h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I spent most of this week in hospital. Last week I received news that the mole on my neck was a melanoma, and a somewhat serious one at that. This news meant that I needed to get a "sentinel node biopsy" carried out as quickly as possible. In effect, a lymph gland needed to be removed from my neck. This gland is currently being tested in the labs. I have a long wound on my neck, stretching from below my ear to almost below my chin. Most of my ear is numb as a result of cut nerves. Touching it is very odd - a rubbery sensation I would normally associate with the dentist.

I went under general anaesthetic for the first time. I expected it to be something like an immediate loss of consciousness followed by immediate revival, but it was a bit different - more like waking from a dreamless sleep. The experience was not unpleasent, although I did upset things initially by admitting to drinking a glass of water an hour before my surgery. This seemingly innocuous act delayed my operation by two hours.

The overall experience was quite good. The level of care I received was excellent. All the staff were kind and considerate, and I had plenty of time to read, listen to music, play some Sudoku and talk to interesting people I would never normally meet. I never felt in too much pain, and my wound is now recovering well. I will be getting my stitches out tomorrow. I should know the result of the biopsy over the coming days.

I just got back from holiday on monday,and still didn't get round to your birthday greeting.Now it's a get well soon greeting,(does that sound right)
Well,whether it does or not i hope you soon feel much better,and that the results are the very best ones.You're very brave i have to say,I tend to become a quivering jelly faced with anything that could be wrong with me.I shall be thinking of you ,and hoping that things go well for you.WP,s.

Ouch - be sure to keep us posted.



In a perfect world, a nurse would have come up to you and said, 'I'm going to have to numb your ear - numnumnum'



silly joke, nevermind



Be well. Mend soon.

I hope for good results for you.

Glad you're not too uncomfortable
Recover quickly, hoping for good results

Blimey. I hope all goes well...

Good grief! Here's hoping for good news soon...

Keep us informed..

Glad to hear the operation went well, and that you were treated nicely. Thanks for getting in touch with me earlier in the week. Hoping for good news, soon.

numnumnum

Sending healing thoughts

Thank you all - and particularly your kind thoughts are appreciated for the times when I will be shaving close to my ear!

Oh, Woodpigeon my friend, you are in the wars. I hope it doesn't spoil your looks though I suspect that is the least of your worries. I hope it has been caught early.

You will be in my thoughts my dear. Do let us know as soon as you hear something.

and to your little ones.

Websailor

Thanks WS - I will let you know how the news of the next week goes. I'm staying very positive.

Aw ra best, Woody.

Sending you Oooooommmmmmmssssssssss. Get mum to send you Reiki too.

NR

Just popped in to see how you are? Back daily.

Websailor

- that's more like it!!

WS

Still thinking of you and awaiting hopefully good news!

Same here

healing

And likewise wishing you well. Hoping to hear good news soon.

MC

I'm ing too,with my fingers crossed!!