Another "bump in the road"

As usual, just when things are going great, we are faced with the reality of our lives as they are today.  As I have told you, Lee has been having many eruptions of skin cancer on his face, neck and head.  For the past two years it has been a constant battle for his dermatologist to try to stay ahead of this.  Unfortunately, one was especially mean and got ahead of all of us in spite of all that has been done.

On Friday this past week, Lee and I spent the day @ the MOH dermatology clinic at Duke.  This was to remove a large squamous cell cancer on his upper forehead.  Finally after being there from 8:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. we were told that all of the cancer had been removed.  The bad news was that he had to almost be scalped to get it all, creating the necessary skin graft that will be done on Wednesday of next week.  His head is ensconced in multiple layers of bandages (resembling that of Saudi- Arabian Sheik).  The bandage is there to cover the 4 x 4" crater left on top of his head.  I would send you a picture but don't want everyone to faint!

I must admit that when the doctor asked me if I would be alright looking at his incised area, I told him I would be fine since I was a well-seasoned operating room nurse.  Imagine my surprise when all I could see was Lee's eyes looking at me under this huge crater that was bleeding and had bone underneath exposed!  I was not alright!  I was very upset!  I thought the area would be about 1/4 the size I was looking at.  I held Lee's hands in front of me as he was sitting in that chair and asked him if he was doing O.K.  He assured me he was just fine!  With that, I excused myself from the room, went back to the waiting area that was now empty, sat down and began to cry!  I got it all out before Lee came out with his new dressing.

The good news is that the doctor said he was 100% sure he got all the cancer that was there.  During surgery next week, the lymph nodes will be examined.  Lee is a real trooper and takes all this in stride while I, on the other hand can imagine all possible scenarios and/or complications!

We are leaving in the morning for an appointment with the surgeon, to discuss the upcoming surgery on Wednesday.  Lee will be in the hospital for several days after the surgery and we have been advised that the surgery will last 4 -7 hours.  We have notified the lung-transplant team and will also have consult with them.

So..........there you have it.  Busy time.  Spent the Easter week at the beach, then to Duke and now back to Duke for at least another week.  Will keep you updated.

More Later.................................Brenda



S