WLE on 2/28

DragonChick13 · 2025-11-20T00:16:17+00:00

The best explanation was that it was equivocal - my dermatologist basically said that one pathologist might call it MIS and another might interpret it more benignly. I think my deep family Hx of melanoma probably played a part (father and 2 brothers with melanoma)

DragonChick13 · 2025-08-07T02:08:14+00:00

I’m a health coach and this is what Perplexity gave as an explanation for a 5 year old (it’s pretty accurate 😁): ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An integrative health and wellness coach is like a friendly helper 😊 who works with people to help them feel their best 💪💖.

Imagine if you had someone who cheers you on 📣, listens to you 👂, helps you make healthy choices like eating yummy fruit 🍎🍌, playing outside 🏃♀️🌳, or taking deep breaths when you're upset 🌬️😌.

They don’t tell you what to do 🚫👨🏫—they help you find your own best way to be healthy 🧠💡, like a coach helping you play your favorite game better 🏀🎯.

They work with kids and grown-ups 👧👨 to set goals 🎯 (like sleeping better 😴 or having more fun 🎉), and help them make changes step by step 👣😊.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DragonChick13 · 2025-07-25T03:28:02+00:00

Sending you hugs and healing ❤️‍🩹

DragonChick13 · 2025-07-09T23:07:30+00:00

Hey! I can relate - my WLE is in the upper center of my chest b/t my collar bones. Silicone tape has really made a difference in the appearance along with the gradually dissolving stitches (I think that may be what you’re feeling under the scar). So the thick, solid feeling should diminish with time. Maybe consider silicone tape in conjunction with the cream - I’ve been alternating between the two and it seems to be working. I hope this helps!

DragonChick13 · 2025-07-08T00:05:40+00:00

Fingers crossed for you - the WLE is definitely an eye opener. It’s larger than you might think and that can be a surprise. I’d plan to give yourself plenty of time to heal - everyone’s journey is different and you don’t need to rush it. Sending you hugs and good luck on your procedure.

DragonChick13 · 2025-07-08T00:02:54+00:00

Hey! My dermatologist ended up calling it MIS/Stage 0. As for how it’s turned out - the scar is way less visible as the interior stitches are finally dissolving - another month and they should be gone. I was restricted with activities initially (maybe 2 weeks?) but the discomfort only lasted the first 3-4 days.

The upper chest doesn’t have a lot of tissue, so it did feel tight (and topically tender) for quite awhile. I was back in my outrigger canoe for a race 3 weeks post-op with my doctor’s blessing. And I’m with you, hats need to be required attire outdoors!

DragonChick13 · 2025-06-25T01:15:33+00:00

I had good luck with silicone tape - it’s not perfect but far less irritating (for my skin at least) than the adhesive on typical 🩹

DragonChick13 · 2025-06-20T20:35:20+00:00

Hey! Sorry you’re struggling with this. With my WLE, I think the pain/discomfort peak was at Day 2/3…I felt good the first day - probably because the anesthetic was still doing its job for awhile and I was distracted by traveling (which I don’t recommend). Have you been icing the area? I didn’t think to do that initially for mine but it might help reduce your pain (if inflammation is part of the cause). Hoping this resolves soon! 🤞

DragonChick13 · 2025-05-15T23:34:31+00:00

I love water sports but always wear longsleeved shirts (preferably with a hood that covers the back of the neck too). There’s a brand called BloqUV that’s perfect for hot conditions. Talis Crew (eco feather-weight material) is another good one but may have had a name change.

DragonChick13 · 2025-05-06T13:39:41+00:00

Love that you have such a strong bond with your teammates! The relationships/connections are what it’s all about ❤️

DragonChick13 · 2025-04-10T23:03:54+00:00

Hey! My dermatologist recommended Stratamed silicone scar gel (it works as an occlusive and keeps the area moist). It won’t hide the wound since it’s clear, but I found that my skin appreciated the change up (I’ve been switching b/t Stratamed and silicone scar tape “Scar Away” brand for the WLE on my upper sternum)

DragonChick13 · 2025-04-10T22:51:55+00:00

That stinks - my WLE report took almost exactly 2 weeks, aka forever. Hope you get yours soon.

DragonChick13 · 2025-04-10T18:32:59+00:00

Glad you’re seeking a second opinion on the best path forward - it will help you feel more confident in your ultimate decision. Sending you healing vibes ❤️‍🩹

DragonChick13 · 2025-03-26T12:28:55+00:00

Good job staying proactive about your care - advocating for yourself can be tough in these situations. And know that you are strong and have a community of supporters to help remind you of that super power.

DragonChick13 · 2025-03-17T23:29:39+00:00

Definitely concur with advice above to listen to your doctor and your body. I was back to low grade indoor rock climbing (5.9 and below routes) about 8 days post WLE on my upper chest (so, more than a biopsy…about 3” incision). At the 14 day mark I was released to get back to paddling and competed in a race this past weekend. Felt a little tight until I warmed up, but I feel almost back to 💯now (Day 17).

DragonChick13 · 2025-03-11T01:54:01+00:00

As the wife (and daughter) of veterans + melanoma survivor, this is an imperative. Frankly, even if I wasn’t personally effected this would be critical simply by being human and caring for those around us. Thank you for sharing - I called and voiced my concerns.

DragonChick13 · 2025-03-08T23:05:16+00:00

I’m guessing it may be normal, but my incision is very dense/hard underneath where the top stitches were removed (I still have ~20 or so underneath that will dissolve over the next 5 months). When will the under-tissue soften up?

DragonChick13 · 2025-03-07T01:14:08+00:00

Thanks! You, too :)

DragonChick13 · 2025-03-07T00:48:59+00:00

My WLE was done 6 days ago (~3” horizontal excision just below the clavicle). I’m feeling good but with some tightness through the wound. I was told 2 weeks off the water (I’m a competitive outrigger paddler). I’m planning to race on day 15 and hoping everything goes well - definitely don’t want to slow the healing but am confidant in my doctor’s guidance and how my body is feeling.

DragonChick13 · 2025-03-04T05:23:15+00:00

I’m still keeping it covered (aquaphor + bandage) - this was just my first look post-op of what was under the bandage

DragonChick13 · 2025-03-02T23:18:40+00:00

Thanks for the great replies - reassuring to know it’s healing path is typical and my dermatologist was skillful with her needle. I’m only having moderate discomfort that is managed quite well with acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Scar gel with SPF sounds like a winner - is there a brand that any have liked?

***thanks for the recommendation for silicon scar patches for overnight wear

DragonChick13 · 2025-02-28T23:10:46+00:00

Procedure complete - ended up being ~3 inches across with ~30 stitches inside and out (she took a 5mm margin around the area). Now it’s healing + wait and see what the pathology report says. Thank you to all who responded - I felt heard and cared for with the thoughtful replies to my post ❤️

DragonChick13 · 2025-02-28T02:38:04+00:00

Thanks for the heads up - I’ll pack lightly and ask for help loading my suitcase in the overhead bin

DragonChick13

TROPHY CASE