It all began about two years ago when I noticed an unusual bump on my face. It resembled a stubborn pimple that just wouldn’t go away. After a couple of months, it faded into a raised, slightly discolored scar. My partner had been urging me to get it examined since he first spotted it, but I brushed it off.
You can catch a glimpse of that bump about an inch beneath my left eye in a photo from our honeymoon back in 2014. I kept holding onto the hope that it would eventually disappear, but by the end of 2015, it was still there—and larger.
Finally, three weeks ago, I decided to visit a dermatologist. Without me even mentioning the bump, the doctor noticed it right away and recommended a biopsy to check for skin cancer. He swiftly took a razor to my face and removed a sizable chunk. After that, I left the office with a band-aid on my cheek.
A week later, I received the dreaded call: the sample tested positive for basal cell carcinoma, and I needed Mohs surgery. This procedure involves removing layers of skin, about 2 mm thick, surrounding the spot, and examining each layer under a microscope until no more cancerous cells are detected.
I was fortunate that only one layer needed to be removed. Once I was cleared, a plastic surgeon came in to stitch me up, requiring quite a bit of stitching on either side to prevent puckering.
Not exactly a pretty sight. I guess my pirate costume will look more authentic this Halloween. Now I’m recovering, and much like when I had a broken foot, the most challenging part is dealing with the repetitive questions. People often ask with concern, “What did it look like?” or “How can I tell if I have something similar?”
My advice? If you’re worried about any spots on your skin, don’t hesitate to have them checked. I had no idea mine was a cause for concern.
On another note, I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect sunhat; any recommendations would be appreciated! But above all, my message is clear: always wear sunscreen! It’s an essential part of skin care that shouldn’t be overlooked. For additional insights on health and wellness, check out this informative article on Cervical Insemination. And for those considering home insemination, visit Make a Mom for reputable at-home insemination kits. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, IVF Babble is an excellent resource.
In summary, life is indeed too short to skip sunscreen. Protect your skin and stay vigilant about changes.
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