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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Jeffreyj on July 31, 2009, 04:43:05 am
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Six months ago, I had my monthly appointment. I showed my DR. a weird looking growth on my finger. As best as I can describe it, it looked like a blood blister, a 1/16th of an inch in circumference., He stared at it for a while and took a picture of it. (That was a first, my Doc photographing my finger.)
"What is is ? I finally asked.
"No idea, I want you to get a biopsy." He mailed me a referral. I couldn't get in for 2 months. So I didn't bother making an appointment, because it kind of went away. It turned into a callous, so I figured it went away.
About a month later, it came back a little lager this time. This was two weeks ago. This time it was very sensitive and painful when I bumped IT, hit it on something. It hurt like hell. It became painfull to the touch.
It kept bleeding. It has doubled in size. So today I went to Urgent care. The P.A. I saw said she has never seen anything like it. She poked around, and saw it was cut halfway in. At this point, the "bubble" of blood now had tissue much like a wart. But no skin all the way through, just this weird blood blistering thing .
She said to get it looked at by a dermatologist. I have a Monday appointment.
Has anyone had something similar? ...I'll keep you posted
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It's difficult to say without a photo. :-\
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I think I'd make an appointment with the Dr to whom you were referred.
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At this point, the "bubble" of blood now had tissue much like a wart. But no skin all the way through, just this weird blood blistering thing .
She said to get it looked at by a dermatologist. I have a Monday appointment.
Has anyone had something similar? ...I'll keep you posted
Jeffrey,
It does sound like some sort of a wart to me. I have had similar ones, on my fingers, and if you let them go too long they become painful, they will bleed when bumped.
I let one of mine go to long and when I finally had it removed, it required two stitches, because he wanted to make sure he got it all out.
Once removed, it never came back again.
Good luck !
Ray
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Hi Jeffrey,
When I want to see what else is casting about in the world of physiological stuff, I go to Google, click on Images (tool bar) and in this case, I typed in finger warts.
You won't get a 100% pure catch of wart pics, but you will get quite a few. You might see a growth of two that is similar to yours.
Hope you're out of pain soon.
Em
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I had a nasty wart on my thumb that grew quite large, and because it seemed to come out from under the side of my nail, my derm suggested I go to a plastic surgeon or a hand surgeon, as they may need to remove the nail. Needless to say, I couldn't get any plastic surgeon who does wart removal, and hand surgeons scare me. One PS's receptionist suggested I see the dermatologist associated with thier hospital, so I made an appt. When he looked at it, and my face when he was about to say he couldn't do much with it, he took a picture, cut out what he could, and applied something he called 'beetlejuice'. This stuff would make the area blister up ( and hurt for the first 6 hrs or so). After several treatments over the course of months, it's (hopefully) gone. He's quite pleased with himself and so am I ( he's absolutely adoreable and possibly the friendliest dr I've ever come across). I miss him ;)
Good luck with it.
Paul
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Well here is the result of my finger Biopsy:
I have skin cancer :(
Melonelma malignint
I'm kind of in shock. I have to call a surgeon tomorrow....Then see a cancer DR. to follow up.
I hope it's just a local thing.
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That's not good, I hope it's just the finger, and not one of your favorite ones either.
Good luck with the doctors, and let us know how it turns out.
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I'm so sorry to learn of this. I must confesss I've never heard of a skin cancer occurring on a finger. I'm not surprised you're in shock. When you saw the dermatologist, did you also get biopsies of the areas on your thigh and ankle you were also concerned about and which you wrote about in an earlier post? Might there be a connection?
Best of luck. I hope this can be dealt with swiftly. I wish you courage and peace.
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Wow Jeffrey, sorry to hear about this - but at the same time I'm glad you got it check out and found out. Hopefully it's something that can be taken care of easily.
Hang in there and please, keep us posted.
Hugs,
Ann
xxx
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I hope everything turns out OK. Good luck and keep us posted on what's happening.
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Hey Jeffrey, thinking of you and keep us posted. Also, does this mean that what you thought in another thread was KS returning, so you have both?
