Friday, May 27, 2011

Call me Frankenstein

So pretty much right after I blogged about being skin cancer free, my doctor called.  Apparently I had "bad margins" and had to go back in for Moh's Surgery.  I scheduled it for yesterday morning and had my husband take off work to come with me.  I'm not gonna lie, I was scared on the inside.  I'm not overly vain, but super villains aside-who wants a huge scar down your face?  I was also slightly worried that maybe it would be a little bigger deal than originally thought and want no part of anything to do with Cancer.

My hubby is in the Air Force which means we get free medical care.  It also means you don't chose your doctor.  I was relieved when mine came in and the nurse addressed him, "Good Morning, Chief".  Woohoo! The Chief of Dermatology would be cutting on me and not some brand new resident.   I got really queasy during the procedure (if you won't think less of me, I'll confess I was close to passing out).  I was numb, but it was still a creepy experience and the more I tried not to think about it, the more of course I thought about it. I think I was holding my breathe-which wasn't good. It also took way longer than the first time (5-6 minutes, instead of 2-3 minutes). I also would have handled it better if it would have been on my arm or back, but eyes freak me out.

 After the procedure, I went back to the waiting room to wait for my results.  Luckily, they got it all and I now have "clean margins".  So I went back so they could stitch me up.  I have 6 stitches and wasn't prepared for how big it would be.  Hopefully it will clear up nice.  They said if it doesn't, they can use a laser to treat the scar later.

Interestingly enough, he said that there is no medical evidence that products like Mederma do anything. I should have saved my $18.  He recommends petroleum jelly.

If you have weird reddish patches that won't heal-go see a doctor. Consider this my Public Service Announcement.

6 comments:

  1. Oh, Tara. I'm so glad you're okay. Ugh, I hate it when our bodies betray us like that! I think you wear the stitches very well, though. Hugs!

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  2. Glad they were able to get it...but a little freaked that I have something that looks IDENTICAL to this picture and its almost in the same exact spot as your stitches!! I've been nervous about it for a while but now I'm queasy thinking I may have cancer! Yikes!

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  3. Glad it's over! Doesn't look too bad!

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  4. That is super creepy. I'm glad you had the top guy too, and I bet it will heal up nicely. Good job for taking care of yourself!

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  5. Well, Frankie...I'm glad that all went well and you got a clean bill of health! That whole situation sounds completely un-fun!

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  6. I know I'd be close to passing out too!

    Glad you are ok :)

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