Hopefully, three strikes and you’re out does not apply to skin cancer. As I left the dermatology clinic this AM following the removal of stitches for Melanoma skin cancer #1 and surgery for Melanoma #2 (this month), Dr. Walia said, I hope I see less of you in the future. I patted her on the back and said, I’ll see you in three months. Actually, I will be back next week to have the stitches removed from my neck where the doc excised Melanoma #2 from my neck.
While I was there, the nurse assistant caught up with me and relayed the results of biopsy #3. My sore toe is a Squamous-cell skin cancer. I’ve set up an appointment with the MOHS specialist, “Dr. Monty” to have it removed July 1.
From the MAYO clinic:
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. Mohs surgery is also known as Mohs micrographic surgery.
The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove as much of the skin cancer as possible, while doing minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Mohs surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic.
Mohs surgery is an improvement to standard surgery (local excision), which involves removing the visible cancer and a small margin of healthy tissue all at once. Mohs surgery allows surgeons to verify that all cancer cells have been removed at the time of surgery. This increases the chance of a cure and reduces the need for additional treatments or additional surgery.
Next week, I see my oncologist, Dr. Christie.
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Below, photos from Sean’s (youngest grandchild) “elementary school graduation and dance party. He’s the boy in the grey shirt below.
Mom Wendy and Sean in front of their house in San Diego.
Holding up sheet music. That’s Sean front and center.
Adorable grandson!!! You must be very proud. So sorry about everything you’re going through. Hope your next surgery goes well.
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Ah, and there he is in the sun. So sorry about all this stuff all over you. I sure do understand.
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You’re going to be fine! I’m so glad. Your grandson is a handsome young man.
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Good news, sounds like you are a survivor (again!). Never heard of Mohs before. Guess it makes sense, but sounds excruciating. Your grandson looks like a sweet kid and will grow up to be a “solid citizen” as my father-in-law liked to say.
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So far so good. I’ve had MOHS once before on my nose. The doc likes it for the less threatening Basal and Squamous cell cancers. The cancer on my toe is a Squamous cancer. I’ve had Melanoma surgery three times. The doc cuts a big chunk out of you and prays the stray cell didn’t enter your bold stream and travel to a lymph node. Complete excision isn’t foolproof, hence the visit to the oncologist next week. Blood test today for other issues. Not out of the woods yet, but it’s looking better.
Also, I don’t like the way these cancers keep appearing and neither does my doc. Constant effort to stay on top of them!
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And thank you. If nothing else I’ve left the world a better place with my kids and grandkids. Two of my kids and so far one granddaughter are teachers and you know teachers are special. Richard works with the Navy.
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I love your cute grandson…. Oh how I love grandchildren…. I think my Mom had that surgery for the cancer on her nose the second time…. But not melanoma
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Yes those pesky cancers keep reappearing! I love grandchildren too. No more cute babies for a while, however!
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Sean is a very cute kid who is promising to be a handsome man. It looks like he is very accomplished as well.
I’m so sorry for all those skin surgeries you’re having to do. Please stay vigilant.
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Yes, as Jefferson said, ‘Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,’ or in my case life! Thanks Kay, Sean is a clever talented little boy. I’m sure you encountered a few of them when you were teaching.
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Thank you for this happy glimpse into that active youngster’s life. My mother had three strikes then no more skin cancer during her remaining two decades.
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Thanks Linda. These are 4, 5, and 6 for me. 5 since 2011. 3 in May. Hope you are doing well.. Miss you!
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What a sweet grandson. I sure do love mine.
Good info on Mohs surgery. I wasn’t aware of it.
Good luck.
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I had MOHS surgery on my nose. Hardly left a scar. However, it took 5 hours in the doc’s office. Yuck!
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