Still wearing a hat. It's a simple way to help protect skin from sun exposure.
December 13, 2012
September 2, 2012
Three Years Since Graft Surgery
Three years ago this month I was going through the graft process, and thankfully three years makes a big difference in how a scar fades. Here's how it looks at the 3-year mark.
Just wanted to mention something because today's date is meaningful to me. My grandmother died a few months ago. Today would have been her 100th birthday.
Just wanted to mention something because today's date is meaningful to me. My grandmother died a few months ago. Today would have been her 100th birthday.
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| Summer 2012 |
May 7, 2012
Blue Lizard SPF 30
My new favorite brand of sunscreen for the face: Blue Lizard.
Blocks UVA/UVB. Not greasy, not too filmy white, but a bit on the expensive side. While researching I was amused to learn that Blue Lizard also sells "economy" gallon containers (for $250).
April 17, 2012
March 27, 2012
Just came across this article
Regarding stains used by pathologists to determine types of cells...
Melanocytes in Long-standing Sun-Exposed Skin
Quantitative Analysis Using the MART-1 Immunostain
Ali Hendi, MD; David G. Brodland, MD; John A. Zitelli, MD
"PHYSICIANS WHO DIAGNOSE melanoma histologically or who evaluate the surgical margins of melanoma often face the difficulty of distinguishing nonmalignant melanocyte hyperplasia from melanoma in situ in sun-damaged skin.
...With such uncertainties, many physicians most likely err on the side of over diagnosing melanoma in sun-damaged skin to avoid the obvious medical and legal consequences of not diagnosing true melanoma.
Over diagnosis, however, leads to additional and unnecessary surgery, morbidity, and deformity."
Here is the link to the full article. Before undergoing surgeries, ask questions of your doctor and get a second opinion on the pathology if you can.
http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/142/7/871.pdf
Melanocytes in Long-standing Sun-Exposed Skin
Quantitative Analysis Using the MART-1 Immunostain
Ali Hendi, MD; David G. Brodland, MD; John A. Zitelli, MD
"PHYSICIANS WHO DIAGNOSE melanoma histologically or who evaluate the surgical margins of melanoma often face the difficulty of distinguishing nonmalignant melanocyte hyperplasia from melanoma in situ in sun-damaged skin.
...With such uncertainties, many physicians most likely err on the side of over diagnosing melanoma in sun-damaged skin to avoid the obvious medical and legal consequences of not diagnosing true melanoma.
Over diagnosis, however, leads to additional and unnecessary surgery, morbidity, and deformity."
Here is the link to the full article. Before undergoing surgeries, ask questions of your doctor and get a second opinion on the pathology if you can.
http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/142/7/871.pdf
March 2, 2012
January 5, 2012
I Started This Blog Two Years Ago
Two January's ago, I sat down to write about my skin graft. I never thought my words would be read by so many.
Now it seems I have skin biopsies every six months when I visit my dermatologist to be sure other melanoma cells aren't developing. Or have a spot frozen, like so many people do. So far, so good. I've had one scar revision on the graft which made a slight improvement and makes me feel better.
I've seen notes and stories posted here from blog visitors who have gone through similar experiences and others much scarier than mine. I wish none of us had to go through it, but honestly it has helped me tremendously to read all the supportive, uplifting stories. It's also quite sobering to realize how often people are going through these procedures that change the appearance of our faces in some way. We are fortunate the doctors are finding and ridding us of these things, but it seems like there must be a better way.
I often think about how many other people aren't having their skin issues addressed at all, and they have no idea how a freckle or a mole can be damaging their body internally. And to make it even more worrisome, a small number of cases are amelanotic melanomas (those without color) or found under fingernails or toenails.
Here is my "progress photo" today, a much smaller area to deal with than I showed you two January's ago. I look and feel like myself again.
My new favorite "scar products" are oils. I apply either pure coconut oil or pure argan oil directly to the scar at night. Other people have mentioned that they use homeopathic remedies or a certain type of healing honey. Anything that helps make the skin soften and promotes healing. Here's to a healthy 2012.
Now it seems I have skin biopsies every six months when I visit my dermatologist to be sure other melanoma cells aren't developing. Or have a spot frozen, like so many people do. So far, so good. I've had one scar revision on the graft which made a slight improvement and makes me feel better.
I've seen notes and stories posted here from blog visitors who have gone through similar experiences and others much scarier than mine. I wish none of us had to go through it, but honestly it has helped me tremendously to read all the supportive, uplifting stories. It's also quite sobering to realize how often people are going through these procedures that change the appearance of our faces in some way. We are fortunate the doctors are finding and ridding us of these things, but it seems like there must be a better way.
I often think about how many other people aren't having their skin issues addressed at all, and they have no idea how a freckle or a mole can be damaging their body internally. And to make it even more worrisome, a small number of cases are amelanotic melanomas (those without color) or found under fingernails or toenails.
Here is my "progress photo" today, a much smaller area to deal with than I showed you two January's ago. I look and feel like myself again.
My new favorite "scar products" are oils. I apply either pure coconut oil or pure argan oil directly to the scar at night. Other people have mentioned that they use homeopathic remedies or a certain type of healing honey. Anything that helps make the skin soften and promotes healing. Here's to a healthy 2012.
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| January 2012 |
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| Happy New Year |
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