Mohs Surgery Pictures, Preparation and Recovery
If you’re about to have a Mohs procedure, let me help you get prepared. I’m sharing my Mohs surgery pictures so you’ll have a better idea of how it will go. I cried. And you might, too. And that’s perfectly ok.
When I had to have a basal cell carcinoma removed in 2013, I was stunned.
Growing up in Southern California, I spent a lot of time in the sun. But I never expected that I would have to worry about skin cancer.
“So…I had skin cancer. I had surgery. I’m totally fine. I just wanted you to know because we are having dinner in a few days and I didn’t want you to freak out when you see a huge wound on my neck.” That is how my phone conversation went with a really good friend after my Mohs surgery.
Because although the doctor told me what would happen, you truly don’t understand what the recovery will look like. But I want to help you plan ahead.
IF YOUR SKIN GETS IRRITATED BY REGULAR MEDICAL TAPE…
I just used these bandaids for the first time and they are AMAZING! I recently had stitches for 2 weeks and these were the only bandaids that weren’t awful on my skin! The stitches were above my knee near my inner thigh where the skin is thinner and sensitive. These bandaids were a dream! They were way better than sensitive skin bandaids.
You can also try this dressing tape if regular bandaids irritate your skin but this tape also irritated my leg when I tried it. It is better for tougher skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma on my Neck
This post is about my experience with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer and how I had it removed with Mohs surgery.
And it’s also about how I became depressed. I want to share my story in case you know anyone who has one of the “better” skin cancers, like basal cell, or you have it yourself.
It is ok to be scared. Even though a lot of people will not give it a second thought, it is ok to feel uneasy about it.
WARNING: I share photos with my stitches. If you are squeamish, you may want to skip it. I mean, it’s not all that grotesque but I want to give a fair warning.
Discovering the Basal Cell
My dad had been dealing with his own skin cancer issues for the last few years. I take after his light complexion so I thought it couldn’t hurt to get a doctor’s opinion.
I had a little red mark, that had been on my neck for about two months (effing eczema, I thought). I was referred to a dermatologist and I’m so grateful I was. My primary care doctor wasn’t worried about the red mark, but it turned out to be basal cell cancer.
If you think something is wrong but your doctor isn’t listening, for sure get a second opinion!
Dealing with Skin Cancer
Most often you will have a biopsy done of the trouble spot. Typically they quickly numb up the area surrounding what they want to biopsy and they will slice off the whole mole or spot or a portion of it.
They send it off to the lab and in about a week, you’ll get a phone call following up. Often they will also send a letter in the mail letting you know about the mole and what the findings were.
Most of mine are irregular but not cancerous. I’ve had Mohs done once because of basal cell. But I’ve had excision biopsies 4 times (I’ll explain that in a moment).
On this particular visit, my dermatologist said “If I call you, don’t freak out. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.” But then when the call came, he said, “You know if I’m calling, something isn’t right…” Geez.
That was my neck. And it was basal cell.
It was decided that Mohs was the best way to deal with the basal cell and the appointment was scheduled.
He explained that because of where it was (in a very visible spot on my neck), he would refer me to another dermatologist who specializes in plastic surgery who would do a procedure to remove all the skin cancer cells.
I didn’t know until right before the surgery that it would be Mohs Surgery, the same that my dad had a few months before.
So leading up to it, I just thought it would be pretty similar to the mole removals I had done so far, which required a small bandage for about a week.
To be fair, I do remember my dermatologist telling me that I may end up with a few stitches but I’ve never had stitches, aside from child-birth (hey if I’m sharing, I’m sharing everything) so even a few stitches seemed insignificant.
I didn’t really know how to feel about the news. I was kind of scared but most people I talked to were not that worried. I went out to dinner the night that I found out about my basal cell diagnosis.
One close friend said, “yeah I had that, they just take it off, right?” And we moved on.
Several of the moms from my son’s elementary school have had basal cell carcinomas and they seemed totally low key about the whole situation. And knowing that my dad had the surgery, that it was “no big deal” and was pretty common left me feeling, well, it left me not feeling.
I never really thought about it. So I didn’t make any special phone calls to friends with news of my skin cancer. I didn’t need any extra support.
What is Mohs Surgery?
Here is my, probably very wrong, description of what Mohs Surgery is. First they remove the area that they believe to contain the cancer cells.
There is a pathologist right on site who evaluates the cells and determines if they need to go back and take more tissue. They do this as many times as they need to in order to remove all cancer cells and get a clear margin around the area.
So the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, my husband took the day off of work and went with me to the most gorgeous dermatologists office ever in Newport Beach, CA.
