On a Personal Note: What Happened to My Face
This is not an April’s Fools post/joke (I wish!) although the timing is a little funny. Kind of? Ok, not really.
I wanted to step back from food for a minute and talk about something a little more personal today in the hopes that maybe my experience can help even just one person reading this.
I’ve been grateful over the years as my blog following has grown beyond what I ever expected – it’s given me a lot of reason to wonder if I’m really doing good and how I can do more. In addition to sharing delicious, tried-and-true recipes, I hope I can help people in other ways. Maybe today is such a day.
Warning: somewhat gruesome (depending on your tolerance level) pictures follow, not to mention more selfies than I’ve ever taken in my life, so read at your own risk. Also, this is taking a bit of courage to post; I hope I can count on you to be kind with your comments (no unnecessary compliments, not fishing for those, but please no cruelty).
Last fall, I ended up at the dermatologist’s office getting a spot on my back checked out. A deep, elliptical biopsy and 12 stitches later (plus a week or so of waiting) and the good news came back that it was not melanoma like the doctor suspected but instead a dysplastic nevus (precursor to melanoma but very good news, nonetheless).
While I was there for that appointment, I asked the doctor about a tiny spot on my nose that had been there for a couple months and seemed like a scab that wouldn’t heal. I actually felt a little silly for asking about it but figured it wouldn’t hurt since I was already there.
You can see the spot here (as I’m intently whistling – or maybe trash talking – while working on a puzzle over Thanksgiving last year):
After about three seconds of examining the spot, my doctor was 99% sure it was basal cell carcinoma. I went back in a week or so later for a biopsy and sure enough, a few days later, the results came back that the seemingly innocent spot really was basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is a fairly common type of skin cancer but still taken seriously by my dermatologist. To my credit, I didn’t really freak out (kind of a shocker, really) because it was such a small spot and I figured it would be pretty easy to take care of.
Fast forward several weeks later to December 1 when I was scheduled to have MOHS surgery on that spot. I knew that I would be getting a local anesthetic for the area (needles in the nose – ouch!!!) and the doctor would little by little remove an area of skin including and around the basal cell carcinoma spot, send it to the lab to be inspected under a microscope and come back with results (all while I waited in the room).
That process would continue until the borders were clean – meaning, no cancer. I was certain, positively certain, it would be one small removal and I’d be out of there.
Unfortunately, that very tiny spot on my nose had decided to get naughty underneath the surface and after several cuts (and more dang shots in my nose!), clean borders were finally found. What I was left with was a decent sized (and quite deep) hole in the side of my nose.
{Click here for the super graphic surgery photos – probably not fit for young children or really anyone who gets queasy at the sight of gruesome, bloody pics}
I didn’t feel any pain (thanks to the terrible but blessed little shots) and didn’t feel any panic in that moment (thanks to a very competent doctor). That is, until he showed me the area in a mirror and drew with black marker up along my nose where he would now need to cut in order to pull skin down to cover the crater in my nose (after we ruled out the option of a skin graft since it would be nearly impossible to match the skin color and tone of my nose).
The pictures of that part of the procedure are too gory to share on a nice cooking blog like this, but suffice to say, I started to panic a little. Ok, a lot.
An hour later and I was the new owner of 20+ stitches front and center on my face (with more underneath the skin) and lots of iodine to enhance my natural coloring.
Oh, and the doctor did give me this note also. I’ll give you one guess as to whether or not I obeyed doctor’s orders.
I left the office. And I bawled all the way home (mistake: driving myself to and from the doctor; in hindsight, I was in a lot of shock and am grateful I made it home in one piece – my hands were shaking so bad and I could barely see because I was crying and my contacts were all fogged up).
For a few days I had to keep the bandage on and it didn’t seem so bad, although it hurt like the devil.
But then I took the bandage off. I was still in a lot of pain; it was so tender to the touch, and the bruising and swelling were just getting started. Plus, even though I know it could have been worse, I was struggling a bit with the emotional pain of wondering if my face would ever look “normal” again.
While at the doctor (and even before during the dysplastic nevus episode), I endured a stinging but deserved lecture from my doctor about sunscreen.
I’ve actually been a stickler about wearing sunscreen and covering up since I’ve had kids and been in my 30’s but before that? Sunscreen was never really that important to me. I never did the tanning bed thing but I spent a lot of time outdoors and I didn’t concern myself with hats and sunscreen as a teenager and in my 20’s, thinking the color on my face and arms and legs would be welcome and pretty, which is kind of laughable because I’m so fair skinned, I usually burn and stay pale.
Combine that with the fact that I grew up in a generation where many mothers didn’t sunscreen their children (yes, my mom feels a lot of guilt which is silly since she was one of millions letting their kids blister in the sun in the 70’s and 80’s) and you have a recipe for basal cell carcinoma.
And honestly, based on the fact that I’ve never been a bikini-wearing, beach bound, sun lover spending hours laying out in the sun, I’m certain that if this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.
It’s an understatement to say our holiday season was very low key. I didn’t leave my house for several weeks and my 8-year old couldn’t look at me for a long time because he said “I’m not trying to be mean, mom, but your face gives my tummy the jigglies.” I can’t blame him.
I shouldn’t have been self-conscious but I was (and still am a little even though I’ll show you below how amazingly my face has healed in a few short months).
I’ve never worn makeup besides mascara and a little eyeshadow, but all of a sudden, I wondered how on earth I was going to cover this up once it healed a bit? (Spoiler alert: I’m still rocking the no-makeup look because it’s really hard to teach an old dog new tricks.)
That dang swelling decided to settle into the left side of my face and stay awhile. Plus, what do you think about that natural eyeshadow I’ve got going on? Who needs makeup, anyway??
You may or may not have noticed the lack of cooking videos over the last few months, but this basal cell carcinoma “experience” has put projects like that on hold and is also the reason, if you know me in person, I became even more of a homebody recluse from December to February than I already was.
It was such a relief to finally get the stitches out. Can you see how my left eye is pulling slightly in the corner?
That bothered me quite a bit for several months – I couldn’t close my eye all the way and my contact always felt like it was going to fall out (annoyingly, I couldn’t wear my glasses because they sat right there where the stitches ended at the top of my nose and it hurt too badly to wear them for a while).
As the weeks went on, it was amazing to start seeing the progress of healing, helped along, I have no doubt, by many, many prayers, lots of essential oils and Mederma. (Sorry about the death glare on the right; I take selfies very seriously, apparently.)
For the essential oils: I used a combination of rosehips oil, frankincense oil, helichrysum oil, and lavender oil.
As I think about the whole process, I’m beyond grateful I was in the dermatologist’s office back in early fall when I had a suspicious mole on my back.
I never ever ever would have made an appointment for a “silly” spot on my nose but being able to ask the doctor about it at the first appointment was divine intervention. Who knows what would have happened had the cancer had even more time to spread?
This experience has made me think a lot about what I’m going to do going forward when it comes to sun control for me and my kids, but it’s also made me realize that by sharing this with you, all of you, maybe I can bring awareness to how important sunscreen and covering up in the sun really is.
I already have a separate cancer history (from seven years ago) and combined with this latest basal cell carcinoma issue (and the data that shows there’s a high chance it will come back in some form on my body, especially my face), I’m determined to make changes to protect the future of my health even though we have been sticklers about sunscreen and hats for well over a decade now.
I’m throwing away my pride and deciding that even if I’m the only one at the lake and on the boat and at the park and working in the yard and at soccer games this summer wearing a large-brimmed hat and carrying an umbrella and donning sunscreen from head to toe and a long-sleeve swimsuit and even a long skirt at times, it’s ok. It’s really ok. It’s a small price to pay to have healthy skin; I certainly do not want to relive the events of the last few months.
Will you think about your sun exposure and that of your kids if you have them? For me? Think about it and consider ways you can protect you and your family by choosing the right sunscreen, wearing hats when possible, and being smart about sun exposure.
After spending countless hours online (why do I do this to myself?) looking at other stories and cases of basal cell carcinoma and MOHS surgery, I’m immensely grateful that in the end, my cancer spot and removal area really was quite small compared to how it could have turned out (my doctor said he’s spent 15+ hours chasing skin cancer around patient’s faces, and I wanted to kiss his feet that I was only there for a couple hours).
It’s miraculous and amazing how the body can heal. If you would have told me last December that I’d actually want to look in a mirror come March, I would have laughed (ok, probably cried) in your face. But I am so blessed that I have healed well and am continuing to heal.
Please learn from my experience.
Be smart! And stay safe in the sun, ok?
Love ya.
UPDATE: I cannot even tell you how overwhelmed I’ve been at your response to this post. Your kindness has brought me to tears more than once. More than that, though, have been the stories you’ve shared of your own skin cancer or of your loved ones. Many of you have emailed me personally and commented below that because of this post, you or a family member went in to the doctor and were able to either preempt a skin cancer situation or find out you had skin cancer of your own that desperately needed attention. In all my years of blogging, I’ve never been more impacted by your comments and stories (and again, your kindness). Thank you a million times over.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. My husband just went thru similar Moh’s surgery on his face this morning. Your story is very comforting to read! Thank you for sharing. You Look Beautiful
I had surgery (removal and cauterization) on a ‘small’ spot on my nose on Wednesday morning – it is now Saturday morning and the blue bruising is gradally being replaced by yellow bruising! I sort of knew what to expect as a friend of mine had similar facial skin cancer – but not on her nose. My eye started closing up a few hours after surgery and then the whole right side of my face became swollen. I think there are 20 or so stiches including dissolvable ones under the skin. I didn’t have a skin graft but the surgeon sort of did things to my cheek, which I won’t see the extent of until Monday when I have the stiches out. I have always used sun screen but years ago I lived in the Seychelles for a couple of years and it was incredibly hot. So, from a tiny spot at the top of my nose, I will have a scar running from there to level with my mouth. I am not too phased about scarring as my friend’s scar faded very quickly… I am 66 and have enormous scars on my right arm from a motor bike accident and scars on my tummy from having my gall bladder removed and further scars from breast cancer. The one thing that bothers me slightly is that I don’t want to upset my 3-year granddaughter. I might make a joke of it or put make-up on. Her other grandmother is dying of cancer and has dementia so I want her to know that, hopefully, I am still around!
I had a BCC removed from my eyebrow by a MOHS surgeon and I honestly cried for a long time. I’ll never look the same. I had another BCC on my nose and had radiation that time. To the person who commented that radiation treatment was not offered, you have to understand that radiation is the gift that keeps giving. The area where the radiation was done, well, the skin is reduced in size. Hope that makes sense. I still look like me with the exception of the eyebrow MOHS surgery, but it was so tough to deal with both times. Mel, I think you look beautiful and I so appreciate that you shared your experience, it really does offer so much hope!
Thanks for adding your experience, Francie! So very helpful.
just had squamous cell mohls surgi on the tip of my nose very small spot, I wish someone could of told me of the horror you look like afterwards, and the pain , was it all worth it, my family ask me to cover it up .looks like a freek show nose , dr said this am looks to red and purple, double the antiobidic, what was I thinking could I have used the raditation instead , not even mentioned.??? I am a avid outdoors person and will continue to be , but can not even go out of my house for fear of being laughed at. what the heck is going on in the worlds air? I will never be the same looking after this ,I did have a nice beautiful nose , very sad
Thank you so much for posting this! I had that same odd spot (in the same exact place on my nose!) and ignored it for too long. Got the dreaded lidocaine needle already for the sample- lab came back basal cell with infiltration. Met with MOHS specialist today and she did not mince words…feeling afraid of what’s next. Consult with plastic surgeon scheduled for end of the month to prepare for the “repair” job day after the MOHS procedure. Talked about skin grafts from the inside of my ear. Your photos…I needed to see them. This is scary but your outcome makes me feel so much better!! It’s amazing. Going to be a long haul, my face IS going to be messed up, but seems like maybe it will be ok after awhile. I hope my surgery turns out as well as yours. Again, thank you- I really needed this.
Good luck to you, Laura – it’s hard to hear it so directly from the physician, but it’s better to have it straight and honest. I know your surgery and recovery won’t be easy – don’t be afraid to take the time to feel all the feelings, but I also wish you a speedy recovery and hope your body heals quickly.
Hi thanks for sharing. i know was a few years ago , and hopefully you are still online. Just wondering how you got rid of your scars ? Would you recommend anything for faster scar removal ? i have a big scar on my nose very similar to yours and have taken a month off to let it heal/ disappear however it is a very obvious and strong scar atm.
Thanks in advance. cheers
Hi Gale, I used some essential oils and some derma gel, but mostly, I kept it very well moisturized and let it heal on its own.
Just had MOHS surgery and reconstruction 5 days ago on my nose (same location as yours) and feeling rather sorry for myself as to what the future holds for my face. It looks pretty horrendous right now.
But stumbled across your website and like the countless hundreds of others who have commented felt the need to thank you for sharing your experience. It gives me much hope.
Thank you so much.
Mel…I must share this with you…you are keeping me from crying a river of tears. I am three days out from my repair from BCC, side of nose near bridge. Without all the details, my plastic surgeon needed to cut across the bridge of my nose, between both eyes, and down the side to close my wound. I was so upset. Today I took off my bandage for the first time to change it and I was devastated at what I saw. I’ve been crying all day. I stumbled across your story, with your first photo after surgery looking very similar to mine except in a different area. When I looked at your recent photo, I cried tears of joy. You have no idea the hope that you have given me! I felt like I was never going to heal and now I know that with time I will heal! Thank you, thank you, thank you, for sharing this with us. I will finally be able to sleep tonight!
PS: I know that I should be happy that the Mohs surgeon got all my cancer, and I AM, it’s was such a shock to see my face like that.
Oh gosh, Bella! It is so very traumatic and you are entitled to ALL the feelings! I’m so sorry you had to go through this, but I’m so happy that this post (and hopefully reading through the comments – there is a lot of comfort there!) has given you hope. It’s amazing what the body can do!
First time on this site, commenting about the skin cancer, you are an a amazing person to go through this , very strong , I’m very happy that you have made progress and healing well , prayers for you to stay strong
Thank you so much for sharing your story—your honest feelings about all this and the journey. I’d just been poking about on the Internet looking for something else when I read this and, as I have an odd little spot beneath my eye, well, guess what?! I am going to see the dermatologist to see what’s up now. Thank you so much~
I hope all is well for you~
Good luck, Brenda!!
Dear Mel,
I just had Mohs surgery on my forehead! The thought of being disfigured had me searching online for people having gone through the same and worse, and I came upon your website. I am so grateful to you for having posted your experience as well as your photos! You are so kind and generous. You give me hope! God bless you and your family!
God bless you! I’m so glad you are ok. Many thanks for sharing your story with others! ❤️
Thank you for posting pics of your experience. I cannot tell you how much comfort your healing process has given me. I just had moh’s surgery yesterday on my forehead and I thought it was going to be a small little procedure and instead I have 10 stitches and my left eyebrow is irregularly arched — truly I look like Frankenstein. I am newly divorced with a new boyfriend and I am scared to death he will run for the hills. I am so frightened that my eyebrow will not return to its normal position and I will need plastic surgery. I can only pray I heal as beautifully, both inside and out, as you did. Thank you again. You look gorgeous.
Hi Mel! I found your blog by searching for the ‘healing stages of MOHS facial surgery.’ I am in day 2 after MOHS with bruising under and around both eyes and as many stitches. It is shocking to see my face in the mirror and I, too, have cried all the while thanking God that He answered our prayers and that it wasn’t much worse (and it surely could have been). I wanted to see photos of the stages of healing to know that mine will heal too, and yours gave me hope. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for posting this. I had my MOHS surgery this past week for basal cell near my eye. The plastic surgeon used a flap from my forehead for reconstruction. I was feeling sick wondering how long recovery will take and what my final appearance would look like. I look very much like your second set of photos. I am quite relieved to see your March photos and and how wonderful you look only four months. I am going to relax a bit now and be grateful I only had basal cell. Thank you again for posting.. This helped me a lot.
Mary, and all others who are considering radiation.
I made my decision, and yes, I am going with the radiation. There is no way I am going to go through with the
Mohs surgery.
My reasons:
First of all, this is a very small spot on my nostral. It looks exacty like the photos on Mels nose.
Major reconstructive surgery, 100’s of stiches, flaps, 2 years of recovery, not to mention the missery of all of that. No F–king way.
So, Mary, to answer your questions:
The cure rate is equal to that of Mohs. This is documented in all the studies.
There is a new type of radiation called Brachytherapy
Google it. Also Google the new machine. Its called: The Esteya electronic brachytherapy system
Here is the link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4300364/
I have already started this treatment, and will post my results here.
I just went thru this surgery. Your story gives me hope!
I just had basal cell surgery on my nose, NOT MOHs….(5-13-19). I look EXACTLY like you. God Bless you for posting this along with all your photos. You truly give me hope. I still have a tiny spot of cancer the surgeon could not get. She recommends radiation after the incision heals. I have heard pros and cons about radiation. Do you or anyone have any thoughts? Thank you so much for your courage. Wendy
I just saw the plastic surgeon yesterday.. I can hardly look @ myself in the mirror. Thank you for posting pics.. mine is Elmo’s exactly where yours was.. & you look beautiful ❤️❤️ Thanks Jamie
I had a little bump under the skin above my eye and below my eyebrow. I was ONLY at the dermatologist because I want to remove a Pilar cyst on my scalp. He said it was probably just as little cyst and so it’s up to me (it would leave a scar). When I I went in for the Pilar cyst I told him the bump felt bigger – little smaller than a pepper corn – and lets remove it before the scar gets to big.
When he revived it he didn’t know what it was. A week later pathology identified it as Merkel Cell Carcinoma. It’s very rare & the most freaky cancer.
It was between my eyes and they needed to make a wide area margin for safety purposes and remove lymph nodes in my neck. Yeah – they take Merkel seriously.
Thank God, the lymph nodes were negative and they were able to get a decent, but not optimum margin. My cancer was only 0.7cm which is stage 1.
I had the forehead flap procedure only 3 days ago Andrew Haven needed any pain meds.
They want to let this heal up for several weeks and then do radiation (I said… You take Merkel seriously). Then when that is complete they will remove the pedicle which is the artery from near your eye brow that they use to provide temporary blood flow.
It is amazing how well the face heals. My face and neck scars from the first surgery are barely viable after 3 weeks.
Hey – ask your dermatologist about EVERYTHING! I want going to mention mine, but as he was walking out I said, “By the way, it’s this anything?” Because it was UNDER my skin he never noticed it. That one question probably saved my life – yeah, Merkel is very, very bad.
Wish everyone the best who goes through similar events
Hi Joe: After reading numerous posts about skin cancer on face; yours truly hit home. I had a basal cell removed from my nose Monday 5-13-19. Plastic surgeon did excision. scar is a perfect “3”. However, there is STILL a tiny spot of cancer remaining. UGH. My surgeon suggested radiation to treat the rest. However, my daughter in law had Merkel Cell on her leg and had radiation. She is begging me NOT to get radiation since it can be devestating to brain cells, affect taste buds, eyes, etc. I would like to know your experience with radiation. Thank you so much for posting. Wendy
Your story sounds like mine. I had a small spot that I could cover with make up. Going to have it removed didn’t concern me as I didn’t think it amounted to much. Well I was wrong. It’s almost one week, my nose is so red! I look like Rudolph! I have shed many quiet tears so that my family wouldn’t know how insecure I’m feeling about the future. I am a TSA Officer so I am in close contact with the public. At this point I don’t think I can return to work. But the thing that upsets me the most is I didn’t know what they were doing until it was over 6 hours later. The inside of my nostrils remain so sore and tender. I can’t blow my nose and I know this sounds insignificant but for me it has worked on my nerves. I was stupid for not asking more questions but the doctor kept telling me how good he was and it wasn’t any big deal. Maybe it wasn’t for him but for me it was a really big deal. I caution everyone make sure you understand what should happen and what could happen. I’m normally not a negative person, I just needed to vent my anger and frustration. You look amazing and I’m hoping for something similar.
I realise this is 3 years old but thank you. I have just been diagnosed with bcc on my nose. I am awaiting punch biopsy then expect to be referred for punch biopsy. I have found that people around me dismiss this as a simple cancer that will just be cut away then end of story. I am floored. This thing is in the middle of my face and I’m terrified that it will be deep and cause bad scarring. I feel quite lonely and desperate. I hate the waiting time for the next stage and I don’t even feel like I can tell people “I have cancer” because bcc is not taken seriously.
Sorry should have said refered for Mohs surgery!
Those feelings of loneliness are normal, I think! I remember feeling the same way…good luck as you wait for your biopsy and then MOHS surgery (if you end up needing it).
Adrienne, I felt the same way! Most people dont take a “small spot” of bcc seriously. So I felt uncomfortable to refer to it as cancer……until 2 days ago. The night before having a THIRD surgery, in the same are, I called my churches prayer chain. For the First time, I publically called it cancer. Everyone was so surprised I had “cancer” .They hadnt thought of it that way. Its comforting to know I’m not the only one that has gone through it. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and story. I have had the same surgery in the same area this afternoon and am terrified about the healing process and about how I’m going to look. Your scar has healed fantastically and I hope I can be as positive as you. The only thing stopping me crying right now is the fact I can’t get the dressing on my nose wet!!
I hear ya, Katie! That honestly was the thing that stopped me from crying, too, but I still shed plenty of tears eventually, and it’s ok if you do, too. It’s amazing how the body can heal – even though it takes time. Good luck with your post-surgery healing!
Katie, I had this surgery yesterday. On my nose…they took flaps from forehead and nose. I am in the crying stage, but this post gives me hope! Funny but what concerns me most is my nostrils are lifted (think miss piggy) and before the Mohs you could not see them straight on looking in a mirror. Wishing you all healing! Erin http://www.eatpraygetwell.com
Hey Erin,
I just had a BCC removed from the center of my nose 2 days ago and my nose has also been pulled up and it’s really bothering me …..
I really hope it drops down when the swelling does but I’m skeptical.
Hi Erin and Louise
Sending you both healing vibes! My nose is lopsided rather than pulled up but I’m really hopeful that a lot of the issue is swelling and that it will settle down looking more like it did before. Fingers crossed for all of us this is the case.
I’m not a very patient person but I think that seems to be what is required!
Love to you. Katie
Update – I am at week 3 and I am so very happy, starting to look very much like my original nose 🙂 I will be posting about my experience with pictures this month. All of you have hope – it’s scary but they can really do wonderful closures nowadays! Erin http://www.eatpraygetwell.com
I too had a spot just like yours, went to dermatologist for a different spot and two weeks later sitting in the surgical chair. I was not prepared to say the least! They did the flap on my nose from 2in into my scalp folded around to cover half my nostril on the right side of my nose! When he showed me a similar patient, I lost it! I cried during the whole procedure, he had to give me valum! I am currently in week two, headed to the final surgery to close it all and just now starting to feel, it is what it is, the shock was horrific! I like you stay home at all cost! Praying it looks half as well when healed, as yours! I feel your pain dear! I also have the same opinion of sombrero! Just call me pale woman because the Sun is no longer my friend!
Now if I can get over just how my scalp on the end of my nose is going to know not to grow hair. Already picking out tiny barbie bows! lol (I gotta laugh to keep from crying)
Thanks for sharing, thought I was the only one who lost all my sense of control!
Bless you for having such a great attitude despite really hard circumstances! I wish you the best as you heal and recover!
I am in the same exact situation. I stumbled on this web page, and I have read all of your post, looked at all of your photos, and read all of the reply’s. My basil cell is in the same location as yours was. It also looks exactly the same as the very first photo, before you had the surgery. So, why am I writing this. Well, Its time for me to have the 100 stiches, and the aftermath that will take several “months”, before I “start” to look like my old self.
Here is my question: I have been offered an alternative to all of this. Radiation. Yes, that’s right. No surgery, no knife, no stiches, no scar, 99% cure rate.
The radiation doctor said the only possible downside to this is I might have some slight discoloration.
Has anyone out there opted for the radiation? And, If radiation is an option, Why would any one not do it that way. Currently, only about 10% of basil cells are treated with radiation. I want to know why this is. This is also the very first question that I will be asking my doctor.
Hi. Have you had your radiation yet? I am also considering that — actually planning on it if the doctor thinks I am a good candidate.
I had Mohs on my nose just yesterday and my nose looks almost exactly how Mel’s did. (She gives me hope!) But the worse problem for me is that I had two additional spots that could not be removed without pretty much removing my whole nose. Even the surgeon said it would be nearly impossible for me to ever look normal again, so we are considering radiation for those two spots when my nose heals from surgery.
I can tell you a few reasons more people don’t use it.
1) the cure rate is much lower that that of Mohs (I have looked at a lot of studies and I have never seen anything that showed 99 percent)
2) it is hard to determine the depth of the skin cancer, so it is impossible to know if has been completely removed unless you have gotten Mohs. With radiation some cancer cells could be left under the surface to return later, and some research suggests that the cancer that returns will be more aggressive.
3)If you have a recurrence of cancer in the spot where you had radiation you cannot have further radiation. I have also heard that surgery on the radiated site would be more difficult and might not heal, so it’s kind of a one-shot deal, whereas Mohs can be repeated if needed
For this reason, some doctor reserve radiation for people in their 80s and 90s. I am in my 50s and trying to decide what to do. I am a little afraid of radiation for the aforementioned reasons, but I think I am more afraid of losing my nose to surgery.
