Not Just another Pretty Face anymore

Ok, now the secret is out. Today I went to the dermatologist, and was give the diagnosis of two kinds of skin cancer and an area on my arms and head that is pre-cancerous.

I have several patches of actinic keratoses on my arms and scalp, the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer. The treatment is with a topical chemotherapy to start. I’ll use it for three weeks and then be re-examined. Effudex maycause burning, itching and pain because my skin will become “very red, irritated and swollen” like a bad sunburn. Oh boy, that’s something to look forward to.

On my right cheek, I have a basal cell carcinoma. The doctor removed a lot of it today to have sent for a pathology report. Basal cell is the most common type of skin cancer,usually a small fleshy bump on the head, neck or hands. Yup, that’s what I had there.

Not to be a piker about this, I also have a patch of squamous cell carcinoma on the tip of my left ear.. That is the kind of cancer that can spread and is more likely to be a big deal if not treated quickly. A chunk of my ear was ripped off for a pathology screening. Well, it did seem like it was ripped off to me..

Within the next two weeks I’ll hear more and it’s possible I’ll need surgery, which will be an outpatient deal.

This all happened today, so with the bandages on my face, neck and ear; I look like I took second place in an ax fight.

I came home wanting to eat, I was so hungry. We have tomatoes out of the garden and fresh apple pie.

I’m not making light about this, but I’m confident everything will be fine and will work out soon. God is still in control, last I looked.

Deb is doing very well. She still works and cooks and does laundry and the other thousand things that make her so wonderful. She has her ups and downs too, but she is a rock.

We go to the Chapel now and have started to make friends and enjoy it much more. God is doing something special there.

We miss some of our old friends a lot, but hope to see them soon.

My buddy Jack had three surgeries in a month for cancer on his right hand. He seems to be doing well, but we still pray for him and Dee.

Kathy Adler, Ben, Eric and Uncle John all battle cancer too. We all need to pray for relief for them and peace for their families.

This is a time when all of us need to reach out to the suffering. A phone call, a letter or card, or most of all a visit and a hug would do more than any medicine for those who are hurt, ill, depressed or struggling with life in general.

More about Deb and Dan soon.

God bless everyone.