Skin graft

psro
psro Member Posts: 21
in Skin Cancer #1

I recently found out that I have to have a skin graft after a series of tumors are removed from my scalp. The idea of shaving my head is bothersome, but what is really worrying me is the skin graft. I have no idea what to expect. I'm getting different information from everyone I speak with. Has anyone had this done? I could really use some kind of idea what is going to happen. Thanks

Comments

  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    #2
    Graft

    In the Spring of 2015, I had a small "dot" between my sideburn and right ear lobe biopsied, and it came back intermediate Melanoma.  A small portion of my right ear and the area of the Melanoma were removed and given a skin graft.  The graft came from the outter part of my right thigh, about 3 1/2" x 2".  Both operational areas were healed in 5 months. Was told that all margins were clear.  In the Spring of 2016, was told it had reoccured in generally the same area.  After 14 hours of surgery on Memorial Day of that year, surgeons removed my entire right ear, ear canal and Mastoid bone and replaced the area with a "Flap" made from my left upper thigh.  It will be there for the duration.  This past Spring, after a PET Scan, another Tumor has arrived that is about the size of a quarter, and is posted on the hinge of my right jaw.  Surgery is out......Radiation is out.  Only current option is Immunotherapy (Keytruda), which I will be infused every 3 weeks for the next 2 years (or as directed by my Oncologist).  Third treatment coming up this Monday.  So far, no side effects.

    Larry

  • psro
    psro Member Posts: 21
    #3
    CajunEagle said:

    Graft

    In the Spring of 2015, I had a small "dot" between my sideburn and right ear lobe biopsied, and it came back intermediate Melanoma.  A small portion of my right ear and the area of the Melanoma were removed and given a skin graft.  The graft came from the outter part of my right thigh, about 3 1/2" x 2".  Both operational areas were healed in 5 months. Was told that all margins were clear.  In the Spring of 2016, was told it had reoccured in generally the same area.  After 14 hours of surgery on Memorial Day of that year, surgeons removed my entire right ear, ear canal and Mastoid bone and replaced the area with a "Flap" made from my left upper thigh.  It will be there for the duration.  This past Spring, after a PET Scan, another Tumor has arrived that is about the size of a quarter, and is posted on the hinge of my right jaw.  Surgery is out......Radiation is out.  Only current option is Immunotherapy (Keytruda), which I will be infused every 3 weeks for the next 2 years (or as directed by my Oncologist).  Third treatment coming up this Monday.  So far, no side effects.

    Larry

    Larry,

    Larry,

      I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing, I haven't been able to find much information on skin grafts that applies to my situation. Every bit helps me know what to expect.

    Penny

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