Ask Me Help Desk - Going to Get Tested for Possible Skin Cancer. I Am Nervous About It!

I have empathy for you because I have an idea of how you feel, I myself am a skin cancer survivor. I have had several squamous cell carcinoma, one over thirty years ago, I am the ripe old oge of seventy-nine now and I go twice a year to have a once over for any new pre-cancer spots.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough

I don't dare to apply any pressure at this point. I really don't know about everything that's underneath the cotton balls.

Don't really want to disturb anything.

Yes, I agree. A tiny bit of blood mixed with tears can look like a lot of blood.

I will call him if things get worse.

Thanks!

Yes, I'd be worried too about where to put pressure, exactly, without disturbing the skin graft. There is no way really since you did not see it before it was bandaged. It is probably just extra tearing from irritation... the tear glands are up there between your eyebrow and eye lashes near where you got injections. That alone could be irritating enough to cause extra tearing.

Just call the doc if it gets worse or the blood seems to be bloodier, if you know what I mean.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/images...s/viewpost.gif
I don't dare to apply any pressure at this point. I really don't know about everything that's underneath the cotton balls.

Don't really want to disturb anything.

Yes, I agree. A tiny bit of blood mixed with tears can look like a lot of blood.

I will call him if things get worse.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisisit

Yes, I'd be worried too about where to put pressure, exactly, without disturbing the skin graft. There is no way really since you did not see it before it was bandaged. It is probably just extra tearing from irritation... the tear glands are up there between your eyebrow and eye lashes near where you got injections. That alone could be irritating enough to cause extra tearing.

Just call the doc if it gets worse or the blood seems to be bloodier, if you know what I mean.

Your posts are full of compassion and empathy, thisisit!

I wish that you were my neighbor as well as my friend where I live locally!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by letmetellu

I have empathy for you because I have an idea of how you feel, I myself am a skin cancer survivor. I have had several squamous cell carcinoma, one over thirty years ago, I am the ripe old oge of seventy-nine now and I go twice a year to have a once over for any new pre-cancer spots.

Thank you for sharing, letmetellu! I could not rep you after already having done so in the recent past.

If I have a "spot" in the future, I'm going to make sure that I have it checked out by a physician!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough

Hello Again, Friends! :)

Well, the surgery was a success and not really as bad as I thought it would be. The initial shots in my nose didn't really hurt all that much, but the shots above my right eye below my eyebrow did really hurt!

I really don't know why I was so afraid...

It all worked out fine and I also wasn't a basket case! Just need to get through the healing process now.

Everything extracted was basil cell carcinoma and would appear to have been completely removed. Halleluia!

The whole procedure took about two hours and forty-five minutes. That was with waiting for reports from the lab three times, as to whether the edges were clear of cancer or not.

I could hear the surgeon scraping on the bone of my nose!

I tried to open my eyes a number of times. However, they were covered in blood, so I gave up on that until the end.

I have this cotton balls "thing" on the top of my nose that makes me look like a cyborg, cyclops or maybe even a pirate!

Arghhhh maties!!!! https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/../ima...es/biggrin.gif

The cotton balls are held together with sutures and would appear to function as a clamp for the skin graft. Makes it look like a big spider is also there!

It's impairing my vision. I do need to be able to play. Have requested from the person who'll be selecting the hymns for Sunday to choose those that are easy to read as well as play.

One concern that I have right now, is that there is still blood flowing down the right side of my face occasionally. Is this normal?

Thanks!

Glad to hear you are so upbeat, probably glad you got that under your belt and its all over for now. Don't worry about the blood, yes its normal. Blood is cleansing don't forget.

Keep us up dated please !

Tick

Quote:

Originally Posted by tickle

Glad to hear you are so upbeat, probably glad you got that under your belt and its all over for now. Dont worry about the blood, yes its normal. Blood is cleansing dont forget.

Keep us up dated please !

tick

Well, bless your heart, tickle! That's much appreciated! :)

Now the flow of the liquid is clear. Don't know what's up with that. I don't feel like I'm crying.

Thanks!

That's okay, probably white blood cells, cleansing too. The blood has done its work, now white blood cells are taking over. A normal occurrence. You must be a healthy man!

Whatever makes you happy and not worried, Clough !

Hugs

Quote:

Originally Posted by tickle

Thats okay, probably white blood cells, cleansing too. The blood has done its work, now white blood cells are taking over. A normal occurrence. You must be a healthy man !!

Whatever makes you happy and not worried, Clough !

hugs

Why would it be necessary for the wound/surgical stuff done to drain periodically, please?

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough

Why would it be necessary for the wound/surgical stuff done to drain periodically, please?

Thanks!