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If caught early these are very treatable.
Hang in there. Keep us posted.
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Hey Jeffrey.
What a bummer. Melanoma on the finger is uncommon, but not unheard of. It's on the top, opposite palm, Right? In one way you've got good reason to hope for a good outcome. Most melanomas are on the upper back or back of the neck, which is quite near several large clusters of lymph nodes. That's the bad thing about melanoma. If it gets into your lymphatic system, you have a major problem. But, the fingers are a fair ways off from lymph nodes. And, there is a lesson here. Never ignore for 2 months something strange.
Good luck. I hope the surgery isn't too invasive, and I wish for you a welcome outcome.
Very best,
Gib
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Jeff: I think you live in Phoenix, right? I know someone there who covers himself up like a beekeeper, especially during the horrific hellish summers there. Even when he drives he wears gloves to protect the hands from the intensity of the rays.
I've been to Phoenix in the Summer, in my experience it's the closest thing to Hell on Earth.
All I'm saying is please make sure you protect yourself Sun-wise.
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Yes, Phoenix here, land of the sun.
I got my re-feral, and they refused to take me. "We don't do fingers. " Click....She hung up!
Saw my regular hiv DR . It seems like i need a plastic surgeon, since they do fingers. Who knew?
So I'm still searching. One said they will review the pathology report before they will make an appointment. So I hope to find out tomorrow.
I have an oncologist, I'm making an appt with him, I'm hoping he will light a fire on someones ass for me so I get the surgery I need. This is crazy!
The first sentence in the comment ..."This is a difficult case, as a large portion of the tumor appears to have necrosed."
The heading of report reads: Malignant Melanoma....
Ulceration:Present
Necrosis : Present
Regression: Absent....Keep you posted...
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hey Jeffrey,
Hope all goes well. good luck. start jumping up and down and making noise if noone will look after this. melanoma's should not be taken lightly. And, I hate to say this, but be prepared to lose your finger.
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Found a surgeon....we'll see...Lose my finger??? Really? Why would you say that fearless?
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Found a surgeon....we'll see...Lose my finger??? Really? Why would you say that fearless?
It might just have to happen. I don't know anyone personally who went through this, but I do know Bob Marley's original diagnosis was melanoma on the big toe... under his nail precisely. All he got was a little cosmetic surgery done even though the doctors pleaded with him to remove the whole toe, his religion forbid him from removing any parts from his body. Five years later he collapsed while jogging in Central Park and found out later that afternoon the cancer had spread to his lungs and brain.
This is the only likeness to your story I know of and I'm not trying to scare the shit out of you, but this is definitely something where you will have to weigh out your options wisely..... just don't become a Rastafarian and you'll be OK.
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its a bad thing to have necrosis, it means that you have dead skin in that area, and it gets hard or healthy skin to regenerate, but it doesnt mean you are going to loose a finger, dont think about it, just think in getting treated.
Everything will be just fine
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Found a surgeon....we'll see...Lose my finger??? Really? Why would you say that fearless?
I don't mean to scare you Jeffrey, but in my experience (I'll spare you the specifics), being a malignant melanoma they will take a fair sized chunk, generally 1-2 cm either side of it and quite deep, of you in an attempt to ensure they have removed all the cancer cells. There really isn't much 'meat' on the finger to take so they may recommend removing the finger - that's certainly what they would do here. Reality is, losing a finger might be a small price to pay, compared to the consequences.
ps, don't follow Marley's lead
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Jeffrey,
I was going back and checking some of my older records. When I had my wart removed, from my middle finger - left hand-right up near the knuckle) the reason the doctor removed so much was because it contained Squamous cell . I had melonoma on my left arm. it was succesfully removed, monitored , and never came back.
Let us know how things go with the surgeon.
Take care of yourself--Ray
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Well, I had my full body scan today. Please wish me luck that it hasn't spread.. My surgeon said the melanoma I had was a "Bad Actor" (I need to hear that-not)
I then went to an oncologist, who ordered my scan that I had today. Ray-sounds like what you had!
