"A mole that changed colour"

A few weeks ago my wife noticed that a mole on my right shoulder had changed - it was paler than before. I visited my gp and it was photographed and sent for further investigation. Early July I was seen at Ninewells Hospital by Ms Roberts and she examined the mole and was of the opinion that that it should be removed. She checked my lymph nodes in my neck and armpits and all seemed to be fine.

It was explained that it may be several weeks before the procedure could be done. However, a few days later I received a call from NHSTayside asking if I would attend on an upcoming morning for the procedure. I confirmed that I would attend and did so. I arrived 30 minutes before my appointment and was met by Maggie. I learned that she was covering the reception of the Plastic Surgery outpatients department due to staff on sickness absence.

Maggie was very busy organising things for the day ahead and made me feel very much at ease explaining where things were and even arranging for me to have a cup of tea for my wife and I whilst we were waiting. The next thing is I met Ms Roberts and she explained what was going to happen and I completed the necessary paperwork and shortly after was invited into the room for the procedure.

Ms Robert’s and the other two staff present made me feel at ease and explained what they were doing so that there were no surprises. We chatted through the procedure which went very smoothly from my perspective and I had no discomfort or any issue with the procedure. I was given suitable instructions for my aftercare of the wound. I learned that Ms Roberts recently graduated with her PhD and I wish her the very best for her future.

I await the outcome of the results from pathology which will determine whether or not I will receive further treatment. If I do, I feel that I am in safe hands given my positive experience of the staff in the department.

Thank you all so much for everything.