So that the healing process can begin! ;)

It might be wound drainage, or it might be tear over flowing. There is a tiny duct in the corner of the lower eyelid called the nasolacrimal duct. It is in the corner near the bridge of the nose. It acts as a sort of tiny drain for the liquid our tear glands produce. Tear ducts produce excess fluid to keep the eye clean and lubricated. The extra fluid is transported out of the eye via the nasolacrimal duct that drains into the nasal cavity. (unless you are crying, then your tear glands produce even more liquid, and that spills over) If the surgeon disturbed this duct, the excess fluid would just spill over and drain down like a tear. It is possible that is what you are experiencing.

How is your pain level? Do you have swelling. How about a fever?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough
Why would it be necessary for the wound/surgical stuff done to drain periodically, please?

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

So that the healing process can begin! ;)

Is that how things normally work, J_9? I have pain over about 1/4 of my face.

It drains even when I blow my nose.

I am just really glad that the surgical part is finished! :)

Thanks!

Yes, that is how the healing process begins. The clear fluid is white blood cells cleaning everything out and the scabbing should start soon. The pain will remain for a few days, but get lesser each day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Yes, that is how the healing process begins. The clear fluid is white blood cells cleaning everything out and the scabbing should start soon. The pain will remain for a few days, but get lesser each day.

I had no idea that white blood cells looked like that!

Scabbing where? Along where the sutures have been applied?

The pain goes a few inches beyond where the surgery was done. But, I'm sure that you know all about that. Also, I'm sure that you know that I'm taking the generic equivalent of Darvocet.

At least with the white blood cells cleaning everything, maybe I might qualify as being a healthy person, at least after having surgery on my skin areas. Correct?

Thanks!

This is all of the healing process Clough. First the red blood cells, then the white come in behind. You may have some scabbing around the sutures.

Generic equivalent means nothing aside from money saving. They are the same really.

The white blood cells are cleaning around the wound area so that infection does not, hopefully, set in.

Clough, its called serous drainage, normal and healthy. Haven't you ever had a cut that was healing. It bleeds well, then it gets watery, that is serous drainage and white blood cells. Healthy people heal like that.

Anything else, greenish tinge, yellow colour is not good.

Tick

Hi Clough, if the surgeon disturbed your tear duct, which is located in the corner near the bridge of your nose, you would have clear fluid leaking down the side of your face even while you are resting and not crying. If this duct is swollen, obstructed, or if it got cut during your surgery, you would have that clear fluid leaking out of your eye area.

I could kick myself in the A$$!! How in h3ll did I ever miss your thread Clough??

I have read the whole thing and all I can say is you are a very courageous man, God bless you my friend.

Why didn't you email me to let me know? I feel like I let you down Clough, damn!

I am so glad that all went well for you. Please keep me informed buddy.

Again God bless you and I too said a prayer for you while reading your posts.

Stringer

Hi Clough, Sorry to bother you... I realize your eyesight is somewhat blocked, at the moment, but did your surgeon give you any literature about the kinds of drainage you could expect from your wound? Or did he or his nurse give you instructions and what to look for, or what to call the doctor about while you are recovering? Some kinds of drainage would be normal, as the experts have told you here. If you have increased pain, increased swelling, or a fever, or a colored drainage or discharge you should call your doctor.

Hi, I wasn't awake for your call and upon trying to call you I didn't raise you either,, we are like polar opposites as to the sleep patterns... :p

Try me before 9:30 or so, :)

Clough:

Been doing some stupid things lately and

1. Sliced 3 fingers with a razor blade accidentally cutting a bag of melting salt open. Clean cuts. Pushed on wound to try to stop bleeding. Wash with water. Wrap with gauze. Used vinyl glove with rubber band when showering. Switched to a flex fabric band-aid within a day. Haled up quick.

2. The second was a bit more messy. I was cutting up cardboard boxes with a utility knife with a hook type blade, Slashed by wrist about 1/2" vertically.

Bled a lot. Bled a little too much for a water rinse, so just wrapped it with gauze. Same deal with the glove. Switched to a huge bandaid. Turns out the cut was small, like 1/2".

Eventually changed the gauze, but added padding so it would not get bumped.

Then so Neosporin to get the redness away.

Then to close the skin with a homeaide bandage. Take a flex fabric bandaid and cut a semicircle out of both sides so only 1/8" of an inch is available in the middle. Use it to close the wound. it needs air to heal without a lot of scabbing.

Fun stuff.

There were two nasty cuts that i did in my life and I probably should have had stitches, but they haven't given me a moments trouble just two small scars.

A. I split my pinky open with a hammer. I pinched the edge of it and forced the guts out. I have a small 3/4" long scar for that one. I was probably 12-16 YO. Played doctor. Worked out.

B. I had a chain saw kick-back accident. Small scar when I can find it. That won't happen again. Again played doc. Probably 16-18 YO.

