It has been one week & my first shave!! Last Tuesday, I had a Squamous Cell removed from my right cheek. After 3 inch incision, the cell was removed, stitched up & glued & it amazing how fast I healed!! It felt good to shave (my wife will love it!!)
Now, PDT treatment in November, Basal Cell removal in December & another PDT treatment in January!
Did my cardio workout today - walk & jogged 3 mile & felt good! Heart rate to 112 & no PVC's!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
One Day After Skin Cancer Surgery
It has been 24 hours after surgery! The bandage is off & a 3 inch incision wound from my upper cheek, just below my right eye, down to a point between my chin & ear. It really does not look too bad! The main focus now is care for the wound & making sure no infection sets in.
The Squamous Cell is gone and now the focus will be the other spots on my face after all those years in the sun! Again, the game plan is:
October - follow up on the surgery yesterday
November - PDT Treatment
December - Basal Cell removal
January - 2nd PDT Treatment
The Squamous Cell is gone and now the focus will be the other spots on my face after all those years in the sun! Again, the game plan is:
October - follow up on the surgery yesterday
November - PDT Treatment
December - Basal Cell removal
January - 2nd PDT Treatment
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
New Adventure - Skin Cancer
I'm sitting at the doctors office ready for my surgery - removal of a "Squamous Cell"! My appointment is for 9 AM & the procedure may take from 3-5 hours depending on the extent of the cell.
The surgery is called - Mohs Surgery. They go in and remove the cancer cell layer, by layer. Take out a small section, analyze, and then go back again until there is not cancer left!
Here we go.........
OK, back from my first round! Less than one hour and feeling light headed! (This is always an issue for me, but it helps to be typing!) First, they took my blood pressure and all the normal nurse stuff. Doctor came in and started - seemed to last about 15 minutes.
First numbed the area. Then, the doctor drew a circle around the problem area. I heard a scrapping sound & a cutting sound, NO PAIN! The nurse then told me I would hear a few beeps & it felt like a burning feeling & sensation.
Went to the waiting room to wait for next step!
11:30 AM - Round 2 finished!
Had my second cut. Feel better, as far as light headedness! They found more and were concerned with more areas. Doctor was happy I was having PDT treatment & will be looking for more cancer areas. Will be going back again for more information in round 3!
The PDT Treatment will be on November 19th. Here is what I found out about PDT:
This will be another way to treat the problem areas!
1:30 PM - Finished - stitches & glue
Finished the process, stitched under the skin & glued above the skin. The incision was about 3 inchesin length. Will keep the bandage in for 24 hours & remove tomorrow! Anxious to see what it looks like! Of course, concerned about the incision, but hope for the best!
The doctor was a 1983 graduate of the school I taught at! It is amazing how many ex-students I have run into in my medical adventures!!
Here are the next steps:
1 - Oct 24th - Follow up for this procedure
2 - Nov 19th PDT treatment of entire face area
3 - Dec 16th - surgery for the Basil Cell
4 - Jan 7th - 2nd PDT treatment
The surgery is called - Mohs Surgery. They go in and remove the cancer cell layer, by layer. Take out a small section, analyze, and then go back again until there is not cancer left!
Here we go.........
OK, back from my first round! Less than one hour and feeling light headed! (This is always an issue for me, but it helps to be typing!) First, they took my blood pressure and all the normal nurse stuff. Doctor came in and started - seemed to last about 15 minutes.
First numbed the area. Then, the doctor drew a circle around the problem area. I heard a scrapping sound & a cutting sound, NO PAIN! The nurse then told me I would hear a few beeps & it felt like a burning feeling & sensation.
Went to the waiting room to wait for next step!
11:30 AM - Round 2 finished!
Had my second cut. Feel better, as far as light headedness! They found more and were concerned with more areas. Doctor was happy I was having PDT treatment & will be looking for more cancer areas. Will be going back again for more information in round 3!
The PDT Treatment will be on November 19th. Here is what I found out about PDT:
What is photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a drug, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular type of light. When photosensitizers are exposed to a specific wavelength of light, they produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells (1–3).
Each photosensitizer is activated by light of a specific wavelength (3, 4). This wavelength determines how far the light can travel into the body (3, 5). Thus, doctors use specific photosensitizers and wavelengths of light to treat different areas of the body with PDT.
This will be another way to treat the problem areas!
1:30 PM - Finished - stitches & glue
Finished the process, stitched under the skin & glued above the skin. The incision was about 3 inchesin length. Will keep the bandage in for 24 hours & remove tomorrow! Anxious to see what it looks like! Of course, concerned about the incision, but hope for the best!
The doctor was a 1983 graduate of the school I taught at! It is amazing how many ex-students I have run into in my medical adventures!!
Here are the next steps:
1 - Oct 24th - Follow up for this procedure
2 - Nov 19th PDT treatment of entire face area
3 - Dec 16th - surgery for the Basil Cell
4 - Jan 7th - 2nd PDT treatment
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Results Are In - Basal Cell & Squamous Cell - Skin Cancer
The last few years have been eventful! Open Heart By-Pass Surgery! PVC's in my heart! Ultrasounds for Liver & Spleen! A broken tooth & new bridge for my dentist! And now, a new venture, the BIG C!
I always was one to "burn" in the sun. As a kid, especially while coaching for over 30 years, and just being outdoors! RED FACE & SUN BURN! Now, at age 60, the results are a battle with skin cancer.
Fortunately, I do not think it is that bad! Here is what I learned today.