I have not seen any bills from this procedure yet and I will probably have to sell everything I own to pay it but at that moment, I needed all the amenities they provided (update: the bills were reasonable and I don’t believe I paid anything over what insurance would normally cover! A DREAM COME TRUE!).
The most amazing front desk gal had called a few days before and explained that I should plan on being there the whole day. Up to this point, I really thought I would be in and out.
I asked my mom, who would watch the kids during the procedure, if she would just keep them overnight since I had no idea when I would get home.
The office smelled like a spa. The music was relaxing and everyone was beyond friendly. But I was starting to get pretty darn nervous.
My father’s Mohs Surgery experience was much different from mine. I was given my own private room with space for my husband to work and a TV to watch. The entire procedure would be done in this room and the doctor would come to me.
I was free to get comfy and enjoy the time there as much as possible. And I totally did at first!
My dad’s surgery, on the other hand, was done similar to how a lab is set up. The patient is called back in to a room, cuts are made, and then they are sent back out to the waiting room with everyone else.
That part alone would have probably done me in. But I do hear that is how most people experience it. I think I was super lucky to have found such an amazing doctor.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Before and After Pictures
To start, they marked and measured me. The red area in the circle is the basal cell carcinoma. Not that big of an area, or so I thought. Remember the front office gal I mentioned?
Well, she was like the best hostess ever. She brought me coffee. And teased me with treats she would be bringing around later. It was nice to spend some time with my husband. It was all very relaxed and enjoyable.
My husband and I, still in good spirits, took joke pictures to send to his mom. He doesn’t do well in medical situations so we thought this photo, of him pretending to have passed out, seemed appropriate.
The dermatologist did round one. They laid me back, numbed me up and made an incision. It took just a few minutes. It wasn’t awesome, but it was manageable. They removed some cells and took them to their onsite lab to evaluate.
Just a little bit of cotton and tape were put over the incision while we waited to see what would happen next. We were told results would take about an hour so we just had to relax and wait.
Sweet, sweet lady. First my husband and I were brought warm cinnamon swirl bread from the front office gal. Then an hour later she came by with these abelskivers from Trader Joes! I loved this place! They really did their best to make you comfortable.
The doctor came in and said they needed to take more cells. For the second round they needed to do some cauterizing. I’m not going to explain it. It’s necissary but gross. But it made everything a little more real. Like, hold up, this isn’t just a little cut anymore.
They ended up going in to take more cells a third time before I was finally told they got all the area they needed. As it was now lunchtime, we were brought delicious sandwiches! I made a joke about when the masseuse would show up and was very seriously told 4:30pm!
But I wouldn’t be there that long. At this point, I just needed to be stitched up. So while the original red mark appeared to be very small, the cancer was actually much larger below the surface.
I was pretty ready to go home at this point. I had been sitting all day in the same chair.
The nurse laid me back and began prepping me for stitches. I got REAL nervous. The doctor explained that I would be getting two rows of stitches, one inside that would dissolve on its own, and one outside that I would have to get removed a week later.
When the doctor started stitching, I totally lost it. I started crying and they were so confused.
I was not in any pain but I think the magnitude of the procedure finally hit me and I was choosing to deal with all the emotion that I had repressed during the stitches.
I just couldn’t stop. I was a hot and sweaty mess. And then I saw how many stitches I had. Wait, what? From that small red mark?
I was given care instructions – keep that first dressing on for 48 hours without getting it wet, then change the dressing twice a day for a week. Wait, what? I couldn’t take a shower for 2 days? That would mean I’d be a few days unshowered for Thanksgiving…
That wasn’t in the plan! I had to come back in a week for stitches to be removed? I couldn’t exercise for a month? Well, that one I was totally on board with but everything else, a total shock.
Recovery
They didn’t give me any pain medicine and said I should only need a Tylenol. That first dressing was so big that I had trouble turning my head. The tape pulled like crazy and I was really uncomfortable. We got out of the doctor’s office around 2:30pm.
And headed straight to Toys R Us. Wait, what? Yup. Since I had no idea how invasive the procedure was, my plan was to head straight to the toy store to pick up a Christmas gift for my son that was starting to sell out.
My husband drove me. I think at that point he would have done anything to make sure I didn’t start crying again. In hindsight, I don’t think going to Toys R Us was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I got the toy and some other shopping done, but I was uncomfortable, exhausted, cranky and needed to be cozy in bed.
Because of the stitches from Mohs surgery, I couldn’t pick up my boys or lift anything heavy. I had not prepared for that. I hadn’t stocked up on food at the grocery store in preparation.
