In my last post I mentioned that I had had minor surgery on my leg so I thought I would expand a little. It all started with a really dark mole on my left calf that looked suspicious to me. When the opportunity arose for a free skin cancer screening at work several months ago, I took advantage of it. The doctor said that while normally color alone is not cause for concern with a mole, this one WAS very dark and I should probably have a biopsy done. I put it off for a little while, then finally saw a dermotologist at the end of June. They did what they call a punch cut biopsy where they basically cut a hole in my leg that looked pretty awful for a couple of weeks. I have pictures but I'll spare you the grusome details.
When I went back for my follow-up they told me the lab results couldn't rule out melanoma but couldn't confirm it either, so they'd like to get more of it. I was pretty upset because the gaping hole already on my leg looked awful enough and I wasn't sure what to expect. But I ultimately decided to go through with it.
Fast forward to a week ago Friday. I had the surgery on my leg and wasn't given any indication of the amount of pain I would have afterward. Maybe I should have realized when the nurse told me she could "see your muscle" when they were in there. When the numbness from the surgery wore off...holy crap. I spent Saturday and Sunday limping around, and by Monday I could hardly walk. Let me say that I am not a wuss when it comes to pain. I swear. But this was by far the worst pain I've been in in my life. And of course, being pregnant, there is very little I can take in the way of pain medication.
Went back and saw the surgeon on Tuesday. He said I may have been getting an infection due to some drainage and the pain, so he prescribed an antibiotic. I ended up being off work last Monday-Thursday, using my precious sick leave that I was trying to hang on to for the end of my pregnancy. Long story shorter, over a week later I am still having a very hard time getting around. Had I known how badly this was going to hurt I would never have done it being 8-9 months pregnant.
Bottom line, sun worshippers - it's not worth it. I spent more time than I care to admit trying to tan my pale Irish self in tanning beds, and I am absolutely done. I wouldn't go through this again for a million bucks. Hopefully I will be on the mend soon because there is soooo much to be done before this little girl makes her debut! More on all of that coming soon!
Ugh Miller, that's awful!! I'm so sorry it's been so bad for you. I hope you're starting to feel better, it IS August ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd when you had your surgery, is that it? The mole is all gone? Or are they doing more testing. Hoping for your sake it's over and done with!!
From what I understood they cut everything they could out just in case. This surgeon is not the best communicator. They did send another sample out to the lab, so I'll ask when they get that report back. He said after the surgery, "Since we can't know for sure we just treat it as worst case scenario."
ReplyDeleteOh, MT, I am so sorry you've had to go through this, especially while pregnant.
ReplyDeleteI had a mole removed at my collarbone in college and it came back as pre-cancerous, so they had to go back in and basically dig a hole to get the rest of it, just in case. I decided right then and there that I did not care how pale and while my skin is. It is not worth it and I will tell that to anybody who comments on my complete lack of a tan.
Hope you heal up quickly!
MIller I'm so sorry you're feeling so crappy! That just sucks. I hope you feel all better by the time baby girl gets here!
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