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 |
It's amazng what 2 years out and the many massages you've done on your scar can produce! It looks great compared to day 1 and I look forward to the time when mine will look just as good :) I have been using Vaseline at night on the scar at my ear and still the steroidal ointment at my eye. I'm wondering what I should use at my eye when my current debacle is finished. Maybe others who are reading this have suggestions for me.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how many people aren't aware of what is lurking on or under their skin. Had I not worked at my dermatologist's office 20 years ago, I might be one of those people.
I continue to look forward to your updates. Thanks again for sharing.
Tammi
I just completed the surgery 3 weeks ago on a large spot on my temple. Thanks for your encouragement and insight. - Steven
ReplyDeleteThanks for your nice comment Steven. I wish you well in your healing.
DeleteI just had surgery two weeks ago on a basal cell that was between my left eye and the bridge of my nose. I had to have a skin graft and it seems to be healing nicely. I was so scared..and am very glad it's over. You look really great by the way!! Thanks for sharing your story :)
ReplyDeleteNice to hear you are healing well after going through that. The entire process from biopsy to graft procedure was full of heightened anxiety (for me). I appreciate the compliment!
DeleteThank you so much for your blogg I had the same Mark on my eye,just had skin graft but it was great to see the steps week by week I anm on the mend now but it is very early days,but I now very hopeful that the scar won't be to bad in a years time! Thanks again Sharon x
ReplyDeleteI wish you well, Sharon. Thank you!
Deletejust read your article and I wish you all the best for the future. Cancer is a terrible thing. I have had one removed on top lip area and maybe have to have skin graft on that area thy will check in few months but like you say its your face ,I wish you all the best wendy.r@speedweb.com.au
ReplyDeleteThank you ~ and I wish you all the best.
DeleteThanks for sharing your journey with melanoma in situ.
ReplyDeleteI had MOHS surgery for the same thing under my right eye on my cheek. I had the surgery and the reconstruction with a plastic surgeon 6/14/13. Your article is very informative and I consult your photos month to month to see progress and remain hopeful that things are healing as they should. You look beautiful and are an inspiration for others. Alison
Hello Alison,
DeleteAs people continue to share their comments worldwide, I realize just how common these types of cancers and surgeries are. And how similarly located the problem areas tend to be on the skin. Thank you so much for writing, and I wish you well as your skin heals.
Thank you for sharing, very Nice to see how Nice it looks now, i have the same as you, same Place, and i will have a skingraft Next week. so it is really Nice to see and read that after a while it will look better.
ReplyDelete