Misdiagnosis by rheumatologist creates environment for growth of basal cell carcinoma

When I told the rheumatologist that I was going to seek a second opinion about the growing spot on my scalp he responded with, “People don’t usually see a rheumatologist and a dermatologist”. “We’ll, I am,” I asserted. The dermatologist was horrified when he saw the condition of my scalp! “You should have seen me 4 tears ago!” Ugh.

I required 12 hours of Mohs surgery in one day to remove the basal cell carcinoma that had grown under my scalp. My scalp was removed, the size of a raspberry beret, and I now look like a monk from Princess Bride. The plastic surgery was extensive and I have a 10x12 inch scar where the skin was taken off my thigh and put on the top of my skull. No hair will grow back since the scalp was removed. It was traumatizing to my husband and adult daughter who took care of me. I looked like I had been scalped.

It has now been four years since and I can now laugh at some aspects of the experience. My daughter posted this picture on my Facebook page the night after my plastic surgery. I love it because it captures my primary recovery strength- my sense of humor!! I laugh at myself out loud and frequently!!! Also I have to say that I look better in my wig than I ever did with my hair!! I look younger and people tell me all the time how they love my hair!!! You just have to laugh!!!!