ED&C Number 4

basal cell removal

On Wednesday I had my fourth Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED&C) performed to remove the basal cell carcinoma from my right arm - my 20th skin cancer surgery to date. As I have posted in the past, the dermatologist scrapes off the top layer of cells with a curette until healthy cells are revealed. Then an electrocautery device is used to apply small amounts of electricity to the treated surface to burn away any remaining cancer cells. This is performed as a less invasive cancer removal option.

As with every time, they bandaged the spot before I left. And as with every time, the skin in the area broke out in a rash due to my adhesive allergy. You technically don't need a bandage for the wound, but since I have to keep vaseline on it for two weeks, the bandage protects my clothes and sheets.

Today my arm is feeling sore and a little warm in the area of the excision. I have it totally uncovered except for the vaseline. I am a little concerned that it is getting infected. I'll keep an eye on it and call the doctor if necessary. Only once before has a skin cancer surgery resulted in an infection, so I guess I have been pretty lucky. I pray that my luck will hold in this case as well.

feeling lucky

While at the office I had the doctor treat two sun damaged spots on my lower lip with liquid nitrogen. She had done this once before in July of last year, but the spots came back. Does that ever hurt when she zaps them! So far they have not turned into large blisters like they did last time, but instead have gone directly to the draining stage. Hopefully this time will do the trick.