I have a DR appt next week...I'll keep you posted .
Hope everyone is doing well.
Jeff
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Well, I got the results today of the scan. It has not spread, but I will require another surgery on the finger. So all in all, looks like worst case is I loose an inch or two of my left index finger.
I'll take that. WHEW! I'm very pleased. Thanks all for your positive thoughts!
Jeff
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Thanks for the update Jeffrey..... if you are having any kind of insurance coverage problems just let me know..... I wield a mean hacksaw! ;) Just glad to hear everything will be OK.
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Hey Jeff, what a relief it hasn't spread!
Losing a bit of your left-hand index-finger isn't too bad - you'll just have to point with your right hand, and you can still "flip the bird" with either hand. ;D
My ex-husband lost about an inch off his left-hand ring-finger ... eons ago, in a strange accident concerning a table saw ... and the only way it affected him was in playing guitar. He eventually worked around that and you'd never notice the difference in his playing now. He's not exactly Eric Clapton, never was, but he's not too bad either.
I'm really happy to hear your news. :)
Keep us posted and don't get any ideas about having Skeebo and his hacksaw over for dinner! ;)
Hugs,
Ann
xxx
edited for a stoopid typo!
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That's great news Jeffrey!
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Great news !
Keep up the good work and stay on top of your treatment. It sounds like you are going to be fine.
Smalltown66
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That's great Jeffrey.
Are you going to try and avoid the harsh Phoenix sun, especially in the Summer?
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Hey Jeff: Best of luck with the surgery. I find it weird/funny that the possibility of losing a body part is great news but I guess that it could be a lot worse. My brother in-law lost a middle finger at the fist knuckle in a table saw accident. Although he's "none the worse for wear" as they say, I hope they can save your finger.
P.S. if you take skeebo up on his offer to use the hacksaw make sure it's been cleaned since it's last use.
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Thanks everyone for the king words. Skeebo, Thanks but no thanks lol. I don't doubt you abilities tho! Ann I always wanted to plat the guitar, but I have no rhythm, AT ALL. Who knows, maybe I'll try it after this is all over.
My Dr. said that a "Chunk" of my finger would have to be removed. Not sure what a chunk is, but I'll soon find out. I have an apt with my surgeon in 4 days. I hope we can do this in his office rather then go to a hospital.
I love all of you. This has been the most bizarre thread...I hope everone will Learn to not take anything for granted. Thankyou kindly again for the caring and support. My Mom passed away three weeks ago, so I've been kind of sad lately. Plus i am living alone as of the 1st of this month. So it's been a challenging month to say the least.
I guess its true about things happening in 3's.
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Hi Jeff,
I'm really sorry to hear about your mother. May she rest in peace.
((((((Jeff))))))
Ann
xxx
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Jeffrey, I too am sorry to hear about your loss, and your tough month. My dad had a melignant melanoma on his back over 25 years ago, that was successfully removed using the Mohs technique. They remove sections of tissue and check them under a microscope until the margins of the lesion show no more cancerous cells. I don't know what kind of plans they have for you, but maybe you could ask about this? I hate to put even more pressure on an already scary situation, but if someone is trained in Mohs, and is willing to use it for you, at least you could know that they got it all. I will pray for your continued success as they fix this up for you. Best wishes with all your "procedures."
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Really sorry to hear about your mum, Jeff.
All the best for the upcoming surgery.
Steve
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Thanks everyone for the king words. Skeebo, Thanks but no thanks lol. I don't doubt you abilities tho! Ann I always wanted to plat the guitar, but I have no rhythm, AT ALL. Who knows, maybe I'll try it after this is all over.
Don't worry, marginal talent and lack of a finger didn't stop Jerry Garcia from achieving fame and fortune.
Sorry to hear about your mother.
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Hi Jeffrey,
Im really sorry about you mom. My deepest condolences.
Lakis
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omg Jeff -- you are having so much on your plate. I'm thinking of you something terribly intense for all of this. And I'm so sorry about your mother... and of course you "chunk" but I think that last bit will work out OK. Good luck living alone -- I live alone to and it's very easy to fall into depression at first if it's a situation you are not used to. Keep yourself busy with home projects and make yourself go to a new movie each week.
