Update on an Update---sorta.

Behold---the face after another round of Zyclara.  Hard to see what it really looks like via a picture (and from my iPhone, no less). 

I tried to filter the color out so that you could see my scar (and now my wrinkles really stand out!), but it's still difficult to really see the effects. 

First, my skin is extra SUPER dry!  I currently have the thick Vitamin E moisturizer on, which is kind of a grody feeling. Feels good on my sandpaper, though, so I won't complain.  That's something I've noticed a lot of is how dry it has been.  There are some flaky areas, but nothing I haven't had before during a cold winter. 

Second, I have a place above my lip (actually looks like an extension of my upper lip peak) that is colored like a sore, but just very flat and dry.  There are a few other places that are smaller, similar...but only I would be able to point them out to you. 

I am waiting for an appointment with my new doctor---one that my surgeon recommended.  One reason I decided to make this switch (other than the recommendation) is the fact that my surgeon wanted me to use Efudex on my face and on my SCC site.  The other derm decided I didn't need that and prescribed the Imiquimod.  One thing I am learning (yes, old dogs can learn new tricks!) is that I am in control of ME.  I can question, discuss, and even argue (carefully) with my doctors.  I employ them.  And even if I LIKE them, they still are supposed to be working with me to figure these things out.  I am learning more as I go through this--I research, I experience--and at the end of the day, when I am uncertain about something I have to have a voice for my own good.

So...that's somewhat of an update.  Not a whole lot to report, but that's not always a bad thing!

Almost There!

I can see the sunshine... but with a good dose of sunscreen. (sarcasm alert) I have almost always worn sunscreen, whether  with my  makeup, or apurposely slathered from the SPF bottle. My husband made mention maybe that's why I have these issues--- its the sunscreen that did it! While I am always up for a juicy government conspiracy, this comment didn't even make me laugh.

I am currently experiencing major dehydration on my face--- feels gross. My hair guru said she could tell my face appeared 'tight', and not that youthful gravity-has-not-affected-skin tight, but sucked dry of all moisture tight. I have some flakes, some redness, and definitely an older appearance. Several bumps have broken through... will be interested in seeing what they are.  One on my cheek is definitely something to look at, as the spot that is on my nose. I bought a small 'goes on dry' sunscreen (70 SPF, I think) to leave on my desk at school. Since I have recess duty, I smear it on about 20-30 minutes before we prepare to leave  class.

I have a picture that I will upload later if I can, just so everyone can see the reddish places I am talking about. I hope everyone is enjoying this fine spring weather. Our countdown is on for winter break! Enjoy life, people!

Another Round Has Started

Howdy!  I am writing a quick update.  Not much to report.  As of this morning, I have applied Zyclara twice.  A few things I noticed right before going into this round:  some bumps that resembled pimples, but weren't, had popped up.  Definitely the one on my nose...it's still there.  I am applying cream to the whole face, which has made my cheeks somewhat rosier. 

This is a pic I took after applying the second day of Zylcara.
I still dislike my scar on my nose.  You can also see that my nose seems to be somewhat fluffier. 
The lining of my nose gets really dry feeling and then I start having sinus issues.  This started at Day 1 of treatment.  It then progresses to grody drainage, with the need to hock loogies quite often (sorry for the gross illustration, but it's true).    Anyway, I'm interested in seeing the 'end' results, although I will be doing a second round for the face area sans nose (since I did just the nose first round).  Whatever the outcome, I will be considering my options much more carefully and more thoughtfully, without a rush to making a determination until I'm 100% positive of my choice.

On a sidenote:  dilemma 1 has presented itself to the household.  The daughter wants to tan a few times in a tanning bed to add some color before prom.  I spoke with her (doubt she listened) and she doesn't like the idea of spray ons (she said every person that she has seen with a spray tan appears orange-tinged).  I also told her that spray ons don't leave scars.  She has pursued debate with research and statistics of childhood burns, sun exposure, etc.  It will work out, no doubt, but still...

That's it for quick update.  So, for all you tanners and non-tanners, have a great weekend! 

One Round Down---One More to Go!

