Preparing for Melanoma Surgery

In areas that generally get more sun, different types of skin cancers such as melanoma can be a large concern. If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with melanoma, surgery may be necessary. This can be a frightening thought, especially if you don’t know what to do to prepare. Luckily, there are a lot of doctors that specialize in melanoma surgery in Newport Beach and melanoma surgery in Orange County. Here are some basic guidelines to follow when preparing for surgery.

Medications

One concern you may have is whether or not you should consider any medications you are taking. When in doubt, it is always wise to ask your doctor. However, chances are, your doctor has already compiled a list of medications you are currently taking and would tell you if they thought you should stop taking any of them. It never hurts to ask if you are unsure.

Transportation and Care

Another thought you may want to consider before your surgery is transportation. When undergoing any sort of procedure, it is important to make sure you have a way to get home once you are released post-surgery. You will likely be advised not to drive, so be sure that you have someone that would be willing to bring you to the hospital as well as take you home later. You may need to come back for regular follow-up treatments, as well, so it is best to find someone who would be willing and able to provide regular transportation.

After your melanoma surgery in Newport Beach, you may also need someone to help you around the house during your recovery. This could be the same person that provides you transportation, or it could be someone else, but make sure that you have a situation where you will not have to be home alone for long periods of time so that someone can help you do things that you may find difficult while you are recovering.

Advanced Care Plan

In the event that something may happen during surgery, it is important to create and advanced care plan to give to your loved ones and doctors ahead of time. This will give everyone an idea of your wishes in the event that you are unable to make those decisions yourself at the time. Your doctor may talk to you about this, as well.

Although melanoma surgery in Newport Beach can seem frightening, there are things you can do to make the experience go more smoothly. Look into the surgery and ask your doctor any questions you may have to increase your understanding.