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 |