I hadn’t planned ahead for anything because in my head it wasn’t going to be a big deal (which is also how all the doctors treated it). This was the picture we sent the boys that first night. I didn’t want them to freak out or worry so I put on a happy face.
But I really felt more like this. I couldn’t sleep on my side because the tape pulled so much. It was hard to get out of bed without my neck muscles pulling.
I rolled into Thanksgiving dinner with no makeup on and 2 day old dirty hair (which I don’t do – it is NOT cute on me). I put clothes on but I would have much rather stayed in my pajamas.
That night I could take the dressing off for the first time and finally got my shower. I broke down again when I saw the stitches. I just wasn’t prepared. For any of this. The next day I was in a good deal of pain (mostly achey) and managed it with over the counter meds.
WARNING: AFTER PICTURE OF MOHS SURGERY STITCHES COMING UP!
Each day got a little easier. But I had to wear this gigantic dressing. I got a lot of looks. The tape was still pulling on my skin. It was hard to tell if the stitches hurt or if it was the tape.
So I was extra cautious and held my head in odd positions to baby my neck. I ended up super stiff and with headaches. So lame. And I became depressed. Self diagnosed, but still counts I think.
I didn’t want to go anywhere, I didn’t want to see anyone. All a sudden it had become a pretty big deal but most people didn’t even know about it. How do you ask for help or support when no one knows you need it?
It really wasn’t a big deal. The cancer can grow but not really spread anywhere. It is highly curable. So I was conflicted. I chose to spend a lot of time in bed. I left only when I had to.
The tape made my skin SO angry. I hated wearing the dressing more than anything else. Now, years later, my new dermatologist says most people react to the tape and are usually fine with the stitches.
If you are sensitive, be sure to let your doctor know in case there are other options they can use.
IF YOUR SKIN GETS IRRITATED BY REGULAR MEDICAL TAPE…
I just used these bandaids for the first time and they are AMAZING! I recently had stitches for 2 weeks and these were the only bandaids that weren’t awful on my skin! The stitches were above my knee near my inner thigh where the skin is thinner and sensitive. These bandaids were a dream! They were way better than sensitive skin bandaids.
You can also try this dressing tape if regular bandaids irritate your skin but this tape also irritated my leg when I tried it. It is better for tougher skin.
The day that I got the stitches out I was a wreck. I think I started crying before they even did anything. It wasn’t really that bad but it didn’t matter. I’m sure the office staff still talks about me and my crazy emotions.
Mohs Surgery Scar Pictures
At my check up, the doctor liked how the scar was looking so he put something called a steri strip on it. They glued it to my skin and it would fall off on its own in 1-3 weeks. When it fell off, I was to go back to the dressings again.
I did everything I could to make sure that steri strip stayed on so I didn’t have to put that awful tape back on.
It stayed on until my follow-up appointment about 3 weeks later. They removed it and were very pleased with the progress. They told me I didn’t need to use dressings anymore which was a dream come true. I was okayed to exercise. Eff that.
I am so grateful for my family for taking such good care of me. My husband was a trooper and was so strong. He comforted me, he let me sulk, he handled the boys. I really couldn’t have done it without him.
A very dear friend, Kayla, was a rock for me. She let me cry, she always knew what to say and she would just send me texts letting me know she was there for me.
But I also thank those people who would have been there for me had they known. I know there are many more people who would have dropped everything to help me if I had given them the chance.
My head was just so jumbled. I was in a pretty dark place for those couple of weeks.
This is how the basal cell carcinoma scar looked on Christmas (about a month after the Mohs surgery). I had minor (really minor) pain for a month or so. And because of the placement on my neck, sweaters would rub right there.
You can see how my basal cell carcinoma scar looked a year after this surgery in this post.
Thoughts on my Mohs Surgery Journey
Everything we go through is an experience. I think we go through life trying to be so stoic and act as if we are unflappable. But we are all vulnerable. It is okay to be scared of things that others might be fine with.
It is okay to call your friends up out of the blue and tell them you need them. And it is okay to spend lots of time at home in your pajamas watching Bravo if that is what you need to do.
The scar was kind of red and little puffy on one side for a little while. I had a follow up appointment in February and then was released and went on about my life.
I see my regular dermatologist every few months. We evaluate moles and other marks and talk through what we need to do about them.
I finally feel like I know what questions to ask about how we will handle these and other moles going forward. I always learn things I didn’t know about skin cancer before and I feel really good in his care. I feel like we have a plan and I have to rely on that.
I can’t say that I’m not worried about finding more or other types of skin cancer. But I am a little more versed in it now. It took awhile to not feel depressed. I told myself I could cry about stitches if I wanted to. And I could take as long to recover from these procedures as I wanted.
