Hats and Sunblock

About a year ago, I noticed a "mole" by my eye on the bridge of my nose.  I didn't think too much of it but Daniel kept insisting that I go to the dermatologist to get it checked out.  I finally made an appointment and the Dr said, "It looks like Basal Cell Carcinoma, your husband is very wise."  Okay, I added the last part.  She sent in the biopsy, made me an appointment to get it removed and sent me on my way.  A month later I had an appointment with a dermatologist that specializes in MOH's surgery, which removes skin cancers like mine.  He made it sound like a simple, easy procedure and I wasn't worried.

A few days later I went on to the internet to check it out.  Big mistake!  I started reading horror stories about cancer roots growing into tear ducts and the optic nerve, loss of vision, or even loss of an eye!  Aaahhh!!!  Of course Daniel starts making pirate jokes.  Wouldn't I make a great Mad-Eye Moody for Halloween?  Maybe I could get a glass eye that's pink...or violet?

I went into surgery with a tiny bit of trepidation...okay, maybe more than a tiny bit.  The nurse puts my fears to rest and lets me know that "most likely" I will leave with both eyes.  Yippee.  The nurse remarks that my blood pressure is a little high.  Hmmm, I can't imagine why.  The doctor then proceeds to cut out a piece of my face (a small piece, but still) while I'm practicing my deep breathing.  He pats my hand and sends it to the lab. 

Labs come back- they got it all the first time.  Hallelujah!  I don't want them taking any more of my face, they took enough.  The nurse hands me a mirror to take a look-yuck.  But it's okay, I've got both my eyes!  Woo-hoo!!  No more pirate jokes for me.

A few hours later, I was at the plastic surgeon being sewn up because the dermatologist just cauterized the wound and sent me on my way.  My eye looks much better than I thought it would.  There isn't much swelling at all and the plastic surgeon said the scar should heal very nicely.  Megan said that instead of being a pirate for Halloween, I can be Frankenstein since I've got the stitches.  Oh goody.

I'm just glad it's over and that everything went well.  I'm a worrier, from a long line of worriers, so I probably made this whole experience worse than it needed to be.  I have a feeling it won't be my last time either.  People who get a Basal Cell Carcinoma tend to get more.  I'll still be at the pool and at the beach but from now on I'll have my SPF 70 on and a wide brimmed hat!  If you have an uneasy feeling about something go to the Dr and get checked out!!  The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

 On the way home from the dermatologist...take that skin cancer.

    All that worrying over a few tiny stitches.