My Third MOHS Surgery

Frederic Edward Mohs was an American physician and general surgeon who developed the Mohs micrographic surgery technique in 1938 to remove skin cancer lesions while still a medical student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (Wikipedia). It is still the gold standard treatment for skin cancer.

Wikipedia

An Apology

I didn’t mean to cause anyone concern when I posted a photo of myself with a bandaged head. The photo was taken after a MOHS surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma from my nose. This was the third time I’ve had this done over a period of ten years. It is recommended treatment for skin cancer with an excellent success rate. When the photo was taken I was not feeling any pain (that would end after the drugs wore off). Posting a photo on Facebook without context raised questions, hopefully this posting will provide answers.

Sun Worshipper

I love the beach. I love the warmth of the sun on my skin. The only skin protection I remember from my childhood was the zinc oxide that Life Guards put on their nose. I wish I had done the same. The damage to the skin was done early in life during those pre-SPF days.

Vincent Van Gogh – 2013

In 2012 I noticed a painful spot on my right ear. I could scratch it off but it came back. At that time I didn’t even consider that it was cancer. Eventually during a physical I asked my doctor and she suggested I see a dermatologist. This is what introduced me to the work of Doctor Mohs. This was the first of three operations. Needless to say I have regular skin checks each year, something I would encourage others to do.

My First Graft

It is truly amazing how sensitive the nose is. I learned that when I had the biopsy to check for cancer and especially when I had the surgery. I was counting the seconds till the Xylocaine with Epinephrine took effect. About 20 seconds. Luckily it only had to be done once, However there was a hole to fill, so the doctor took a graft from my left ear. Less pain with that stick, but two bandages instead of one. My friend took this portrait of me during our our daily walk.

The irony is not lost on me that I spent the day recovering enjoying the warm sunshine. My face is a bit of of a jigsaw now with a piece of my ear sewn into my nose. Maybe I’ve become a Picasso painting. Get your yearly skin checks.