Since this Mohs surgery, I had to have multiple places removed and biopsies. Some have looked like regular moles. One was a purple mole that looked like my kid drew it on me with a marker.
For that one, they wanted to take a larger area to biopsy which would require stitches.
I convinced my doctor, instead, to do a punch biopsy. That biopsy came back with them wanting to take more action so I had to do an excisional biospy, that was pretty similar to Mohs surgery.
Which meant more stitches. That I cried through. I had even gone to my doctor for Xanax but my anxiety proved to be too strong. In all of this, I found out I’m pretty much a sissy when it comes to medical procedures. And I’m ok with that. I will just take each biopsy as it comes.
Related Post: Basal Cell Carcinoma Update and Excisional Biopsies
Have you ever had to have basal cell skin cancer removed with Mohs surgery? Skin cancer sucks. For real.
After the basal cell, I began the journey of having moles biopsied pretty regularly. Over my first few visits, the dermatologist evaluated my moles and skin (head to toe check!) and we’ve set about prioritizing what we need to focus on first.
For the first few years after the basal cell I was seen by my dermatologist every six months. But over the years it has slowed to about every 6 months. Find a dermatologist you like and talk to them about what your journey should look like.
If you are about to get the procedure, I wish you luck! However you are feeling is right. Sending best wishes!
I thought my experience was pretty crazy so I wanted to make sure to share it in case it would help someone else. And what I’m finding is that many of you have similar experiences.
If you’re looking for Moh’s Surgery pictures, hopefully, these will help you plan for your own procedure and know what to expect.
Thank you for sharing. I’m going to have mohs procedure done tomorrow and
reading this helped to let me know the feelings I had were okay. I have been putting on a brave face but I am nervous about this. They say it’s no big deal, it’s not the bad one. But it’s in my hairline at top of forehead so it will be visible. I do live to run and do my yoga so that’s upsetting that I can’t but understandable. All will be fine i hope but I’m glad I read this before I went to sleep…. I can sleep a little better. Thank you for sharing your experience!
I’m so glad you found it helpful. I hope everything went smoothly and you will heal up soon!!! XO!
Thanks for sharing the blog about Basal Cell Carcinoma with Mohs Surgery Pictures. It’s very helpful for understand.
My Husband had nose surgery and have 13 stitches in his head to this day you have to actually stare to see where the scars I guess it depends on the surgeon that you have I think my husband had one of the best in Baltimore Maryland
That is so good to hear! I also had a great surgeon! I just wished I would have known what the whole process looked like before I went in! I could have prepared a little bit more.
Hello,
Just a quick note to say hi and hope you are doing well. I just had my mohs surgery on my forehead a few days ago, and now that the incessant distracting throbbing has finally stopped, it’s been interesting to see how our experiences compare and differ.
I had the procedure done in the UK so cost was never an issue, thankfully. I know how lucky I am that I was referred to the specialist NHS hospital for this type of surgery, so while it was completely free for me, I was actually treated by doctors who work on Harley Street (the most prestigious area for specialist doctors in the UK when they do their private practice work).
On the other hand, there was no private waiting room or cinnamon buns!! We had about 6 patients in the waiting room plus partners, and just called into a treatment room to have the procedures.
Like you, before the treatment I found out several people I knew (or friends of friends) had basal cell experience and were all reassuring. That, combined with the initial consultations and descriptions – essentially that it was not the ‘bad’ cancer – meant I wasn’t at all apprehensive. As far as I was concerned, they just need to cut it off, It’ll be a bit of a boring day, and then I’ll be cured. Well, yeah, kinda…
This led to three problems. Firstly, I was completely thrown by the size and depth of the wound (35mm diameter, WAY bigger than the visible tumour). Secondly, I wasn’t prepared for the scarring I’ll be facing on my face; I’d originally been told it would either be a graft or a scar hidden in the hairline. Nope! Likely to be a vertical scar for almost the entire length between hairline and eyebrow. Thirdly, I didn’t expect the pain, since I thought it would be analogous to the biopsy just a little bit bigger.
Well, considering the size of the actual wound, it actually wasn’t *that* bad. The body is such a resilient thing, and over-the-counter painkillers helped. Still, certainly more than the biopsy. I had bled heavily then – so that’s really all I was envisaging for after the surgery.Not quite! Even with the painkillers, there was a constant throbbing for two days, stretching and weird sensations elsewhere on my forehead, eyebrow, and within hair. Also occasional photosensitivity and other sensations around my eyes. Everything was worse when lying down, so I had to sleep propped up, for no more than 4 hours at a time because I would wake up when the pain pills wore off.
