Bye, Bye Number 5
Today I was introduced to MOHs surgery. http://www.skincancermohssurgery.org/
Melanoma #5 on my right lower back was removed today with MOHs. After four, rather large, wide excisions for previous melanomas, I am particularly grateful for this beautiful technology. My physician initially removed a very small, thin area around my initial biopsy spot and I was bandaged up to sit in the waiting room. During my 1 1/2 hour wait in the waiting room, my physician was microscopically examining the tissue removed to check that all cancer cells had been removed. I was waiting to hear if more tissue needed to be removed or if all cancer cells had been excised. When called back to the examination area after my wait, I was extremely thankful to hear that all cancer cells had been removed with the initial small, thin excision and nothing further needed to be done. The nurse placed a bandage on the small area, gave me skin care instructions, scheduled a 6 week follow-up appointment, and I was on my way home. No sutures, no 2+ week wait time to hear if all of the cancer had been removed, no 5 inch scar, no lengthy recovery time. God is so good!!