - so reassuring, clarified issues and terminology etc. Gave me total confidence!  Explained I would have a further excision which would remove a larger area and would include sentinel lymph node for further examination. Procedures to take place at RD&EX.

Late October : Pre-op med checks in RD&Ex Hospital. By Jane.

Early November : Day surgery . Radio active trace followed by a thorough series of ‘photos’ and a CT. 

Full anaesthetic by Hussein - unbelievably easy and again so reassuring. These guys are wonderful!

Met surgeon Mr Ryder soon after arrival at RD&E and again after radio and ink trace injection. Met Ben again just before operation. All went well.

Positive outcome reported to me by Mr Wilson (I am scheduled to meet him next week - how thoughtful of him to send a message in advance.)

I cannot praise the Plastic Surgery Department highly enough. From the word go they moved ‘at pace’, exuding a compassionate expertise at every meeting over the several weeks from the first contact to the letter giving the ‘all clear’.

(And at a less life threatening level, well done to whoever realised that the post operation dressing and review meeting could take place in Yeovil to save travelling to Exeter.)

And well done for the phone call from nurse Mel on the day after surgery to check I was well and had no problems.