C. Large area sunburn isn't fun AT ALL. Been there. Done that.

Where all this wound care attention started was when I was in first grade, I got cut on a rusty nail. Well, this blue streak started traveling up my arm. Blood poisoning. Had to come home every day and bathe the wound in warm water and Epson salt. Lots of fun.

Yep, healing is fun. Dental surgeries hurt.

When my son played midget football he was tackling and had his hand on top of the player's helmet. Another player came helmet first and smashed his thumb completely flat. He went down and had his hand near his throat when I got to the field my first shock was that he had cut open his throat. Not so, but it was still very bad, he had to get 7 stitches and cried because he couldn't go back in the game.

Holy cow! I've got a lot of catching up to do here!

Later...

Off to church to see if I can see to play!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stringer

I could kick myself in the A$$ !!!!!! How in h3ll did I ever miss your thread Clough????

I have read the whole thing and all I can say is you are a very courageous man, God bless you my friend.

Why didn't you email me to let me know? I feel like I let you down Clough, damn!

I am so glad that all went well for you. Please keep me informed buddy.

Again God bless you and I too said a prayer for you while reading your posts.

Stringer

Well, bless your heart, Stringer!

When I count my blessings, they include you!

I'll be calling you, although I'm house and dog sitting again, so no free long distance!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tickle

clough, its called serous drainage, normal and healthy. Havent you ever had a cut that was healing. It bleeds well, then it gets watery, that is serous drainage and white blood cells. Healthy people heal like that.

Anything else, greenish tinge, yellow colour is not good.

tick

Yes, I've had cuts, but not like this!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

Clough:

Been doing some stupid things lately and

1. Sliced 3 fingers with a razor blade accidently cutting a bag of melting salt open. Clean cuts. Pushed on wound to try to stop bleeding. Wash with water. Wrap with gauze. Used vinyl glove with rubber band when showering. Switched to a flex fabric band-aid within a day. Haled up quick.

2. The second was a bit more messy. I was cutting up cardboard boxes with a utility knife with a hook type blade, Slashed by wrist about 1/2" vertically.

Bled a lot. Bled a little too much for a water rinse, so just wrapped it with gauze. Same deal with the glove. Switched to a huge bandaid. Turns out the cut was small, like 1/2".

Eventually changed the gauze, but added padding so it would not get bumped.

Then so Neosporin to get the redness away.

Then to close the skin with a a homeaide bandage. Take a flex fabric bandaid and cut a semicircle out of both sides so only 1/8" of an inch is available in the middle. Use it to close the wound. it needs air to heal without a lot of scabbing.

Fun stuff.

There were two nasty cuts that i did in my life and I probably should have had stitches, but they haven't given me a moments trouble just two small scars.

A. I split my pinky open with a hammer. I pinched the edge of it and forced the guts out. I have a small 3/4" long scar for that one. I was probably 12-16 YO. Played doctor. Worked out.

B. I had a chain saw kick-back accident. Small scar when I can find it. That won't happen again. Again played doc. Probably 16-18 YO.

C. Large area sunburn isn't fun AT ALL. Been there. Done that.

Where all this wound care attention started was when I was in first grade, I got cut on a rusty nail. Well, this blue streak started traveling up my arm. Blood poisoning. Had to come home every day and bathe the wound in warm water and Epson salt. Lots of fun.

Yep, healing is fun. Dental surgeries hurt.

Hey, I've sawed into one of my fingers, the scar remains, and drilled a 1/4 hole in another finger when repairing a chair, there's more, but I can't remember right now...

Thanks!

Well, I'm a little reluctant to write now. My problems are minor compared to others.

Just would like to share, though...

Had the "pillow" of cotton swabs that was attached to my skin removed today. Didn't hurt to do that. Need to go back in a week to clean up the scabs for the skin graft and for a little trimming of the skin.

I don't like looking at myself in the mirror! To me, I look kind of gross and the skin graft looks like a piece of meat to me!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stringer

I could kick myself in the A$$ !!!!!! How in h3ll did I ever miss your thread Clough????

I have read the whole thing and all I can say is you are a very courageous man, God bless you my friend.

Why didn't you email me to let me know? I feel like I let you down Clough, damn!

I am so glad that all went well for you. Please keep me informed buddy.

Again God bless you and I too said a prayer for you while reading your posts.

Stringer

Hey, let me kick you, Stringer! I'd get a "kick" out of it! :p

We'll be in touch, soon! I promise! :)

Hi Clough, I saw the oncologist (cancer specialist) today and he made an appointment for me to have skin cancer removed from my leg on the 23rd. He says he is "very sure" it is basal cell carcinoma. Was thinking about you. I hope you are healing now, and feeling better. He said he wants to see me every six months to check me for skin cancer. He scheduled a six month appointment and says it is very important to do this. I would imagine it is important for you to have your skin checked regularly for new spots of skin cancer also. He said a dermatologist would be good enough, but he is going to check me himself every six months.

