It all kicked off a couple of years back when I noticed a peculiar bump on my face. It resembled a stubborn pimple that just wouldn’t quit. After a few months, it faded into what looked like a raised, slightly discolored scar. My partner, Alex, had been on my case to get it checked from the get-go, but I waved it off like it was just a bad case of the Mondays.
You can spot the bump about an inch below my left eye in this pic from our trip to the beach in 2020. I kept hoping it would just vanish, but by the end of 2021, it had grown larger and more obnoxious. Finally, three weeks ago, I decided to visit the dermatologist. Without me even mentioning it, the doc spotted the bump right away and suggested a biopsy to rule out skin cancer. Before I knew it, he was shaving off a chunk of my face and sending me home with a stylish band-aid on my cheek.
A week later, I received the dreaded call: the biopsy came back positive for basal cell carcinoma. Cue the Mohs surgery, where they remove a thin layer of skin around the spot and check it under a microscope. They keep slicing until they see no more cancerous cells.
What’s wild is that I was lucky enough for them to only need to take off one layer. After that, a plastic surgeon swooped in to stitch me up, working hard to prevent my skin from puckering like a raisin.
Let me tell you, it’s not the most flattering look. On the plus side, my pirate costume for Halloween is going to be top-notch! Now, as I recover, the repetitive questions are the worst part. People have been genuinely concerned, asking, “What did it look like?” or “How do I know if I should get checked?” My advice? If something seems off, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. I had no clue anything was amiss.
I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect hat, so if anyone has suggestions, send them my way! Most importantly, remember to slather on that sunscreen! It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your skin’s health.
For more on health and wellness, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination over at Kindbody. And if you’re curious about at-home options, you can find great insights at Make a Mom. Don’t forget to read our privacy policy for more information on keeping your data safe.
Summary:
Taking care of your skin is crucial, as I learned the hard way when a harmless-looking bump turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. After surgery and recovery, I’ve become an advocate for sunscreen use. If you notice anything unusual on your skin, don’t delay in getting it checked. Remember, life is too short to skip sunscreen!