Today was Emily's procedure to remove a squamous cell carcinoma from the left side of her nose. Her sister Joyce came down from Knoxville and spent the night with her, took her to the doctor, stayed with her during the procedure, and brought her home. Mom was really glad to have her come for a visit and to help out with this appointment and is having a really good visit with her.
The procedure went very well, but took all afternoon. She was at the doctor from 1:00 until about 4:30 or 5:00. The Mohs procedure is a more refined procedure than the older more dramatic excisions which used to be common procedure. The Mohs examines the excised tissue under a microscope and directs the next cut by showing where there are clear margins and where cancer tissue is still in the site. Only when there are clear margins all around does the doctor stop. It is designed for tissue preservation and is especially used in facial areas. Emily had the primary excision, and one more which left clean margins all around. She described the amount and size of the area taken as about the size of a pea. She was given a choice of sutures or allowing it to heal as is When she asked the doctor for his opinion, he recommended the sutures. Her nose is swollen but she is not uncomfortable.
In the meantime, she has had a wonderful visit with Joyce, and Alan and Lynn visited for a take out chinese dinner this evening.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment