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 for sharing your story..
I had mohs surgery a few weeks ago on a bcc on my nose and my pictures look pretty similar to yours. Reading your story has definitely helped me get thru mine and hopes for the healing process! I am only 33 years old but also just found out that a lot of family members have also had this.
Interested in joining this forum
I’m having mohs in a week or so for a basal lesion over my right eye. It’s got me pretty bummed too. I’m 57 now but I broke that eye socket and had tons of plastic surgery in it and in my nose for a terrible car accident I was in when I was 24. The plastic surgeon told me that scar tissue is mor prone to sun damage so since then I’ve been a user but not good enough around my eyes. And I live in the Rocky Mountains where the sun is extra fierce. There are so many worse things to be bummed about but I’m not happy about this. Your story of healing is encouraging. You are lovely
I just has my second cancer surgery both on my nose. The first time was squamous, small hole, in office repair. Over a decade ago. This time Basel. Idk what I’m going to see today when the bandage is off. Woke up at 2 am. Almost passed out from seeing my reflection. Google led me to you! A million thanks for sharing your recovery. You inspired me to go public as well. Might help someone and will get me over myself. I hope. This is not easy but support is key! I have to teach senior group exercise as this is my job. No hiding for me! You’re beautiful! Cancer free!
Love
Debbie
Hello! I had Mohs surgery too. Two weeks ago. I had a small growth under my left eye.The doctor did a biopsy. He actually got it all. But they sent biopsy off and it came back the same cancer as yours. So I had the surgery. My place was small and when I took off the bandage the first time I felt like a freak. It’s an incision 1-1/2 inches long. Wasn’t expecting that at all. I still have my stitches that haven’t dissolved yet. I’m hoping mine will look as good as yours. I guess it just takes time. Thank you for your story and God bless you and your family ✝️
I just had Mohs surgery on the side of my nose under my left eye a week ago. I just stumbled into your post looking up information about bcc. I was feeling a little sorry for myself but was glad to see your post. I was worried about my left eye pulling in the corner and was thinking I may have to have Z Plasty surgery she was talking about. Now seeing you came out ok, I’m thinking maybe I will too and won’t need the other surgery. I’m praying so anyway. Thanks so much for the post and you really do look great. I wish I’d looked into the Maderma more that my son told me about for scars. The nurse told me the doctor really liked Silagen brand of bandages for scars and we can get it in the pharmacy there. It was expensive and only 3 bandages, but you cut them to size and can reuse them till they won’t stick. Thanks again for your post. I’m hopeful eventually mine will come out looking as good as yours and I pray none of us get anymore and have to go through this again.
My husband had Moh’s surgery on September 22. This is the third Moh’s surgery for him for basal cell carcinoma on his face. The other two went pretty well with few problems post-op. However, he is on blood thinners now due to A-fib and it has been a real nightmare. The swelling and bruising were so severe 4 of the stitches split and there was bleeding from the sutures. We have been back to the surgeon twice. He had to be re-stitched and the skin around the incision has turned black and is now beginning to peel off. I’m sure it will be awhile before it heals. I have been following you and your recipes for years. i remember when this happened to you and you had the courage to post about it. Thank you for that. You look lovely and no one would ever know you had surgery unless they had been familiar with your blog. Praying that my husband has a similar recovery.
I just had Mohs surgery on the side of my nose under my left eye a week ago. I just stumbled into your post looking up information about bcc. I was feeling a little sorry for myself but was glad to see your post. I was worried about my left eye pulling in the corner and was thinking I may have to have Z Plasty surgery she was talking about. Now seeing you came out ok, I’m thinking maybe I will too and won’t need the other surgery. I’m praying so anyway. Thanks so much for the post and you really do look great. I wish I’d looked into the Maderma more that my son told me about for scars. The nurse told me the doctor really liked Silagen brand of bandages for scars and we can get it in the pharmacy there. It was expensive and only 3 bandages, but you cut them to size and can reuse them till they won’t stick. Thanks again for your post. I’m hopeful eventually mine will come out looking as good as yours and I pray none of us get anymore and have to go through this again.
Hi there! I found you today on my Google search for scarring, healing following bcc on my face. At the old age of 74, I’m realizing my heart is really hurting, and the surgical sites look gruesome, and now I am paying the cost of many years of sun exposure while criticizing anyone who “lathers” sunscreen. Your courage in sharing your challenging recovery/healing process is nothing less than sheer bravery. Sincerely, Katie
Hi there! I found you today on my Google search for scarring, healing following bcc on my face. At the old age of 74, I’m realizing my heart is really hurting, and the surgical sites look gruesome, and now I am paying the cost of many years of sun exposure while criticizing anyone who “lathers” sunscreen. Your courage in sharing your challenging recovery/healing process is nothing less than sheer bravery. Sincerely, Katie
Hi there! I found you today on my Google search for scarring, healing following bcc on my face. At the old age of 74, I’m realizing my heart is really hurting, and the surgical sites look gruesome, and now I am paying the cost of many years of sun exposure while criticizing anyone who “lathers” sunscreen. Your courage in sharing your challenging recovery/healing process is nothing less than sheer bravery. Sincerely, Katie
Hi there! I found you today on my Google search for scarring, healing following bcc on my face. At the old age of 74, I’m realizing my heart is really hurting, and the surgical sites look gruesome, and now I am paying the cost of many years of sun exposure while criticizing anyone who “lathers” sunscreen. Your courage in sharing your challenging recovery/healing process is nothing less than sheer bravery. Sincerely, Katie
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I too am very fair and old enough that sunscreen was an afterthought. Starting in college, I would say I was very careful in the sun! But the damage was done.
Well, after a squamous cell was removed successfully from one side of my nose about 12 yrs ago, now right on the tip of my nose I have basal cell and am having MOHS in October. Even though I know how well skin heals, (it took 9 months for my other cancer to heal).
I’m so scared. Thanks for sharing your story. All the best to you, Carol
Thank you so much for posting! I would never have believed sun would do such damage. Thank God you asked the doctor to take a look at that little spot! I am warned and YOU ARE LOVELY!!!
I am post op having the same exact procedure with same cancer spot and cuts on my nose. I would have never dreamed I would have to have such a huge closure. I’m trying hard to not feel like this was a mistake. I traded a spot on my nose for a massive scar. I hope and pray it will go away over time. My derm did not tell me to put anything on it for scar healing. Do you mind emailing me what you used on the scar while it’s been healing?
I am also in the same position as I just had mohs on my face 3 days ago. I would also love to know what to use to heal better. If you don’t mind sharing that info i would be truly grateful!!
It is not just adults that get skin cancer…my daughter was in her last year of college and had a spot on her forehead that she thought was a pimple that was being stubborn. When she was home for a visit she showed it to me and I told her to make an appt. with her Dr. THAT WEEK and have it checked out. Sure enough, she was soon scheduled for the Mohs surgery. She wanted to wait since she was having graduation soon, but NO it couldn’t wait the Dr. told her. Surgery was done and yes, it was Basel Cell, but she was lucky that they didn’t have to go too deep. (She is blond and very fair skinned and ALWAYS wore sunscreen growing up playing sports or anytime we were outside, plus a hat.) She quickly healed and now she is very diligent about using the correct sunscreen EVERY DAY and on our recent family trip to Maui she bought everyone their own bottle to use. I had never heard of anyone so young getting BCC, but it happens and YES, I have family members who have it too, but not so young.
Sandra C.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I had Mohs surgery three days ago for a BCC on my right temporal scalp and am left with a complex wound. It was slightly larger than a half-dollar coin and is down to the muscle. Due to its location and surface tension of skin it could only be partially closed. Grafting and flaps were not an option. I have five subcutaneous stitches and 10 on the surface and the remainder has been left open to heal on its own, or by what’s known as “secondary intention.” I will have to do daily wound care and dressings for about 6 weeks until it closes up. I was warned this could be a possibility but it’s shocking to actually see and deal with it. That said, I am relieved the cancer is gone and that if I wear my hair down, the scar will be covered. But yeah, BCC is no joke. I had several terrible sunburns as a child in the 70s and 80s but as an adult have been good about using sunscreen and staying covered or out of the sun. Even so, I could not escape this.
Thank you again and best of luck to everyone who is dealing with this. We are stronger and wiser for having gone through this.
I have just been told i have a BCC that needs removal. I will be having a general anaethetic thank goodness. They are going to do a skin graft from my arm. Hopefully not the tattoed part! Terrified. The biopsy was bad enough. Under local. But healed really fast. It is in the same sort of area as yours. Seeing your pics has made me not quite so scared. Thanks. Take care. Xx
Thank you so much for sharing about your surgery. I too know MHOS works but takes patience. I had one chunk on the back of my head removed and it did not heal as well as yours. Not the fault of the surgeon, just not a good location for a graph. And, no hair in that area ever again. So I am growing a pony tail. Ha – no really.
By sharing your story you are certainly brave. And I am sure your husband tells you how beautiful you are (without adding “still” but with a lot of “absolutely”). Looks like you have a lovely family. May God continue to bless you all.
Regards,
Mike
I just had this surgery. I wish I would have read this. I thought it would just be an easy procedure, I was wrong. One nostril is larger than the other. I’m hoping to look as good as you. My face is swelled up and a lot of stitches.
Hi there,
I hope you have recovered well! I was same as you a week ago, tons of stitches (18 to be exact) and one nostril is wildly different than the other. Have yours corrected over time?
Mimi
Thank you so much for this post! I didn’t really grow up outdoors that much and never went to the beach as a kid so I often forget to apply sunscreen for myself and my kids. I buy a whole bunch when the summer starts but then I forget to use it. My husband lost his father to melanoma when he was only 8! You’ve made me realize how important it really is to protect myself and my children’s skin. Thank you! And btw you look amazing!
Be blessed in all you do! Remember why God made all women beautiful! Because all of you are master pieces of grace , beauty and love! I think you are absolutely gorgeous and please take care! Be safe in all you do and bless other if you can!happy thoughts and wishes to you sweet lady!
O. R. nurse here, your doctor did a fabulous job, the graft was textbook perfect and the healing is what we pray for and seldom see. Congratulations! Everyone should see their dermatologist yearly and they should get naked and be checked head to toe. God bless, I’m so proud of you for being willing to share your story, you have saved lives.
Hi Mel,
I had a very similar surgery 3 months ago on my nose to remove and reconstruct after a basal cell carcinoma. It has healed well, but I didn’t expect the numbness where they have stretched the skin from the side of the nose up over to cover up the hole. Does the feeling ever return to the skin? It mingles and itches off and on despite using lots of pure, unscented vaseline to moisturise the scar.
Thanks – Lorna
Thank you for sharing your medical surgical experience. At now 83 I’ve had several basal surgeries, the last on cheekbone,,twelve stitches.
(My skin cancers mainly now caused by wood smoke.)
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Your recovery is amazing!!! Early April, I had an excision biopsy on my upper left nose and the mole taken out to be BCC as well. The wound was about 4cm… I believe you understand what I went through…My biggest concern now is how the recovery would be. I do appreciate your story and it’s exactly what I wanted to know and extremely comforting. Please take care and enjoy life the most. All the best with everything you do!
Thank you for sharing your story and pictures. It helped me get through my surgery yesterday and will continue helping me as I go through the healing process for the next few months. Your story has given me hope that I won’t be forever deformed and I will make a complete recovery in time. Thank you for your bravery.
Hi,
I am having Moh’s surgery on Tuesday. I qm extremely anxious. It looks like the same spot that you had. I have to have the dermatologist do his thing and then go to plastic surgeon — he scared the heck out of me. black eyes, re-construction of my nose. etc…. best of all a lightening bolt looking scar — Oh Joy. I have my daughter’s engagement party in June, not much time to get rid of the nasty scar. But, just wanted to thank you for being so honest with what you went through.
Hi Michele, I had my mohs surgery Tuesday morning for a very small spot on the side of my nose. I just passed 48 hours. Redressed the wound today. Absolutely shocking. I have 20 stitches on the outside and 10-12 on the inside. They had to go back in a second time before they got the all clear. I was not prepared for this. The swelling, the bruising, not being able to sleep and the little things like not being able to blow my nose. Grab your supplies beforehand. Paper tape, not stick pads, fresh jar of vaseline and ice packs. Frozen ketchup packets worked for me around the dressing. I wish you the best of luck. We are all in this together.
This is the first article I’ve read that gives me hope. I had MOHS surgery yesterday for what was supposed to be a “small spot” of Basal cell. Four and a half hours later, I emerged with a scar that starts at my right nostril and goes down and around my lip, down to my chin. I’m devastated. The swelling and pain are nothing compared to how I feel, emotionally. You’ve given me hope that some day, I will be able to smile again. TY.
Had Mohs a pedicled flap on side of nose. Has been a nightmare. Took ear cartilage and flap cut from nose to chin. Neither starting places were numb. This done on 4/7 then sutures out 2 weeks later now with this huge flap still hanging on my face until 6/7 . Horrible experience and still more to come on second surgery. Should have researched other options!!
How does your nose and face look now? I just had my pedicule removed 2 days ago. 18 stitches from side of nose down towards side of lip. I’m scared my face will never recover.
God bless you. Be safe . You are beautiful!!
I’m praying fir you.
María GERAKIOS
I found this after searching for information about recovering from Mohs procedure, which I will have next Thursday. Thank you for your honesty. The “after” picture fills me with hope. Best wishes to you and your family, and thank you for an inspiring post.
Hello Elizabeth
I was reading this when I was searching for a situation like mine. Her surgical scar looks similar to mine. I had my procedure on my nose on 4/5/22. I must say it is tough .how are you doing?
Support is definitely needed
I had Mohs surgery on the tip of my nose on Dec 7 and a full thickness skin graft the same day. My wound was probably not quite as large as yours (went almost halfway up my nose) but in a worse spot from a blood vessel standpoint. My graft was particularly painful and traumatic to get – due to doctor being horrible. Then, it failed – it just dried out and edges kind of curled up. I went to a new plastic surgeon and I was so upset thinking about going through another sewn-on graft. But I just wanted everyone to know there are skin grafts made from placentas that don’t need to be sewn on. They can just lay them gently on your wound and bandage you up. They had to repeat the process 4-5 times in my case – which is typical. And I did some other things like using super oxygenated cream. It took from early January until mid-March to for my wound to be completely closed and I did 10 hyperbaric oxygen treatments also to speed the healing but my wound has now been closed for a couple of weeks and it feels awesome! Happy to answer any questions about it.
Thanks for sharing your story! I just had MOHS surgery 3 days ago. My little spot that wasn’t healing was on the exact part of the nose but on the opposite side. It was also very naughty and had a long root. I have no idea how many stitches I got but a LOT on the inside & outside. My dermatologist took a ‘football’ shape piece of skin along my ‘smile’ line to push up through an incision near my nostril to patch the large hole. He then sewed up my cheek inside the ‘smile’ line. Hoping the scar will fade soon! So thankful yours (and mine) were caught while small! I’ve always despised wearing hats but not now 🙂
I found your story through Pat Sloan, and want to share that I’ve had basal cell carcinoma on my face as well. Mine was on my cheek right next to my nose so the surgeon created a flap and stitched it back together. That was almost 20 years ago, and I’m very grateful that I’ve had no recurrences.
Thank you for sharing your story.
I read your story about your nose surgery because I’m an avid Pat Sloan quilter on YouTube. She talked about your ‘journey’, the same cancer she had. I, too was a sun worshiper back in the 60’s. We even made our own sun tan enhancer with iodine and baby oil, I think. We baked ourselves for the sake of getting a good tan! So far the worse thing I’ve gotten is Rosacea on my cheeks. People always think I just have nice rosy cheeks!
Thank you so much for your journey through this. I had the same surgery one month ago. Same exact scar. When I asked a question about how I would look my doctor said I don’t know. I now know. I feel so much better knowing that you look so good! Hopefully mine will heal as well as yours did.
Oh my gosh! Great job sharing your story. I’m going in next week for the exact same thing on my nose, just a tough higher. This is my second mohs, the first time was on my lip and the doctor didn’t get it all so I had to go back for a much for intense surgery.
Thank you for sharing! I’d love to connect and share my journey with you!
Mel,
Found this page because I’m surfing the net looking for MOHS stories. I’m going in for my 3rd and 4th MOHS tomorrow morning. This time all three spots are basal. Two will be removed with MOHS and the third I have to use topical chemo for 6 weeks. It will ulcerate. I’m not thrilled about it. One spot is right between my eyes. Can’t hide it! My first round of cancer, back in 2012, was squamous along the side of my nose and the scar healed nicely. Second time, was basal cell on my scalp (yes, protect your scalp too, ladies) and I have a nice chunk missing and a small bald spot. I tell people I had a lobotomy. Just so you know, microneedling can help over time to break up scarring. It has helped me. I just want to say that you are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing my story. -Kara
Thanks for sharing your story. I just had my 3rd surgery to remove basil cell from my face. I blame my tanning bed obsession from back in my 20’s. I was given the option of Mohs or excision by a plastic surgeon. I chose the plastic surgeon over Mohs every time. The scars are very small (about 1/2 inch) and a pathologist is in the OR to verify margins are clear right at the time of surgery. My mom has had Mohs and was left with much larger scars. I advise anyone having facial surgery to make sure you know all your options.
Loved reading your story as I myself just had the same operation yesterday and due to very similar reasons, no sunscreen was used back in the 70 and 80s.
Loved reading your story as I myself just had the same operation yesterday and due to very similar reasons, no sunscreen was used back in the 70 and 80s.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I just got the same diagnosis today, also on the nose. You story gives me hope.
I am scheduled for a Mohs procedure next week and appreciate your story. I am in my 60s and keep telling myself that the important thing is to remove the cancer and that what my face looks like really isn’t that important. I’m not buying it. It does matter to me, even at my age and I am worried. Seeing your pictures form surgery to recovery were very helpful. You look lovely. I may not look so lovely when all this is over, but it is encouraging to hope that I will look like myself. Thank you, Barbara
Barbara,
What part of your face did you have the skin cancer? Have you had the surgery yet? I would love to connect with you about your experience. I’m 30 years old and just got diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma under my right eye. I’m so nervous about the scarring. I’m also upset/angry because I’ve taken great care of my skin and I’ve never been much of a tanner kind of person. I’ve rarely burned and I wear sunscreen and sunglasses when planning to be in the sun for a long time. So, I’m baffled that I got this right below my eye.
Hi ELizabeth. I have just had a tumour removed from my lower eyelid december 10th was 1st stage and 2nd stage on 15th. The operation was successful and they removed everything. It was an uncomfortable procedure but each day gets better. I’m still very bruised and swollen but it is getting better each day. It’s still early days but I’m applying the ointment 3 times a day and hopeful there won’t be much scarring. If any there will be a small scar ro the side of my eye where they cut to pull the skin over. I’m sure it will fade in time. Hope all goes well with your surgery.
I stumbled across your blog following mohs surgery on Wednesday, my story replicated yours…..I was thinking a small scar and like you it was a shock to see the large crater prior to the surgeon putting it all back together. Seeing your photo diary has really helped so thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you you for sharing your journey, I am at the beginning of my nightmare. I had Mohs surgery on Monday to remove Lentigo Maligma from my cheek that just looked like just a little pigmentation/sun damage l. Was shocked to find out it was cancer. I had reconstruction on Tuesday by a plastic surgeon, but as there was not enough skin to close the wound, he used a skin flap rotation method. The scarring was extensive. Yesterday I was told at my post op consultation with the plastic surgeon, that the Mohs surgeon had just informed him that actually they had not removed all of the cancerous tissue, despite being given the all clear on Monday. Apparently they sent the samples off for analysis somewhere else after they had been looked at and cleared in their lab. That makes no sense to me. So yesterday the plastic surgeon took more tissue to try to get a clear margin. One side of my face is now distorted (not enough skin to close again so nose and lip are pulled to one side) as well as the scars. I look like a monster. Am waiting for the all clear next week and hopefully then can continue with reconstruction and look a bit more normal asap. What an absolute nightmare. I am devastated.
dear clare, i just want to let you know that you can heal and look much more normal again. try to be patient. i’m sending you patience and peace of mind while you wait for what the doctors can do and healing.
I stumbled across this just a couple days before my surgery. It helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. My SCC was smack dab on the top/tip middle of my nose. The area removed was the size of a penny and did go deep. My surgery was this morning and, as I write this, I can feel my face swelling up! I look like I got hit by a freight train! I know it will get better. Although I will be hiding out for the holidays too. Thanks for sharing your story. It should bring about awareness .I thought I was careful… hats while gardening, protected my face while enjoying the sun, sun screen even in winter etc. Be safe!
Thank you so much for writing this article. I go in on Nov 23, 2021 to have one removed that they feel will be larger under the surface. you have given me an idea of what to expect if it’s large. I really appreciate that
Pat
I had mohs on the 23rd as well. Mine was big and deep. I went back in to remove a lower edge. It was awful. How was your experience?
God Bless You!
I’m so relieved to read about your beautiful additude and outcome. I came across your post by accident as I was searching for Mohs pictures to compare my surgery to. It was a double treat to find your blog as I love to bake and cook. Your words and pictures show that you are clearly beautiful inside and obviously outside.
What an amazing story! Your face looks totally normal after all that! No more jiggles from your son I suppose?
This is really a testament to how important sunscreen is. We often talk about it as an anti-aging measure. But this story really shows that it can be a lot more serious than that. Thank you for sharing. We’re sharing on our FB and Twitter!
I had the Mohs procedure a month ago for basal cell found right next to my nose. I knew the Mohs surgery requires cuts until clear margins, but I had no idea I would walk out of that office with a 3 inch incision down my cheek and another 1 inch incision down to my top lip. I was thankful it was removed. That basal cell had to go. I have been pretty mortified with the scar to be honest. So to see how nicely you have healed is a consolance. I as well have become a huge advocate for sun screen and skin care. It is so important! Thank you for sharing.
I had Mohs yesterday for two spots on my nose (a tiny sore like yours that would not stay healed, and another spot that was itchy and looked irritated). I was horrified at how awful the wounds (which surgeon left unclosed, to begin healing on their own for four weeks, then probably a course of Efudex, a topical chemo drug for surrounding precancerous areas) looked right after the surgery. Today, I’m feeling downhearted about what the future holds. I know there was no alternative to getting treatment, and would not change my decision. But, how to proceed optimistically now? I am struggling with that. Seeing the photos of your recovery is helpful, so thank you for your courage in posting the details of your story!