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Thursday, August 18, 2011

All Clear!

Back in March I had Mohs surgery to remove a small basal cell carcinoma from above my right eyebrow. A few weeks ago I had my follow up visit with my Mohs surgeon. I jokingly asked him to remember which side of my face he had worked on - because that’s how dang near invisible the tear drop shaped scar is now. He surprised me by remarking on the remaining redness and puffiness and told me that it would look really good by next March. He then said if I still wasn’t satisfied by next year that I could have laser treatments to even out the skin tone. I don’t mean to portray him as not listening to me. He truly understood how delighted I am with the results. It’s just that the dude has extremely high standards! I like that in a surgeon!

Today I went to see my regular dermatologist. This was my six month screening and I’m happy to report that I got a clean bill of health. Dr. L. looked me over from head to toes - literally - utilizing a bright light and a magnifier and found absolutely nothing of interest! Because Chuck had been so impressed with Dr. L.’s manner and diagnostic skills, Chuck had his first screening today. And he got a clean bill of health as well! I have to go back in six months because once you’ve had a bcc the odds increase on getting another one. But Chuck was cleared completely and only has to come back if he notices something or, as Dr. L. put it, “if your wife says you have to come back”! I like that in a doc!

Bottom line: I am happy and healthy. If you see something on your skin you have questions about, find a good dermatologist, make an appointment and get checked out.

Related Mohs surgery posts from March:
Bye Bye BCC! - all about the procedure
Sláinte - with the wild post-op image
It’s True - a progress report
and OK! - the wrap up

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you both!!!!!!!

Gail

Pink Granite said...

Thank you Gail!!!
;o)

Sue said...

Excellent news! I went and had my funny mark checked out a few months ago and they weren't happy with it, so I had it burnt off. It was just a little dry, pre-cancerous mark on the bridge of my nose, but I'm really glad it's gone! They want to see me annually, I guess now that I've had one mark burnt off the chances are also higher for another.

So glad that yours has healed so well, it was such a big surgery.

Sue X

Pink Granite said...

Hi Sue -
I'm so glad you followed up on that!
Sounds like maybe an actinic keratosis - but whatever its fancy name, it's good you nipped it in the bud.
Regular screening is such good advice and easy to follow.
Hugs...
- Lee

Sue said...

Yes that's it! And regular screening is so good, I'm so glad I went and it's all thanks to you. If you hadn't had to go through your bit last year, I'd have left mine to fester and grow...

Sue X