42 Year Old Wife and Mom - Longview, TX

Try not to worry. I had a v-shaped portion of my upper lip removed. I was told by the surgeon that 1/3 was taken due to a deep tumor. I was diagnosed with both basal and squamous cell carcinoma. I truly understand your fear and those words were mine at one point too. The good thing is that most people cant even tell unless I point it out or they knew about my surgery which was just over 4 months ago. I have been open about my surgery in hopes that others won't make the same mistake by ignoring their own symptoms. I am happy to say that 2 of my friends have since had bcc removed from their faces. As far as their appearance goes they have both healed amazingly and you really can't tell. I also have had others show me where they have had cancer removed from their faces, and again, there are no obvious signs. I'm not saying you won't be self conscious during your healing, but it does get better. My biggest lesson has been to not hesitate if I have a concern. My heart and prayers are with you. Shed your tears and remain thankful. I wish you all the best.please keep posting

Please get second opinion ...had MOHS surgery on small basal cell on nose ( which left scar ) . My new dermatologist said this was unnecessary ,he would have "froze area" and followed up with " chemo cream" ...!!!

Oh I truly feel for you as I just went through this on February 4th. So many people shared their experiences with me which was very helpful because their scars were completely undetectable. Even though this helped a bit, my fears were still very pronounced. There is not much you can do except to live through it knowing that in the end all will be great. My bcc was on the side of my nose and after having nightmares about a big gaping hole in my face, the deformity was about the size of a pencil eraser. I had no pain whatsoever but it was difficult to keep a bandage on my nose. At first the area is numb but as feeling returns the repair will become very itchy. I have a bit of a raised bump still on my nose and will have another very minor procedure to lessen its prominence. Of course, everyone says it is invisible but it is not but it will be in about another 6 months to a year. This is a small price to pay for complete cancer excision with no chemo or radiation. I am very pleased and I hope the same results for you. It will all be in your past before you know it.

I completely understand and feel for you. My experience has changed my life forever. I had my surgery on 6/17/2014. Luckily it was only 1 stage. However I question whether we could have used a less invasive approach. So hard to know when it is under the skin and we don't know how far the roots are and how fast it is growing. The first few days after surgery are the most uncomfortable and scary. The swelling was the scariest for me. It looked like I was going to have black eyes. A boxer look. I went and bought some Arnicare and that helped tremendously ! I also got some band aids (clear on adhesive) cut them down to size on my own. The ones from the doctors office looked like solar panels. I was good about keeping it clean etc. Today I had my last staples and the last few stitches removed. My complexion in that area actually looks better. It is a process. I I sincerely hope that you are doing well.

I am about to go thru the same thing in a month.. in the same location. And while I am telling myself it will be ok.. I have to admit, I am nurvous..

I had about the same size on my forehead ( I had staples and stitches). I felt like the Bride Of Frankenstein for awhile. Each day that passes as it heals it looks better. Yes it does itch, mine still does even with all the stitches and staples removed. I guess that means we are all healing. Have a good one ! :-)

Thank you so much for posting this follow up. I have been worried about you all yesterday. In a few months the scar will be unnoticeable. I am so thrilled that you are cancer free! The big bandage is a bummer but it will be off soon. Healing hugs and thoughts will be sent your way. Beverly

Thank You for follow up...was wondering about you...!!!! Six months " Good as New !!!