If you don't mind my asking is the oncologist doing the surgery or a plastic surgeon?

Or an oncologist/plastic surgeon?

Basel cell carcenoma is quite common. The surgery, though can remove the tissue very deep even for a small spot so all of the margins are removed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

If you don't mind my asking is the oncologist doing the surgery or a plastic surgeon?

Or an oncologist/plastic surgeon?

It was a plastic surgeon who did the surgery, Judy.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisisit

Hi Clough, I saw the oncologist (cancer specialist) today and he made an appointment for me to have skin cancer removed from my leg on the 23rd. He says he is "very sure" it is basal cell carcinoma. Was thinking about you. I hope you are healing now, and feeling better. He said he wants to see me every six months to check me for skin cancer. He scheduled a six month appointment and says it is very important to do this. I would imagine it is important for you to have your skin checked regularly for new spots of skin cancer also. He said a dermatologist would be good enough, but he is going to check me himself every six months.

How bad is the skin cancer on your leg, thisisit?

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

Basel cell carcenoma is quite common. The surgery, though can remove the tissue very deep even for a small spot so all of the margins are removed.

He removed the tissue down to the bone. I have little if any feeling left in the area of the skin graft.

I have a couple of other spots on my head for which I need to be watching...

Thanks!

Hi Clough, the spot of skin cancer on my leg is not bad at all. Mostly just irritating. It is small, about the size of a pencil eraser. It is below my left knee. I have a few other spots that are very small that the doc wants to keep watch over... actually, he wants to monitor my skin over all, because of my history. I'm thinking I will only need a few stitches on my leg.

I hope you are healing up from your skin graft. I know that non-feeling/numbness can be maddening!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisisit

Hi Clough, the spot of skin cancer on my leg is not bad at all. Mostly just irritating. It is small, about the size of a pencil eraser. It is below my left knee. I have a few other spots that are very small that the doc wants to keep watch over.... actually, he wants to monitor my skin over all, because of my history. I'm thinking I will only need a few stitches on my leg.

I hope you are healing up from your skin graft. I know that non-feeling/numbness can be maddening!

So, what are you going to do about the skin cancer on your leg, please?

I got most of the scabs taken off my nose a couple of days ago. The one big one right by my right eye was taken off some, but not all of the way.

I guess that I'll just have to get used to not feeling anything where the skin graft is. Maybe feeling will come back, maybe it won't.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough

So, what are you going to do about the skin cancer on your leg, please?

I got most of the scabs taken off of my nose a couple of days ago. The one big one right by my right eye was taken off some, but not all of the way.

I guess that I'll just have to get used to not feeling anything where the skin graft is. Maybe feeling will come back, maybe it won't.

Thanks!

Clough, the feeling probably won't come back because they had to remove some nerve endings to get down to the bone. When I had my mastectomy they removed lymph nodes under my right arm. My back is still numb and that was almost 13 years ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough
So, what are you going to do about the skin cancer on your leg, please?

I got most of the scabs taken off my nose a couple of days ago. The one big one right by my right eye was taken off some, but not all of the way.

I guess that I'll just have to get used to not feeling anything where the skin graft is. Maybe feeling will come back, maybe it won't.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Clough, the feeling probably won't come back because they had to remove some nerve endings to get down to the bone. When I had my mastectomy they removed lymph nodes under my right arm. My back is still numb and that was almost 13 years ago.

I guess that it's just something to get used to, then. You're a real trouper who has been through so much and someone who is an example for others to follow, J_9!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough

I guess that it's just something to get used to, then. You're a real trouper who has been through so much and someone who is an example for others to follow, J_9!

Thank you Clough, but in all reality, it's a part of life. We all have our crosses to bear.

I'm going under the knife on the 23rd. I don't imagine it will be bad at all. I'll be able to take myself to the hospital and drive myself home the same day, as long as I don't take any sedatives.

Be patient with your skin graft. And be especially very gentle with it, because you can't feel anything on it and it is thinner, more tender skin than the surrounding area... it could be injured easily.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisisit

I'm going under the knife on the 23rd. I don't imagine it will be bad at all. I'll be able to take myself to the hospital and drive myself home the same day, as long as I don't take any sedatives.

Be patient with your skin graft. And be especially very gentle with it, because you can't feel anything on it and it is thinner, more tender skin than the surrounding area.... it could be injured easily.

What time on the 23rd, please?

Thank you for your admonition about the skin graft! There is still a smll, bloody scab near my right eye. They decided not to remove it yet. I have been told that I can get the whole grafted area wet now, though.