It's referred to as MOHS surgery. The procedure is done in-office. You are given a couple of shots to numb the area. The doctor scoops or scrapes a thin layer of skin. This is taken back and checked. If they got all the cancer cells, you are free to go. If not, you have to sit through the procedure again. And again. And again, until all the cancer cells are removed.
I had this done yesterday. The first time, the needles hurt. There were two of them. My doctor did her thing and I was left to wait 30 minutes for the results. The door would open and I was told they didn't get them all. The first couple of times, no problem. The fourth and fifth, I was tired, hungry, frustrated, and scared. The sixth time the door open, it was finally over.
That part of it was. Next, I had to hurry to the plastic surgeon's office. I thought that it would be a quick and easy visit. That's what I was told. Wrong. There was a big hole on my nose that needes to be fixed, and it woudn't be a simple procedure. When he told me what he had to do, I cried, a little.
The doctor took two hours working on me. When it was over, he had a mirror brought over for me to look at. I cried. I tried not to, but it was such a shock. I looked like the bride of Frakenstein.
The ride home was miserable. The pain medicine was upsetting my stomach. When I finally got home at 6:30PM (so much for the couple hours, tops, that I was told), I tried to eat. It came right up. I was in a lot of pain, but couldn't take anymore pain medicine. I had an awful night. I got up a few times to apply an ice pack to the side of my face. I've been in a lot of pain today, but did manage to take one pain medicine. My face is swolen. The bruising hasn't showed up yet, but I was told to expect it to be bad.
In case you think I am exagerating, that is me in the picture.
17 comments:
OUCH sounds like a horrible experience. On a good note I am glad they got all the cancer cells. I hope that the recovery goes smoothly for you.
Oh ugh! That sounds awful! I'm sorry it was so bad for you.
many prayers to you. Hope it heals quickly and you are bale to get some pain relife
I'm so sorry that it was hard for you, I hope you have a fast recovery!
Ouch!! that looks so painful.
Make sure that you get plenty of rest.
I'm so sorry; that was an incredible ordeal to go through. Good those cells are gone... will pray for a quick, comfortable recovery for you.
I hope you feel better soon.
Oh hun... what an experience.
But I'm glad they were able to get a clean area.
I hope it'll heal soon and you feel better soon.
When you keep having pain and unable to take meds, ask for a shot.
Hugggss
Oh my goodness! I hurt just looking at that! I am so sorry you had to go through all of that hon :( big hugs and prayers that you will heal quickly!!!!!
Oh honey *hugs*
Look into some Arnica, which is good for healing and swelling.
OMGosh Tammy! I'm so sorry you had that experience. I'm just thankful that they got all the cancer out! I hope you start feeling better really soon. ((HUGS))
oooh goodness. i really hope you are well soon. take it easy. sending you hugs.
-Misty
Your post brought ME to tears. All I wanted to do was hug you. I'm sorry you had to endure this 'simple outpatient' (right!) ordeal. It seldem goes as plans! I'll be praying for you.
I had this done in May. Fortunately for me, we only had to go once (they knew it was going to be deep before they went in). I had my surgery from my eye brow to my hair line. I did not have to have plastic surgery (so I guess I got a face lift). Will be thinking of you because the entire situation changed my life (mine was Melenoma; not sure which one yours was).
Oh, it looks so sore! I hope you are feeling better soon!
(((Healing Hugs, Tammy)))
sorry I am so behind... I am still stuck in the "cave" (lower level of our home, and NO internet) taking care of hubby from his just over a week old total knee replacement... I am so sorry you had such a hard time! I wonder why they didn't do it in Hospital? I am having cyber-withdrawals & miss you and the rest of my online friends.
many prayers for you
hugs, Faythe @GMT
Oh wow, that does look painful! Hope you're feeling better now.
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