Boo.

So I got the results back from my biopsy.  This photo I took on the day of the biopsy.

To tell you the truth, I didn't want to go to the Dermatologist because a part of me knew it was bad news.  Dumb huh?  Well, my inner compass KNEW I had to go so I didn't put it off for too long.  And as suspected the two spots I had questioned, did need to have a biopsy.

A biopsy means while you are in the office a cute PA tells you in a sweet voice she "needs to take a small piece of my flesh and send it to pathology ... and here comes the needle."  I was brave.  I'm a wuss about these things.  And I was brave.  Twice.

And then you wait for nearly two weeks.  And they told me "if it is nothing, you will get a postcard in the mail ... otherwise you will get a phone call."  And on Wednesday, I got a phone call.

It was confirmed that I do have two spots of Basal Cell Carcinoma.  In the world of skin cancers, this is the one to have.  Although I suspected this would be the result, there was that faint worry that the word Melanoma could be uttered, and that is scary business.  Although I would have preferred the results to have come back "normal" I'm relived in some way that it is BCC and "easily" cared for and handled.

But I still can't shake the feeling that I have cancer ... on my face.  And then there is that prideful matter of scarring.  OH and that part about having a surgery where they remove layer by layer by layer until it is completely gone.

But the lemonade from this lemon?  It CAN be fixed.  They CAN get it all.  I CAN live normally.  So many cannot. SO many get a call of devastating news after what seems to be a routine biopsy.  And for these things, I am so grateful.

Here is a photo of my face today.  That spot is THE spot on my face.

I'll document the process (duh?  I document everything!) and continue to share here.  Next week I will have the one on my shoulder removed and on February 15th, the one on my face.  They offered me a spot on Valentine's Day, but I politely declined. :)

I'd appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers!

OH.  And by the way, if you have something you are worried about GET IT CHECKED OUT!!  Consider that your PSA for the day.

Comments

[Molly @ the F-spot]

Sara! I still read your blog! :) I squeeze it in and am often on my phone and can't comment. But I'm here with you!! Thank you for your wonderful update and pictures!

I am so glad you took yourself seriously and made the appointment. You are so right to find the lemonade in the lemons - it could be much worse!

I am sending every good vibe I have your way!! Much love, too!

[melanie]

so glad you went and got it looked at. keeping you in my prayers. :)

[monica]

Good for you for getting it checked out and staying on top of things!! Skin cancer terrifies me. I think it's because I know I'm predisposed due to my fair skin. Many prayers. xoxo

[lauren]

i am very happy to hear that you went to get your spot checked out, sara! a few years back, i sat with my mom while she had skin cancer removed from just above her lip and it certainly left an impression on me. i now have an interesting spot in the corner of my eye and i really need to get to the derm.
scars help tell our story and thankfully, yours is one of strength and lots of life to come! :) *

[Krista]

Good girl for going in. So sorry about the diagnosis. My BFF had this done on her nose a few years ago. So scary. I will be praying that it is quick procedure for you. Sending some CO love your way.

[mama]

SO glad it's BCC and not something more serious! To prepare yourself, you might want to go back in time to the fb pictures of my MOHs procedure on my forehead. Of course the area will be anesthetized and you don't really feel it, but when the bandage comes off, it can be a shock! I pray that it's not deep and your Dr. is as fantastic as mine and little scarring will result!

[gabby]

love you, friend.
will be praying for you.
and i'm SO glad you went in. i go every year and have had quite a few biopsies done. scares me every time.
xoxoxo.