On June 15th, 2009 dermatology did the following:
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First deadened and then did a biopsy on my upper right shoulder.
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Then deadened and did a biopsy on my inner right leg by the shin bone.
The results were melanoma on my shoulder and a type of cancer on my leg that probably wasn't dangerous. At one point they said the type on the leg was like a mole or fungus type but sometimes, one or two percent did attack a lymph gland so better safe than sorry, surgery!
On August 20th, 2009 the doctor was a very nice woman about 40 and her lead doctor was in her 50s, both excellent doctors. The younger one did the surgery on my leg for about half an hour making sure she had all the cancerous areas cut out. Every ten minutes the main surgeon came in to supervise and to ensure the surgery was completed to her satisfaction.
Then the doctor spent about an hour working on putting in the sutures! The lead doctor came in several times and said it was a fantastic job! I told them my doctor wondered if I had poor circulation in my legs as the sore on my leg didn't heal for over a year. Of course it was cancerous. Both doctors had a good laugh, they said I had some of the best blood circulation in my legs they had ever seen. They had to repeatedly cauterize the blood vessels to stop the flow of blood.
They only did a scrape on my shoulder and cauterized it, a simple way to do away with any melanoma spots. I came home and felt fine but the next morning I could hardly walk as the stitches were so tight it hurt. I was told to keep my leg elevated for four days so today is the first day I have been up and walking around. These are a few photos of my surgery if you feel like seeing a five inch scar on my leg!
On September 3rd, 2009 the doctor took out the stitches and put small tape sutures on the surgery to keep the skin connected while healing. There was a slight infection in one small area so I was advised to keep it clean and bandaged and will return on the 24th for a final check up before I leave for my San Diego and Cabo San Lucas cruise!
The doctor's had a good laugh as the nurse really packed my leg with bandages!
The first time I saw the 'ugly' scar and how big it is!
My bandaging was slightly smaller in time!
The scratch and cauterize method on the upper arm!
On September 3rd, 2009 the doctor took out the stitches and put small tape sutures on the surgery to keep the skin connected while healing. There was a slight infection in one small area so I was advised to keep it clean and bandaged and will return on the 24th for a final check up before I leave for my San Diego and Cabo San Lucas cruise!
Created by: Charles W. Buntjer
Published on: 2009.08.24
San Francisco, California
Updated on: 2009.09.07