Massive Headwound Mo

Several weeks ago, I went to the dermatologist for my 6 month checkup.

I was glad to go because I had a bump on my scalp that had been bothering me for a few months. So, I have to strip down to my undies and a paper robe to be examined by the PA. This is an awful experience because she is tall, thin, gorgeous hair and skin, and has a very nice artificial rack, if you know what I mean. I feel like a blob and I feel even worse for her that she has to examine my naked body. I would totally hate her except she is the nicest person! She finds two spots, one on my arm and the bump on my head. She convinced that my head is basal cell skin cancer, but she's not as sure about my arm.

I went in this morning to get the biopsy results from my visit a few weeks ago. The good news was that my arm was precancerous cells, so I have nothing more than a small scar to show for that adventure.

My head.... well.... I have basal cell skin cancer. The good news is that it's the best kind to have - highest cure rate, when it's out, it's out. Bad news is that it's on my head and it's a rather large lesion. Not so easy to just cut out and move on. So we discuss our two treatment options:

1. Aldara - this is basically a topical chemotherapy cream (FYI - also used to treat genital warts - lovely!). I put it on each night for 42 applications. Then, a new biopsy is done to make sure it's all removed. Side effects could include a red irritated sensitive area, flu-like symptoms, hair at site could fall out, long duration, another biopsy, and the chance that it's not all gotten. At first, this sounded easy and I was interested.

OR

2. Moh's Surgery - microsurgery where they cut the cancer out, check it right then under a slide, and keep cutting until they get a margin they like. This can take a little bit of time, but it has a 99% success rate. Done by a special doctor to minimize scarring as well. Disadvantages include stitches (which may or may not mean I can wash hair), lots of bleeding, and really nothing else.

Can you guess which one I opted for? I chose #2. Temporary pain and discomfort for a few days or 6-8 weeks of dealing with it? They referred me to some specialists for Moh's surgery in Plano and they'll contact me to set up an appointment for consult and then surgery.

No more sunroofs, no more facial mosturizer without SPF, no more body lotion without SPF, and a hat or scarf if I'm going to be outside for more than a few minutes. Whadda pain in the keester.

This post should explain my quote to the right here. I haven't been laying out at all since I lived in Florida and I'm paying for it now and will for the next few years. Please be careful out in the sun - you don't want to look like a pock-marked leatherface like me when you get old.

This is from SNL and made me laugh.... I love Dana Carvey! Thanks, Tom, for sending it to me! Enjoy!!



I go back in October (now I have to do three month checkups for the next year) - gosh, I just can't wait!!