Basal on nose
I had a small open sore on my nose that wouldn't heal 3 months ago. I went to oncology, who did a complete skin check a month prior to that, and at that time, everything looked fine. She prescribed Fluorouracil, thinking this was cancer. I used it for 2 weeks and the sore got infected. She took me off the cream and put me on an antibiotic. It scabbed over and finally healed. She then referred me to a dermatologist. I thought I was in the clear because it healed and looked normal. Well, she didn't like what she saw, something about the veins. She did a biopsy and it showed all 3 kinds of basal cell. I was told it might have been there for as long as 10 years. Well, I am scheduled for Mohs surgery in a few weeks, and I am terrified of losing much of my nose. I plan to see a plastic surgeon after the surgery. That's my story for now. I can follow up after the procedure.
Hi
- thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I'm so sorry to hear that you have to go through surgery. I completely understand why you would be terrified - there is a lot of unknown about the healing process! I wanted to share a few stories/articles from our health leaders about Mohs surgery, specifically on and around the nose, that may be helpful to read as you prepare for your surgery: https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/mohs-surgery-face, https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/surgery-nose, https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/squamous-cell-carcinoma-nose, https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/bandaging-nose. Sending positive thoughts your way - please keep me posted on how the surgery goes or if I can share any other resources with you! All the best, Alexa (SkinCancer.net moderator) Hi Alexa,
I had my basal cell Mohs nose surgery 2 days ago. She had to cut 3 times to get clear margins. From there I went to a plastic surgeon, who did a flap closure from the bridge of my nose. Six hours and about 16 stitches later, I headed home. Three hours later, I had blood running out of 3 stitched areas. It wouldn't stop. We called emergency doctor on call and he said to use ice. After a while it slowed down, then finally stopped. What a scary episode!
So now, 2 days later, I have a very ugly swollen, red, stitched, nose and black eye.
I'm hoping in a few months, I will look normal again.
This whole process was quite intense for me.
Thanks for listening to my story.
BuckeeOh my - that sounds incredibly scary. I'm so sorry to hear that was your Mohs experience! How is the pain? Has your doctor provided any tips for the healing process? While I'm sure this experience was awful, I want to recognize how brave and strong you have been throughout the whole process! Surgery is never easy, especially when there are complications, but you did your very best to get through it. I hope you are able to rest these next few days and that the healing process is quick and smooth. Please send updates on how you're doing! -Alexa (SkinCancer.net moderator)
The worse part now is blowing my nose. Tylenol helps with most of the discomfort at this point. My nose is swollen and red and I have a black eye. I was told to use vasoline or Neosporin twice a day and keep it open.
I go back in 4 more days to have stitches removed....about 16 of them.
BuckleeThat sounds very uncomfortable, but I'm glad the Tylenol is helping. I hope all goes well with getting your stitches removed! All the best, Alexa (SkinCancer.net moderator)