Best of luck with your decision.
Feels like i am looking at myself reading this article and looking at the pics. I had the Mohs surgery on the same spot this January and my scars look almost identical to yours. I have been i total utter shock since those surgery’s and have a hard time imagining that i will ever look beautiful again. And i also feel shame over being so obsessed about my look but i think the change is the biggest challenge. My nostril is more messed up than yours so i will probably(hopefully they can do that) have to have a plastic surgery to fix it , but that will be later. I had also imagined that the Mohs surgery would just be small and i would just have a small scar but when they went in there for the third time on the same day (after 9 hours of surgery and waiting) i knew it would be messier than i thought. I am also not a big sun person and i am very surprised i got this. Mine was BCC morpheaform type. I feel better after reading your article and seeing the results on your beautiful face. It is always good to know you are not alone with your pain and to know that you have to hear from people that have experienced similar things. Thank you for this article and bless you. Lina
I totally understand many of those same feelings! I never thought I was that obsessed with my appearance until I had this MOHS surgery…I know it’s easier said than done…but as someone who is a few years out, I encourage you not to feel badly about feeling that way! I think it is justified and completely, totally normal. I am so sorry you have had to go through this and I hope you can find the next set of doctors to help you fully through your recovery. Best of luck and speedy healing to you!
Such an uplifting post …. thank you!
Just had Mohs surgery yesterday for a spot in middle of my cheek. Compression bandage covering the left side of my face on until tomorrow. I was too nervous to ask about the number of stitches, but know after complete healing it’s SO worth it.
Good luck with your recovery, Andrea!!
This was such a bittersweet post that made my day! I’m still rather young, being only in my mid-teens but seeing how important protecting my skin should be is eye-opening! I have a very pale complexion and burn rather easier, but seeing that sunscreen even though it may be a little bothersome is actually important, ill definitely be trying to protect my skin more now. Your nose healed fantastically, and I totally dig the no makeup, you look amazing!
Thanks so much for your comment, Madison! I wish all teenagers would take skin and suncare so seriously. You are amazing! Sunscreen makes a huge difference especially in younger years!
Hi I have a Basel cell carcinoma I have had it for about 4years and its got deep into my skin it wasn’t cancerous but now it is I am scared I know they said it doesn’t spread but I have had trouble swallowing and with my ears for the past 9 months and been so sick I am waiting to see the facial team soon
What essential oils did you use? You healed great
I was recently diagnosed with Melanoma on my chest just at the base of my neck. Surgery left a 9CM incision, 30 stitches internally and 21 on the outside. Everything you said about making life changes to keep your skin healthy is a revelation I am recently becoming acquainted with. Thanks for sharing your story!
I had the same situation, and our scars are alike
This was 3 weeks ago, so thanks to show me that it will be much better then it is now!
Just had nose Mohs 4 weeks ago. How did your nostril end up looking? Is it the same as the other? I’m not so worried about the scar (can be fixed if needed) I’m worried about the uniformity of the nostrils.
If I over examine them, I can tell that my nostrils aren’t completely symmetrical or uniform like they used to be, but it isn’t glaring, and I don’t think most people would notice.
Thanks for your post and pictures. I just had my fourth reconstructive nose surgery due to an accident and nothing to do with cancer. I got an infection on my last surgery that left me about 10 scars from the 12 stitches the doctor put on my nose to hold the bridge while he operated. I am very concerned about my nose that I cry at night just thinking how my nose will look after it heals. After seeing this post I feel much better and thankful that I don’t have to endure what many people are going through and I will start praying for all people that have to gone through MOHS surgery. May God continue to bless you always.
Same to you, Oneida! Thank you for your comment. I wish you a very speedy healing and recovery. Hang in there. It will get better!
I go in on friday. I am not afraid of the procedure ….so afraid of the recovery. Thank you for being so honest and sharing your journey.
What a beautiful post and such honesty about your surgery. I had MOHS surgery on 2 BCC’s on my scalp and under my nose last Thursday. The plastic surgeon was able to close up the scalp defect but had to do a local graft under my nose. You articulated all my fears about healing and what it will look like. Being able to see how well yours has healed gives me hope for my future. All the best, Natalie
Very best of luck in your road to healing, Natalie! There’s a lot of support in this comment thread from others who have experienced similar things.
Thanks for your post and pics. I’m 42 and just had MOH’S. How long was it after the surgery before you could use foundation/concealer to camoflouge the scar?
I think I waited several months to let it fully heal.
I cannot believe how your story has helped me! I am only 4 days post Mohs reconstruction to the bridge of my nose and I feel like I am reading my own words. I cried with my sister yesterday after showing her whats underneath the bandages. I question myself- “should I have done this?”. Its seems the cure is worse than the disease. I dread going back to work next week- I work in healthcare as a manager and not in the background where I can hide my face. Part of me feels selfish and egotistical- there are so many people with cancer that are dying, why should this bother me? Thank you for sharing your story. I hope I heal as well as you. You look beautiful!