All bearable, considering the trauma to the skin. But it would have been better if I’d been prepared. That’s why I decided I wil write a blog post about the experience rather than the diagnosis (which is all I’d been able to find online), and why I wish I’d found yours a little earlier. Interesting that I found this through Pinterest, not Google!
All in all, I’m still pretty upbeat about it, and hugely very grateful for the NHS to have sorted this all out for free within 4 months from urgent referral (I was at the doctor about something else entirely!) to treatment.
Just a little apprehensive about how the scar will look since I didn’t get to see the wound (or have a proper shower!) when the dressing was changed, as a nurse offered to do it for me. On her lunch break! Bless! But, in the scheme of things, I can’t complain. After all the tumour itself was unsightly, especially after the biopsy when it was more red and angry looking. Looking back at photos, it seems I’ve had it for 5 years: I just thought it was a scar from a spot and had no idea it had been quite so long! So, basically, if there’s a prominent scar, so be it, I’m just grateful it’s not a ‘bad’ cancer that’s been growing for five years! But if it is bad, I may qualify for laser surgery to help.
As the throbbing has started again I will go now; pretty good going as it’s been over 6 hours since my last painkillers. :)
Thanks again. Hope you are doing well.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m so sorry about the throbbing! (I get that with any kind of stitches!) I think they always try to make light of it to not freak you out before the procedure but I feel like that is such a disservice! Like you, I just want to be healthy, so the scarring isn’t too much of a problem for me. But it is crazy how little you know before going in! Hopefully others can find both of our accounts and find a little help in it! Wishing you a speedy recovery with minimal scarring! :)
Thank you so much for sharing your journey through surgery and recovery. I just had Moh’s done today, and I am 49 years old. I love to run, and thought I was being diligent about applying sunscreen, wearing a runner’s hat, and using sunglasses but skin cancer still developed. I have felt rather reflective, and quite foolish for using tanning beds in my 20s and 30s. Pursuing a “look” ultimately increased my risk of getting skin cancer. After reading your story, at least I know that I am not alone in thinking about how to change the way I spend my leisure time, and thinking of different ways to exercise or avoid the sun. I also feel a sense of loss in that I just won’t be able to do some things the way I used to. This is not just something that “they remove.” It is likely to recur, and I will have to change the way I dress on a daily basis for the rest of my life. Again, thank you for sharing. I no longer feel that I am alone in thinking that indeed life has changed.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I also love how fancy and modern your dermatologist’s office is as well – how nice! I had Mohs surgery about a year ago for a very similar looking basal cell but on my back…luckily my dermatologist seems to cut out more at first so he doesn’t have to go back and take more…maybe since my upper middle back was the spot where the basal cell was and the back is not easily seen – unless you are really into wearing backless dresses and tank tops. Luckily he had to go in only once and that was it. But like you had mentioned it was much more involved then I thought after all it was only a small basal cell. Surgery and recovery weren’t too bad and I like you had to get back to raising my two young boys and also work full-time, so hubby took over for a day or so while I laid around and rested then I was back to our busy life. I changed my lifestyle majorly after that – very vigilant with the sunscreen and invested a small fortune in sun protective clothing, hats, etc….Cabana Life, Coolibar and UV Skins are now my favorite places to shop. I also go more frequently for check ups at every six months. On my most recent visit last month – he saw an irregular mole on my back which was very close to where the basal cell was found and he biopsied it – came back moderately atypical and a few days ago surgically took it off – not Mohs but cut it out and have stitches now. Awaiting final biopsy to make sure they got clear margins so hopefully that will be it for awhile. Thanks again for sharing your story!
You are so welcome! I wanted to make sure that I shared so other people didn’t feel alone! Thanks for sharing your details. I have a few pieces from Coolibar but haven’t looked in to the clothing as much as I should! :( I hope your newest biopsy shows clear margins! XO!
Thank you for sharing your story! I was diagnosed with bcc on my forehead and am scheduled for Moh’s in a week. I have the same worries about a possibly having a large scar in the middle of my forehead. Thank you for your transparency.
I’m having mohs surgery tomorrow for a bcc on my check. I’m very emotional about it. I’m worried there will be a very large incision across my face. No one really understands my worry. Its pretty much shrugged off. Dreading it.
Good luck, friend! I’ll be thinking about you! Be brave but know however you react is right! It will seem way worse than you were thinking at first and then it will get easier. Let me know how it goes!! XO
I am having mohs in two days on my cheek for BCC that looked like pimple… totally worried about how large the scar will be given that its my FACE! really annoyed that my derm 3 years ago shot it off with liquid nitrogen thinking it was a kerotosis and then she retired…. next derm ignored it for a good 2 and a half years!
thank you for posts!
