POSTED UNDER Mohs Surgery REVIEWS
40 Years Old Mohs Surgery for Basal Cell on Forehead
ORIGINAL POST
I have been a sun lover and seeker of a beautiful...
WORTH IT
I have been a sun lover and seeker of a beautiful Golden tan my whole life. I admit to using tanning beds in my younger years. I found a patch on my forehead that I thought was a fungal infection about 1 year ago. Tried treating at home for about 6 weeks with no resolution. My pcp also tried a topical but was clear if after 2 weeks no improvement that I would need to see a dermatologist. So time passed and nothing improved. Went to the dermatologist. She was concerned about being over zealous and doing a biopsy smack in the middle of my head without first trying more topical ointments so we did. A few months later I tried and oral antigungal called Turbinafine. When that didn’t help and I was so aggravated with this we agree to do a biopsy. 10 days later I received a call that it was skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma. Here’s my journey I hope I can help someone who is facing this scary diagnosis.
bellamia123's provider
UPDATED FROM bellamia123
3 days post
*warning graphic images of mohs*
First, I went to my dermatology surgeon who made an outline where the cuts would begin. He made the fist cut and we waited about 45 min for him to look under the microscope to see if there was a need for a further cutting. When the dr returned he confirmed the entire sample was positive for cancer all the way around so we had to do a second cut. After the second cut, we waited again 45 min. This time Thank God! The Dr said I was all clear!! No more cutting!! I was bandaged and sent to see the plastic surgeon so he could make a plan for reconstruction. The following day I went to the OR to have the plastic surgeon stitch me up nicely. The wound had to be changed from the circular shape seen to more of a long football shape for closure purposes. I am happy so far with what has been done. It was very scary and believe the Drs involved with my care did the very best I could have asked for.
Replies (6)
March 3, 2018
Sorry I did not see this part when I asked some of my questions above. Was it advisable to wait for the plastic surgeon with an open wound?
March 4, 2018
Hello Lindalonia, I did go straight to the plastic surgeon after the cancer was removed. He took a look to come up with a game plan for the closure. My wound was covered up the whole time except when he was looking at it. The closure was performed the very next day.
May 11, 2018
I had the Mohs proceedure done on my nose (squamous cell carcinoma) and on my chest (basal cell....that was not resolved by two previous surgeries)two days ago. Both were fairly extensive, with the chest surgery approximately 6 inches long. Initially, the nose hurt worse, but because of the "weight" of my breasts, the chest area is worse. Ugh! Recommended that I wear a sports bra, which does help. Medication is Tramadol, which does not alleviate the pain.
May 11, 2018
Oh my, so sorry to hear you have also had to have this procedure. That must be painful with the weight of the breast’s. Take care and I wish you a very speedy recovery
May 11, 2018
Thank you. Just takes time. My 1st Mohs was on the side of my face ( from the rt. temple to below the ear lobe. Not as painful as above the breast.The nose worries me, though because it's squamous & a CT scan revealed a "nodule" in the left lung. Hope they are not related!
Replies (3)
May 31, 2018
Thank you so much for your post, it has helped me so much. After my Mohs on the forehead, I was left with a hole just like yours. Not sure if the surgery was done incorrectly or what but I had a huge hole for a month. Then got in with a facial reconstructive plastic surgeon. He was a godsend. I am now 4 weeks post surgery and I have a bump as well! At the bottom of my scar. It is so very helpful to see your journey and the outcome. Thank you.
May 31, 2018
Hi! I’m sorry to hear you can relate to my post. I can’t imagine having that hole for a month! I’m glad you did get a great reconstructive surgeon. Those steroid shots I’m getting are helping so much for me the bump is definitely going down. Thank you for your kind comment and I’m happy I could be of help.
September 2, 2018
Hello, how are you? I’m sorry I am just now seeing this. I am doing so much better. With time it gets better.
Replies (16)