Thank you,
Oh, hang in there, Stacey! You are not selfish or egotistical at all! I think we have to own that this is a difficult thing to endure no matter if others are going through harder cancer battles. Reading your comment, I remember feeling ALL of those things and crying so very much. Of course now with the lenses of hindsight, I wish I could have told my post-surgery self how remarkable my body is in its ability to heal. It has been a long journey and there are still things I notice on my face (like how my nose puckers funny in this one spot due to the surgery) but I never thought it would heal as well as it did.
Mel, I needed this message as much as Stacey, so thank you. When my surgeon told me I need a 3rd, and more aggressive, surgery I cried all the way home, on and off throughout the day, and cried myself to sleep. I never shed one single tear the first 2 surgeries, couldnt sto crying about the third. I kept apologizing to my husband for being a big baby. He assured me i had a reason to cry, that most people would be taking it as hard. My surgery was yesterday and I’m still struggling. Thanks again for your insight. Stacey, praying for a speedy recovery.
Hi Mel,
Thank you so much for this post!
I work with Friend for Life Cancer Support Network, an organization that connects people diagnosed with cancer and caregivers with trained volunteers of a similar experience. I’ve been struggling to find a support match for a woman having repeated Mohs surgeries on her nose, and she’s also had a couple of skin grafts. She desperately wants to talk with someone who’s gone through these treatments, to help her manage this experience emotionally. One challenge – she is not online. So, if anyone on this blog would be willing to talk with her on the phone, please email me – thank you!
Judy Kasey Houlette: judy@friend4life.org
I just had Mohs surgery on the side of my nose two days ago. My last episode was 20 years ago and a plastic surgeon operated after a referral from my dermatologist. There is a faint scar there. But replacing the bandage last night and seeing the stitches and swelling this time was a shock. It took 3 tries before the pathology report was clear and was far more invasive. I am 67 and yes, a little vain, so googling your story has brought me tremendous relief. You are a beautiful young woman and your story and photos do help and give us all hope for a successful recovery. Many thanks and God Bless.
Good luck with your recovery, Chrissy! I don’t think you are vain (or maybe we all are to an extent??)…surgery on your face is traumatizing no matter what! I’m sorry you are having to go through this again 20 years later. I wish you much healing!
Dear Mel,
I had a similar operation to you two days ago and am pretty upset by my appearance. I am not as young and pretty as you plus I have other health issues so am worried my skin won’t heal. I am due to have the stitches out next Friday. Did you have yours taken out that soon and how long between your op and the final picture you posted where you can only see a slight scar? Also, how long did the swelling, pain and bruising last? I’m not on Facebook etc so could you possibly email me? I would attach photos but don’t think I can here. Many thanks. Sonia x
Hi Sonia – good luck with your recovery! It seems hopeless at first, and even within the first month or so I felt like my face would never heal, but it did…and I bet you’ll be surprised at how well your body will take over and help heal itself. I had my stitches taken out probably right around a week to eight days after the surgery. The swelling pain and bruising lasted several weeks.
Many thanks for your reassurance. It is very early days for me so I shall have to be patient which I’m not very good at. I have a bottle of Bio Oil at the ready for when I can start applying it to the scar tissue. Unfortunately, I have another BCC on my eyebrow which requires removal and a skin graft by a dermatologist so more surgery to come. I hope you have had no further issues and once again, thank you.
Thanks so much for writing this, Mel. I’m glad you recovered so well, you’ve ended up really beautiful again. I only found you because I googled “confidence shot to pieces after scarring from bcc surgery”. I had a basal cell thing on the side of my nose removed 3 weeks ago. It was only 5mm, but there were stitches and now scars from between my eyes, around the side of my nose and a big ridge in my skin. Nose lop-sided and left nostril an odd shape. You’ve given me hope that things might improve, but I’m twice your age so recovery likely to be slower. Also sad that a best friend saw me once and doesn’t seem to want to come back – I can understand how he feels because I know I look a mess, but confidence has taken a knock. All the best, and thanks again. Sybil
Hi Sybil – I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this and very sorry you’ve felt discouraged by the reaction of a dear friend. That is difficult! Take hope in knowing that the body can do miraculous things in the way of healing. It definitely isn’t an easy process, and I remember feeling many days like my face would never look normal again – even though it isn’t exactly the way it looked before the cancer, I look back and am amazed at how well it healed. I wish you utmost healing in this journey!
My husband had mohs done on his nose in december. We now have go to a plastic surgeon because it was done badly by someone who was highly recommended by several Dermo dr. The nightmare is just beginning for us. I hope anyone who goes thru this procedure gets a couple of opinions from other drs. The damage done to my husband will involve major reconstruction. I am glad you were so blessed.
I’m so, so sorry to hear that, Margaret. I hope your husband heals quickly and the reconstruction is successful.
I had the MOHS surgery as well approximately 4 years ago in the sidebar wall of my nose. The dermatologist had to pull my cheek into my nose since I didn’t have loose skin like older people do, she said. I have the scar starting from my eye going along side the length of my nose and down around my nostril. I’ve been having irritating switching at the scar site for about 3 weeks. I was wondering if you’ve experienced this at all? I did in the beginning but it’s been a few years now and the twitching is annoying. Sometimes it twitches so hard I feel on the other side of my nose.