I’m so sorry to hear that you have to have Mohs! It’s so crazy that certain doctors ignore things! It really does show you that it is hard to find good doctors! I’m so glad they finally figured out what it was and that it will be taken care of. I hope your experience is easy and that you heal quickly! Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you so much for your response! I did have the mohs…but have have a side effect which is really upsetting. It’s been 4 days since and I’m having double vision in my left eye.. perhaps due to lidocaine injections or nerve cut or swelling…. have you heard of people having this?
It has been a year since I had Mohs surgery on my chin. The doctor cut a line below the lip and across the chin up trough the middle, forming a sideways H. Four weeks later had another site vertical on side of mouth. It is an event no one wants to go through, or worry about a scar. There was lots of swelling around the mouth for a couple of months . Now looking back, it is amazing as I don’t notice the two areas. I did a lot of massaging, about six months to a year. Vasoline was used often as well as Coco Butter.
Glad to hear that your scars are no big deal! I had acne scarring so I wasn’t that worried about scarring on my face but I know for some people it can be devastating! I think the massaging trick really helps! Hoping you never have to do it again!! Best wishes!
Thanks Sharon for writing about your experience and the emotional side of Mohs. You and the others who left comments have validated my feelings and I’m glad to know I’m not alone. I had Mohs surgery a week ago for a BCC right under my lower lip, stitches come out tomorrow. Jan, who used the term ‘face cancer’, captured the dreadful essence of this cancer diagnosis and treatment so perfectly. It seems like it should be a minor thing, but it’s not. My BCC was flesh-colored and slightly oval, less than a centimeter long, and on my chin about 1/8 inch from my lower lip. My previous dermatologist had dismissed it as a mole two years ago. The surgery itself is tedious, with the waiting and not knowing how bad it’s going to be. For me, there was the initial excision, then they went in one more time. They came back an hour later to stitch me up and it seemed like that took forever. I managed to hold it together and had told the surgeon to make sure my eyes were covered at all stages and not tell me what was going on. I am squeamish and did not want a play-by-play. Everyone in the office was so breezy and pleasant. When I was done, the woman at the front desk made my appointment for stitch removal and dismissed me with ‘Have a Nice Day’. I felt like smacking her upside the head. I mean , Really ? I went home and spent a painful night in tears and the Tylenol they suggested was not enough. I wanted something stronger, not only for the pain but to take my mind of the memory of the surgery, and worry about the scar and recovery.
The surgeon I went to follows the apparently unusual practice of leaving the bulky gauze pressure bandage on for the entire week until stitches come out. I have not seen the incision, the stitches etc, nor do I want to. As nearly as I can figure out, I have about a 2 inch incision in an L shape running across the outside edge of my lower lip and down my chin. It seems that these incisions to ‘repair’ the wound are much bigger then expected for everyone. My BCC was about the size of a peppercorn – at least it appeared that way from the outside. I do not plan to look at the wound tomorrow either. Am going to slap non-stick gauze smeared with ointment across it and tape it before I look in the mirror. Maybe it won’t be so disturbing to see in another month. I guess I am in denial – not ’embracing’ the situation at all. My husband, God Bless him, has been through Mohs 4 times and has been very stoic about it. Somehow having the wound on my own face is much more traumatic. And being a 65 yr old woman trying to hang on to my looks, it’s very hard to take.
I am very lucky to have been a healthy person, no major illnesses or hospitalizations or surgeries. I can definately say this is the worse thing I’ve been through medically. Its’ not even the pain, which subsided after the first day, but the other disturbing aspects of skin cancer on the face and neck. I have been in tears almost every day since the surgery. I will be reminded of the whole event and the high risk I carry for future skin cancer every time I look in the mirror now. Will my chin and lip ever look the same, will my mouth be crooked ? I feel like the next year will be measured in the progress of my scar becoming less noticeable. There will be anxious trips to the dermatologist multiple times a year. We got his one out – but will there be others and where ? No more spontaneous sitting in the sun on a nice day – sitting on the sunny front steps with the mail, grabbing a table in the sun at the outdoor café. Sunscreen must be reapplied for that. I always used a daily moisturizer with SPF15, but apparently it was not enough. Missing my old happy life and feeling old now. I should probably be writing this a few months from now with some distance on the situation, but this is what it feels like at one week for me. The best advice I got from friends was ‘Take care of yourself’. And that would be my advice to any one going through this. Pamper yourself, get a pedicure, indulge in a nap with the dog, stay away from things and people that stress you. Think that will all be part of my new life too, which is a good thing.
As someone who has had Mohs about 8-9 times on different parts of my face and neck (mostly the edges – hairline, etc. ) I think it is also important to remember that each time is something different and something new. One time the pain was so bad I had to take the next day off (which hadn’t happened before) and was still taking norco a week later. One time I was also very emotional. I don’t know why necessarily but they all hit you differently and that is OK. Even if it has been smooth the last time (or last few times), it might not be this time. Thank you for sharing and reminding us that we are allowed to be vulnerable and emotional and that we aren’t alone.
Thank you so much for sharing this perspective! I so appreciate it. You are so right. Every single time could be different. Such an emotional process! Wishing you a happy holiday!
I was just diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma on the tip end of my nose. My dermatologist wants to do Mohs surgery. My brother had Mohs surgery on his nose a few years ago. He said it was the worst experience he has ever been through. They did the procedure eight times before they got it all. He told me not to do it. Since his surgery he talked with an oncology nurse and she said there were other ways, non-invasive, like radiation or chemo creams. I can handle the fact I have basal cell, and even the fact that it might scar, but going through the procedure, awake, shots in the nose, etc. is what scares me. I faint really easy. Smells make me sick (cauterization). I made the appointment for the surgery, but have since cancelled it, and am going to go to an Oncologist to see if I can have chemo cream or radiation. If you had to do a Mohs again for another spot, would you do it? Thanks for sharing your story. I’m glad you are healthy and doing well. :)
Hi Joni, Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your story. I would absolutely do Mohs again if I need to. I trust my doctor fully. I’ve also had a really positive experience so far but I can totally understand where your brother is coming from. I would definitely check and see if there are other options for handling your diagnosis if you aren’t sure Mohs is right for you. The thing with basal cell is you never really know how big it is before you go in. My dermatologist that did the procedure also specializes in plastic surgery so I feel really comfortable with how he would handle treatment and anything else that needs to be done after. I would also see your regular doctor to see if there is anti-anxiety medication you can take before the procedure. It may help! The shots to numb the area are really no big deal (but I’m not afraid of needles). In the end, you want to make sure you get the cancer out that needs to be out. While it might not be something you want to do, it’s ultimately what might need to be done to keep you healthy! Which ever way you decide to go, I suggest asking questions the whole time. It’s such a common diagnosis and procedure for our dermatologists, sometimes they go through the motions and don’t make sure we are guided every step of the way (which we would all prefer!) Best of luck in whatever choice you make!!
Thank you for posting your experience. I’m having Mohs next week–very similar about an inch lower on my neck than your surgery. Your post has given me the most info on what to expect. Everyone is so busy saying that it’s no big deal that I didn’t know what kind of deal it was going to be. And I don’t want a scar. :(
Thanks so much for leaving a comment. I’m sorry that you have to go through that. :( It is very common, so I wouldn’t worry about complications or anything, but everyone’s stitches, scarring etc. is different. Just go in knowing you might want to take it easy the next few days. And be sure to talk to the doctor doing the stitches about your scar and how to care for it. And ask again at your follow ups. I’m not that worried about the scar, it’s not very noticeable BUT I have noticed it darken because I’m not using sunscreen on it like I should. :( Plus, later on, there is always the option to laser the scar to make it even less visible. But for me, I don’t need to go that route. You are going to do great!
Sharon,
You are one brave, brave woman baring your soul about your experience.
Thank you, thank you, & thank you again!
I’m currently going through this experience also. It’s absolutely normal, and o.k. that we are scared you know what less at the mere mention of cancer. I think we live in a society which would rather that people just soldier up, not feel their feelings, least not share them. Going through this experience at the moment myself, I’ve been met having to acomodate others (not going through it) and they being insensitive and completely uninformed about the procedures but with plenty of opinions.
Mine was just diagnosed as a BCC, and of course the derm wants to do Moh’s, which would involve an ENT to do the plastic surgery. I’m not totally onboard doing a surgery, especially not so fast from the time of diagnosis, as I still have too many questions, and am doing my research about this, before I decide to go under the knife!
I’m also using some natural protocol applying apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and baking soda. Have you heard of the eggplant remedy for skin cancer?
So glad that you are feeling much better about this,
and thanks once more!