All my best,
David
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Jeez Jeffrey, did not realize your mother died. I am truly sorry for the loss of your mother. Hope you are doing OK my friend.
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Skeebo, Miss P, and Lakis,
Thanks so much for the thoughtful, kind words. It means allot to me.
My surgery is tomorrow. I will let you know how much of the finger will be cut off. They will do biopsy as they go. I know I should be grateful and all, but I'm nervous as hell!
Till tomorrow.....
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I have no idea how I "missed" this until today...
Jeff, I am so sorry to learn about this news. Sorry about your Mom, and worried about your finger. Keep us posted.
Love & hugs,
Alan
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Well I went to get my surgery. Everything was going well until my DR opened the screen curtain.
"Do you have sleep Apnea?"
"Yes, I was diagnosed two years ago, but I never got a machine for it."
Then these shocking words:
"We will have to cancell the surgery, I'm sorry. "
"What the hell? Why?" I said, angry and confused!
He went on to explain that Two men had a simple surgery like yours. They both DIED the night after the surgery...This had happend just a few weeks ago.
So it's off to the sleep center to get my machine. Damn, I'm so grateful for that nurse asked me that question, i think it was the last question!
So, I will have a few weeks to regroup. Damn!!
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Jeffrey, I hate to admit it but I think my hacksaw method is sounding more and more like a possible solution to your problem. I know the sleep apnea will not be an issue and I won't even wear those rubber gloves like the ones my doc uses when he checks my nodes.
I really don't have anything for the pain, however I do have a plan for that. What I can do is cut your foot off first that way you won't feel the pain in your finger.
I'm all dressed and prepped for the operation:
[attachment deleted by admin]
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I'm with Skeebo. We could do it in Jeffrey's back yard and sell tickets. $25 for front row seats (bring your own raincoat) $15.00 for the back row (bring you own umbrellas) and $5.00 for the cheap seats in the front yard (at least you can hear the screams). We could donate all the profits to buy Jeffery that machine he needs for his apnea. I'm sure that I've seen the machine in the Sears catalogue. Theres not much that Sears doesn't sell. They are special order so it may take a week or two for them to deliver it.
I've got an old car battery and a set of jumper cables just in case we need to jump start him if things don't go quite as planned.
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Jeffrey, sorry to hear about the latest delay. I know you are anxious to get the finger problem resolved. I hope you can get it done soon.
And thanks for the 'heads-up' on the sleep apnea problem.
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Jeff, I think about you everyday.. Give it time... You have that...
I know what your Mom ment to you and you made that peace and thats what you want to remember..
Love you always,
Eric
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Jeff,
Fuck these lot, I've got an electric saw and you'll feel no pain.
Seriously though, that sucks. One of my mottos is 'better safe than sorry.' You're in my thoughts.
Ann
xxx
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Jeff,
I am thinking of you>
I had 2 spots of malign melanoma skin cancer removed two years ago.
Safe now
Better get it out of your body before it starts to get inot the bloodstream.
I am very sorry you have to go thourgh all of this.
Hope that it will only be a litlle part they remove.
As for the sleep apneu, my ex bf had it as well and he slept with a mask. it helped him tremendoulsy.
Sedning you all the strenght
xxx Hermie
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I went to the Sleep Center. Man, that was weird. I picked out up my mask and slept with it all night. I had electrodes all over the place.
So I have to wait a week for the mask, then I will have the surgery I HOPE next week! I am freaking out knowing I have cancer in my finger.
Thanks everyone for all of the support. Greatly appreciated!
Hermie-glad you are doing well....
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Hey Jeff: Thanks for the update. I was wondering a few days ago how you were making out. Glad to know that you are making headway. Having to wait for the operation on your finger must be a strain. If the doctors felt it was urgent it would be apnea be damned full speed ahead.