Greetings, friendly people!  I am sorry for the lack of update, I'm sure you all (one or two of you) were anxiously awaiting my results. Well, I can't say for sure what my results have been!  This has truly been a learning experience for me, and one I have several regrets over.  Hind sight is 20/20, or so 'they' say.  Here's a few things I've learned this week---

1)  It's your body.  Don't be bullied or pressured into making a decision (promptly) without much consideration, counseling (if needed), or second/third/tenth opinions.

2)  It's okay to say 'wait' if it isn't life threatening at that moment.

3)  It's okay to ask for advice.  And then some.

4)  It's okay to cancel a follow up appointment when you know that your appointment will last literally two minutes, with nothing to show for it except a $300 bill.

5)  It's okay to have regrets.  Cry about it. Move on.

Okay.  So here's where I'm at right now.  I WISH I had canceled my surgery appointment for my nose.  Here's why.  The appointment was made directly after the biopsy results came in.  By the time the surgery date rolled around, NOTHING was on my nose.  So at that point, where to exactly have surgery became a guessing game.  I had a hazy picture of a disappearing biopsy and the nurse and I had to play 'pin the dot' on my nose.  It was difficult, and we erased and re-marked my nose three times.  I have a bad feeling that we had it right on the first try.  You see, after my first round with Zyclara, IT's BACK.  Right below the tip of the scar line.  And I get the feeling it is my original, biopsied BCC.  Which would mean that I had healthy tissue operated and cut away, and a nice scar to show for it.  For nothing.  My husband made a remark to me today and it struck me as how right he was, and why didn't I think of that.  He said---"It's your body.  Why didn't you cancel the appointment until you knew exactly where it was again?"  Yeah.  Why didn't he offer that advice to me prior to the surgery!?  LOL.  Some days I'm not the brightest crayon in the box.

Here's my hazy concert picture.  Can you see the biopsy fading from my nose?  I'm just hoping this is another spot, possibly an AK that the Zyclara has brought to the surface.  Crossing fingers.  Shout out to my concert-friend-in-crime, Casey.

In addition to all that, I now have a bump that has formed, seemingly, within the cartilage right below the actual nose bone.  It's on my right side and I definitely have a bump.  I've read where that may happen when there is surgery around cartilage (or big needles being stuck in it).  I'm hoping it doesn't get any larger and goes away on its own. 

Please don't think I'm a vain person.  I do have my moments, and it is a little deflating to one's self esteem at times.  Right now I am avoiding the mirror when absolutely possible.  Yes, it bothers me.  Especially when I feel like I haven't made the right decision and I have proof of it.  I have issues with being right.

All in all, the Zyclara went oddly well.  I don't know if that means it's working and I reacted well, or it's not working and that's why I reacted well.  My last day to apply the cream was the 14th.  Just this week I have two spots (one that I believe is the original BCC) and another one beside it which have appeared.  This may be due to the Zyclara and they are just now showing up.  Glad I didn't go to my 'check up' for it...there was nothing there.  (Seems to be a common theme). 

I have decided to forgo an appointment about undeclared BCC and document it through pictures and measurements (something I'd wish I had done when I had the biopsy---word of advice, document everything!) and then talk about it with my Derm at the next appointment (which would be after the next 14 days of Zyclara).  As expensive as office visits are, I'm trying to lean down on the trips.

All that being said, I'm living with my tiny regrets and they may seem small in comparison to the world of REALLY big problems others are having.  I realize this.  I'm human, too.  I know I have many blessings to be thankful for (and I really am), so I'm just going to have to muddle through my feelings and get over it.

So, here's to my old nose!  Cheers.  You were my favorite feature.  And I'm thankful it doesn't have a Frankenstein scar on it.  (Baby steps, right?)  Shout out to my glam friends, Devon and Jessica.

And something that I'm always thankful for---this bunch seen below. Even on my bad days.

In closing, I hope you have received something that may be useful to you in the future, or something to consider one day.  If you have any questions, or even a thought, please leave it in the comments section.  Appreciate your time!  Will be updating right before the second round, which would be close to the end of January.  Until then...see ya!