Margeaux
Thank you so much for addressing the “emotional side” of having this procedure. I think it’s an often overlooked piece of this experience, and the numerous comments on your post show that others are facing similar struggles. One week ago I had a squamous cell carcinoma removed from the side of my nose. It literally looked like a small pimple, but in order to close the hole from the Mohs procedure, they had to stitch the entire length of my nose. From TOP to BOTTOM. I held back the tears until I got to the parking lot, but I cried for the entire rest of the day. And then four days later, on a Sunday, I pretty much cried all day again. At the seven day point I finally feel like I’m regaining a bit of perspective, but I’ve felt ashamed of my lack of bravery and my inability to shrug this off as “no big deal.” I want it to be no big deal, but the fact that it is front and center on my face, MY FACE!, feels like a very big deal. And yet, it’s hard to admit that I care so much about my face. Clearly there are so many worse things that could happen to me (or God forbid, my kids!), and I get that. At the end of the day, I have my priorities straight, but this also feels big and awful, and I really appreciate knowing that you likewise went through an emotional healing process in addition to a physical healing process. I hope you are doing well, and I thank you for sharing your story. You’ve obviously helped many others by being open with your journey, and I appreciate it.
I also had Mohs Surgery today on the side of my nostril. I too was told by people that it was no big deal. I was not prepared at all for the emotional side of this procedure. I cried like a baby while being stitched up, not from pain but the stress of what I was going through. Thank you all for sharing your stories. I’m a good patient, and I’m diligent at following all post surgery directions. I will get through this❤️
I’m so glad I found this post. I am having Mohs for a squamous cell carcinoma on Thursday. I am just trying to wrap my mind around the whole thing. Skin cancer is no big deal until you have it. Then it’s like, “I have freaking FACE cancer.” My rational part knows that it’s very treatable, and everything will be fine. The emotional part feels more verge-of-breakdown. I haven’t heard anyone else really talk about the emotional part, and so I’m really glad to read your story. It makes me feel less like I’m making a mountain out of a “mole” hill (see what I did there?). I want to keep it in perspective, of course, but I also think it’s ok to feel stuff, you know? (also…my daughter very correctly pointed out that mohs upside down spells show…so you know…if I go into the surgery suite and fall apart I will just remember it is all part of the show. I wonder if that’d make it better or worse?)
Thank you so much for this post. I had a BCC excision yesterday under my eye. Everything I read basically said, “As surgery goes, it’s nothing!” I am learning that it’s still surgery, and that is NOT the same thing as just saying “It’s nothing!” I was planning on coming home and making dinner and grading papers all evening. I did nothing of the sort! Your scar pictures also make me feel every so much better. My face may not be much, but I’m kind of used to it and am a bit worried that this 2-inch scar is going to be pretty bad.
It’s a common procedure, but not for someone that hasn’t had it before! I’m sure your scar will be fine, just give it time! Also don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for suggestions of things to do to make it heal better and faster. I’m sorry you had to have the procedure but glad it is over and you’re on the mend!
After reading about your first experience with the MOHS surgery and all the emotions you went through following, I finally feel that there is someone else out there that feels as I do. My journey has been long. I am on nine years. I have had close to 50 sites removed. Several have been by MOHs surgery. What you experienced are the same things that I have. I have a sensitivity to bandages, tape, gauze, etc. My skin becomes extremely irritated and is very painful. I don’t like to leave my house until I healed after surgery as I don’t like people staring or asking questions anymore.
I feel as though that people don’t think it’s a big deal or I’m faking it for attention. I even HAD a friend that couldn’t understand why I had this so often and I should just put lotion & get over it because I was missing too much fun. We don’t have much contact anymore because she is out on her boat or traveling to warm destinations to keep her tan on her leathery looking skin! We are 68 years & I just don’t have a need to be that vain.
It has been a long, lonely road this skin cancer journey and one I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I really feel alone. The only real support I have is my husband. He does a good job of taking care of me. I don’t like to discuss any of it with friends. They know it’s been going on for a long time and what can they say?
We like to be active and enjoy traveling. We have three very busy granddaughters that bring us so much joy and keep us busy going to all of their actives. My husband golfs, has a little part-time job at a golf course and I do volunteer work at our local hospital.
I you don’t experience what I have are able to enjoy many fun times with your children. Good luck to you!
I’m so sorry to hear your story about your friends not understanding. I have experienced a little bit of that but, thank goodness, not to that extent. I was laughed at last weekend for bringing a sunbrella on a boat with me. I hadn’t even opened it yet, but the fact that I had it embarrassed a friend. :( I’ve learned that my health is way more important than making some jerk happy so I will continue to do what I need to do to be out of the sun. But it’s not easy for some people to understand! I’m glad your husband is there for you! It can be lonely when people don’t stop to think about all that having regular screenings entails. It’s pretty stressful. Just continue to look for the positive in your life to get you through those hard times with skin cancer. Thank you so much for leaving a comment! Wishing you all the best!!