How did you manage at the sleep center? Were you able to sleep at all with all the wires? A friend of mine had to do the same type of thing. He snores a lot. He went to a sleep center, got wired up and couldn't sleep at all. He was up all night and ruined the testing. Man was he pissed. I hope you had better luck.
Take care
Dale
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I've had sleep studies done and yes, it's a little hard to sleep well but IIRC they told me if you get 3-4 hours it's enough for them to do the study.
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Miss p and Dale,
I did wake up three times during the night. I warned them in advance, so they just unplugged me from the wall...It was kinda hard to sleep, but somehow I managed to get 5 hours plus. I think they need 5 hours so it all worked out just fine.
Dale-it was a challenge with all of the wires attached to my head and legs. Got tangled up a few times but it worked out OK. My motivation to sleep was the fact that I wouldn't have to come back and do this all over again lol. It was something not to do if you are shy! But it was not as bad as a spinal tap!!! So all in all not to bad! Thanks for you interest
Jeff
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Jeff, I have to 'scold' you for not getting your machine the first time! Since getting mine, i have felt so much better. Yes, it's a pain in the ass, there's just no other way to say it. I hate the damn mask, hate wearing it, hate cleaning the thing, hate filling the tank....but I do like the way it makes me feel. I wake up feeling like I've actually been asleep, not just in a daze, and feel so much more rested.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Alan
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Well I had about half my ring finger chopped off on Friday. I was not a pleasant experience. The pain is overwhelming. And no, the pain meds do not work very well. I have never experienced such pain. I can't wait until it stops. I can't even describe it.
On a brighter note: I'm cancer free.
All in all, a crazy thread,huh?
I would like too thank everyone for your moral support. I wouldn't wish this upon anyone.
Much Love.
Jeff
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What a horrific, shocking, and frightening experience you've been through. My thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery and quick end to the pain. I admire your bravery immensely.
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Hey Jeffrey, congrats on being cancer free! That's a load off!
On the other hand, I'm sorry to hear the op is proving to be so painful. That really sucks. Hopefully it will feel better soon.
Hugs,
Ann
xxx
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Congratulations on the successful surgery. It must be a big relief to have that behind you.
Hopefully the pain will subside soon. Stronger pain meds, maybe?
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Jeffrey,
Glad to hear you are cancer free.
Well I had about half my ring finger chopped off on Friday. I was not a pleasant experience. The pain is overwhelming. And no, the pain meds do not work very well. I have never experienced such pain. I can't wait until it stops. I can't even describe it.
Dude, that's some damn descriptive writing right there. I swear my finger hurts just reading about it. Try calling the doctor back and tell them you need something stronger.
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Wow Jefrey, your description of the pain reminded me of how it must have been like before the days of anesthesia, like during the Civil War, they'd take a big ol' saw and amputate a leg with it, with no pain meds whatsoever. I'm assuming you were numbed during the procedure and that the pain is after the fact?
All in all, despite the pain, a good outcome. It could have been much worse. From now on, cover up or use sun block. I know a guy in Phoenix who wears gloves when he drives!
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Hey Jeff: I'm glad that the operation was a success and that you are doing well. It must be such a mental relief for you. The pain will go away soon enough.
Did the doctors warn you about the phantom pains? You will find that even after your finger is healed at times the missing part of your finger will hurt. The missing part will also be VERY susceptible to cold. Be sure to wear warm gloves even on the mildest of the cold days.
Lots of big hugs
Dale
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Did the doctors warn you about the phantom pains? You will find that even after your finger is healed at times the missing part of your finger will hurt. The missing part will also be VERY susceptible to cold. Be sure to wear warm gloves even on the mildest of the cold days.
If my ex-husband's experience is anything to go by (he lost a good inch off his ring finger), the first winter will be the worst, and the phantom effect will eventually fade away. He still gets the effect occasionally now though, mainly if he hits his finger when it's cold. It feels like the end portion is still there and hurting. It goes away quick enough, kinda like when you smash a finger and jump around the room cursing until it chills out. Or so he says. ;)
Ann
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Sorry about the pain Jeff. Glad the big C has gone though - good to get rid of that nasty.