Under the knife - again

[aztecan]

I finally was coerced into seeing the dermatologist this week.

I had a spot on the top of my head that I couldn't see, but that was growing, bleeding, doing other nasties, and had been there about 11 months or so. OK, maybe a bit longer.

My problem was that I couldn't see it. I would just see the aftermath smeared across the pillow in the morning.

Anyway, after a stern talking to by my primary care doc, I saw the dermatologist.

She first cut off the outermost portion, which was about a half-inch in size. Then, she proceeded to dig, scrape and tug at the underlaying portion, which apparently was somewhat larger.

Note to self: You knew better than to let things like this linger, dummy!

Then, she got out her handy cauterizer, had me hold onto the ground so I wouldn't get shocked and proceeded to electrocute the thing into submission.

I cannot see it myself, but everyone says it looks like someone put out a large stogie on my head. Apparently it is burned black and crusty.

I can fee the dip where she removed the thing. I really do have a hole my head now, just as others have said.

Now, I have to clean it three times a day with cotton balls and alcohol, and take antibiotics for two weeks, which I think is overkill.

The remains of the spot have been diligently sent to the lab for biopsy. I should know if it was cancerous or not at some point.

(((((sigh)))))

She wouldn't have worried about infection as much had I been HIV negative. I still don't think there is reason to worry.

For future reference, I am going to get checked annually now just in case any more spots decide to pop up.

As Ray has said the past, a dermatologist has now become a necessary part of my life.

HUGS,

Mark

[edfu]

I'm so sorrry  to hear about this and wish you the best.

I go to my dermatologist every three months for a full-body check, especially since I have so many moles on my back and have already had Mohs surgery on my nose (and subsequent plastic surgery) for a basal-cell carcinoma and have also experienced KS on my shoulders.   

Please take care and don't hesitate to see a dermatologist on a regular basis. 
       

[J.R.E.]

Note to self: You knew better than to let things like this linger, dummy!

Don't be too hard on yourself Mark.There have been plenty of folks that have let things go on too long.  I was one of them.  25 years ago, I was letting things go 6 months or longer, only to result in a much larger cut and scar. I learned my lesson. I am officially on a 6 month checkup, but prior to that I was going once every three to four months.

I now have a spot on my nose, that will have to be removed, and I know it will be trouble to let it go. I have an appointment coming up shortly, to point that out to the dermatologist.


Wishing a speedy recovery, and wear that hat !


Ray

[wolfter]

Oh Mark!!!  So sorry to hear you're dealing with this.  Thanks for reminding us that just because we feel fine, we need to stay on top of things like these.  That might be a LTS mindset??   I know I've been quite guilty of it.

Take care buddy, sending positive energy your way.

[pozniceguy]

sorry  for the  painful  reminder  Mark,  but you have inspired me to  go see my  derm  Dr  as well....  havent been there for more than a year...... 
get well,,,

Nick

[AlanBama]

glad u got it taken care of honey....yes, the dermatologist is a NECESSITY these days...

hugs, Alan

[aztecan]

Just a quick update:

I had the followup visit with the dermatologist today.

The results of the biopsy were in. It was a basal cell carcinoma that was removed.

It is the most common form of skin cancer. She thinks she got it all, but I am to keep watch, and, since it is on the top of my head, that is no small feat.

Anyway, I am to continue wearing hats, which I usually do anyway because I am stylish. 

I also am supposed to use SPF 70 sunscreen.

OK, no big surprises and all is healing well, as long as I stop hitting my head on things.

HUGS,

Mark

[jm1953]

Hey Mark:

I totally relate to your situation.  Much of my symptoms have been skin related, so I spend much time at the dermatologist.  I've had two basal cell carcinomas removed, pre cancerous, and many other treatments.  I go for a skin check every six months now. 

Sorry you are going through this as just caring for a wound like that is almost like a full time job, right?  And I know you have been through quite a lot this year.

Hang in there, and as one member said, be sure to keep up on your skin check-ups.  Now that you've had a pre cancerous lesion generally they want a follow up every six months.

Take good care,

JM

[Jody]

Glad you had it removed and taken care of Mark.  Here's to a speedy recovery and keep those great hats you look so cool in on at all times, especially in the Land of Enchantment!

Hugs, Jody

[pozniceguy]

good  news  Mark  happy to hear it  has been  successfully  removed.... the  sun bloc  plus a hat  should really be  enough to keep the  exposure  down...  glad  you are  OK

Nick

[Buckmark]

Mark,

Purchase a small hand mirror to along with your bathroom mirror.  That should allow you to see the entirety of your head.

I'm glad your doctor removed this.  Your description (dig, scrape, tug) sounds pretty gruesome. 

Annual checkups, definitely!

Hugs,

Henry