I haven’t experienced that, Monica – that sounds frustrating! Has your dermatologist had any feedback?
Hi Mel, When researching Mohs in the last week I came across your blog and adventure through surgery. I started with a spot slightly higher than yours on sidewall of my nose and just had surgery yesterday. I ended up with 4 slices and a crater also. I had a rhomboid flap and like you stitches from my cheek up my nose to corner of eye. Seeing your progress pictures helped me so much! I have never written on a blog but felt the need to tell you how much I appreciated your frankness with your progress. I was very prepared mentally because of your help. My husband could not believe how well I handled the surgery. Thank you from bottom of my . I will sign up to try your recipes. Glad you are doing well now. Sincerely, Kim
Thanks so much for your comment, Kim! I’m sorry you have to go through this! I wish you a very speedy recovery. It’s amazing to me how the body can heal itself – several years out and I can hardly tell I had such a traumatic skin cancer experience (except for a little puckering on the side of my nose). I hope all goes well for you!
Thank you, seeing your pictures gave me courage! My husband couldn’t get over how I have been handling this and it is thanks to you! I am st day 3 so much like your first picture! Hoping I can get as close to your last picture as possible regarding healing! You are very lovely inside and out! Kim
I found your blog while googling “spot on my nose that won’t heal” (mine had been there for over 3 years-good grief). I had never considered cancer and although I knew it wasn’t going to be cancer, I mentioned it to my doc anyway. Fast forward a month and a half…
I type all of this while sitting in a recliner with ice on my face bc I’m sporting a new shaped nose and sort of squinty eye.
So thank you for your post. And thanks google for leading me to this post. And thanks God for sharing of stories that can inspire and encourage and comfort in the midst of life-yuck. 🙂
Good luck with your healing, Jensine! I’m so sorry you have to go through this – hold comfort in knowing the body is AMAZING in its ability to heal.
I am going to have to have Mohs surgery. I am so scared. I am crying as I write this. I am so fearful of being deformed. I am a humble and grateful person and so I will say this in that spirit: I am not average looking. Strangers will stop me on the street to tell me how “beautiful” I am. Unfortunately, this blessing has always made me over-aware of my looks. I love to swim; pool, ocean, bay. My husband and I own a boat. The only time of year that I like is summer. I am devastated and scared. I have two jobs. It is January and I need to work the second job at least until April to pay off some bills but the job is a cashier at a retail store. They won’t want a stitched up freak greeting customers. My “real” job is at City Hall. I am so scared. What if I don’t heal up like you did? I don’t think I will be able to go through this surgery wide awake being so afraid as I am. Thank you for letting me talk about this. Pray for me.
Hi Stephanie –
I just read your post and felt terrible and wanted to know how you are healing? I too just had Mohs surgery on my four head, and I am so afraid I’m going to look disfigured. I had the surgery yesterday and I am frayed to take the bandage off, when I saw my face in the mirror at the dermatologist office I screamed inside and cried all the way home. It legit looks like Frankenstein. I had no idea I would spend my summer healing. I wish I waited until the fall !!! Anyway, please check in and let us know how you made out.
Thanks for your post. I recently suffered a traumatic injury when my dog bit me in the face/nose and ended up with 9 stitches. Stitches were removed 3 days ago and looking at your healing process has given me much peace! Can you share a bit more what essential oils you used and the regimen you did during the healing process?! Thanks in advance. how long did it take to heal completely? You are beautiful!!!
Hi….your blog about your MOHS really helped me. I am 7 weeks post MOHS on my nose and had a very similar wound as you. I am having some stinging sensations now and wondering if that could be nerve reguvination…..you didn’t mention what yours felt like 6 to 8 weeks post MOHS and I was wondering if you too had these uncomfortable sensations. Your pictures give me hope…..and I would be so grateful to hear back from you. My email is lori.auger@yahoo.com……thank you so much!
Lori
Hi Lori – I remember feeling some pain and stinging sensations right after the stitches came out but I don’t think I was feeling them after the first couple weeks…however, honestly, it’s hard to remember. I’d suggest calling your doctor’s office to ask if that is a normal feeling! Good luck with your recovery!!
Hi Mel! I wanted to thank you for sharing your journey. I’ve been searching for pictures and outcomes similar to my situation without a lot of results. Although I cannot relate to having cancer, I suffered a severe dog bite to my nose and my injury/repair is very similar in size and shape to your MOHS surgery. Your story gives me hope that I too will also look “normal” again.
I’m so glad you have healed well! Thank you again for sharing.
Oh wow, good luck, Mia!
Hi Mel, Your recipes look great! I just received a slow mohs surgery on my face. It’s 20 stitches across my left cheek. It came back with clear margins so that is the most important thing. How long was your healing process? Thank you for sharing your story. You look beautiful and healed so nicely. How did you keep up your spirits? I have three young children and I’m a third grade teacher so I will keep it covered for a while.
Enjoy the holidays and I look forward to trying some of your recipes!
Tina
I just had a lesion removed two days ago and I’m freaking out I hope I heal as well as you. Not sure if it’s cancer .. if it is have to go back let’s hope not and that I heal well. Also on my nose so I was looking up before and after pics and stumbled on this page!
Good luck, Heather!!