Mohs Surgery for Basal Cell Carcinoma on Forehead

Went to the dermatologist to get my yearly check. A red spot on my forehead that had been there for quite some time, was biopsied on Tuesday. The spot would heal up, then return and bleed sometimes during face cleaning. Actually thought it was just an area of thin skin. So when I got a call at work 2 days later, telling me that little red spot was basal cell carcinoma, I immediately started crying, and couldn’t comprehend what was happening. My mom was my age when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and she had a scar on her forehead from one of the removals. So I was terrified that this was happening! Options presented to me were cutting it out, or cutting it out. Explained the difference between the Mohs Surgery and Surgical removal from a plastic surgeon. Opted and scheduled for Mohs with the best doctor in town, who had a cancellation the following Tuesday. Then the depression and feeling sorry for myself settled in.... only good part was that I only had a few days to worry about procedure. On Saturday, I made myself go out shopping to get my mind off things. While shopping, looking at a display of mirrors, one fell off rack, and broke my toe! I didn’t even report it to the store, being in my weird state of mind. Went to my car and cried, just too much! Tuesday came, 12:45 procedure time, I limped into the surgical room, put on my gown, laid down, toe throbbing, and the tears started flowing..... Nurse held my hand and covered me with a soft blanket. Doctor came in and said he was told I was crying, he was sooo sweet and kind, and told me I was beautiful, and he would make sure my scar was perfect. Numbed area and so gentle that the first layer was removed and I didn’t feel anything. He came back into room and said he got the root, but needed a little more on one side. Renumbed and took second pass, which turned out to be “ he got it all” and no sign of anything else.Cancer free! Two layers of stitches and a pressure bandage applied, husband took me home to rest. Minimal pain, some stinging, but my toe has caused terrible pain. As I lay here writing this I am 5 days into healing, and will go this Tuesday for stitch removal. I have documented all with a photo each day and will add them later.

6 days post Mohs Surgery on Forehead, adding photo. Stitches feel tight and sore! Keeping them moist with Aquaphor, and bandaged, per doctors instructions.

I’m a mess!