One mark is "Basal Cell". The other "Squamous Cell". The information seams to point to removal without to much of a problem. Take a look at the website I have marked for more information. The procedure that is most often used is called "Mohs Surgery" (this surgery is used for both Basal & Squamous Cells)
The numbers are interesting! They say about 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer in their lifetime! (Any lottery I didn't want to win!) Another good number is 99% cure rate! I like that one!!!
Next week I find out when we will schedule surgery and more on the type of surgery I will have!
Stay tuned as we learn together! There is more battles ahead for this 60 year old!! And I'm sure, if you are ready this blog, you have stories too!!
I always was one to "burn" in the sun. As a kid, especially while coaching for over 30 years, and just being outdoors! RED FACE & SUN BURN! Now, at age 60, the results are a battle with skin cancer.
Fortunately, I do not think it is that bad! Here is what I learned today.
One mark is "Basal Cell". The other "Squamous Cell". The information seams to point to removal without to much of a problem. Take a look at the website I have marked for more information. The procedure that is most often used is called "Mohs Surgery" (this surgery is used for both Basal & Squamous Cells)
The numbers are interesting! They say about 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer in their lifetime! (Any lottery I didn't want to win!) Another good number is 99% cure rate! I like that one!!!
Next week I find out when we will schedule surgery and more on the type of surgery I will have!
Stay tuned as we learn together! There is more battles ahead for this 60 year old!! And I'm sure, if you are ready this blog, you have stories too!!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
From Heart Doctor to Liver Doctor to Dermatologist!
The journey of health for many people takes news twists & turns! Some are very boring, your born and then you die. (MOST ARE NOT THAT WAY!) My new venture was undertaken last year and continues. Here is the latest.
Last summer I decided to visit a dermatologist. Mostly, because stuff was growing on my face that looked weird. After my first visit, my Dermatolgist, Dr. Mueller, started to work on the objects that decided to pop up on my face!
She froze a couple of things & suggested Picato Gel to be placed on areas attacked by the sun! This would help attack the - Actinic Keratosis. That was last year.
Today, I had my first "total body" check! This was the first time in almost 40 years I had another women's hands ALL OVER my body! Of course, first was my mother, then my beautiful wife Sue, 40 years ago! Well, it felt different this time around!!!
The body looked good!(At least the idea that I had no crazy growths or skin issues!) But, Dr. Mueller still had some concern about the areas around the face. She took two biopsies and will have me back in November for a new treatment!
More to come!
Last summer I decided to visit a dermatologist. Mostly, because stuff was growing on my face that looked weird. After my first visit, my Dermatolgist, Dr. Mueller, started to work on the objects that decided to pop up on my face!
She froze a couple of things & suggested Picato Gel to be placed on areas attacked by the sun! This would help attack the - Actinic Keratosis. That was last year.
Today, I had my first "total body" check! This was the first time in almost 40 years I had another women's hands ALL OVER my body! Of course, first was my mother, then my beautiful wife Sue, 40 years ago! Well, it felt different this time around!!!
The body looked good!(At least the idea that I had no crazy growths or skin issues!) But, Dr. Mueller still had some concern about the areas around the face. She took two biopsies and will have me back in November for a new treatment!
More to come!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
My Liver Doctor is HAPPY With My Test Results!
When I saw my results I was happy. Then I visited my doctor and she was happy!! What is next?
In 3 months -
Another Blood Test
Another Ultrasound
Another doctor visit
So, what is my game plan?
1 - Continue to lose weight - lost 11 pounds - try for 10 more!
2 - Continue South Beach Diet
3 - Continue Exercise Program
In 3 months -
Another Blood Test
Another Ultrasound
Another doctor visit
So, what is my game plan?
1 - Continue to lose weight - lost 11 pounds - try for 10 more!
2 - Continue South Beach Diet
3 - Continue Exercise Program
HAPPY LIVER!!!!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Visit With My Liver Doctor!
Today is my visit with my Liver Doc - Gastroenterologist! I had a chance to view my blood work before my appointment today and the two areas of concern look better!!! Here are my two blood tests with the dates taken:
Hepatic Function Panel
Component Reference Range Date - 3/18/13 Date 8/9/13
AST (SGOT) 13-40 U/L 64 34
ALT (SGPT) 7-52 U/L 121 47
Hepatic Function Panel
Component Reference Range Date - 3/18/13 Date 8/9/13
AST (SGOT) 13-40 U/L 64 34
ALT (SGPT) 7-52 U/L 121 47
AST (SGOT)
AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is 1 of the 2 "liver enzymes." It is also known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, or SGOT. AST is a protein made by liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, AST leaks out into the bloodstream and the level of AST in the blood becomes higher than normal. AST is different from ALT because AST is found in parts of the body other than the liver--including the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. When cells in any of those parts of the body are damaged, AST can be elevated.
Explanation of test results:
A high AST level often means there is some liver damage, but it is not necessarily caused by hepatitis C. A high AST with a normal ALT may mean that the AST is coming from a different part of the body. It is important to realize that the AST level in most patients with hepatitis C goes up and down. The exact AST level does not tell you how much liver damage there is, or whether the liver is getting better or worse, and small changes should be expected. However, for patients receiving treatment for hepatitis C, it is helpful to see if the AST level goes down.
ALT (SGPT)
ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, is 1 of the 2 "liver enzymes." It is sometimes known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT. It is a protein made only by liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, ALT leaks out into the bloodstream and the level of ALT in the blood is higher than normal.
Scroll over image to see an animation of liver enzymes leaking into the blood.
Explanation of test results:
A high ALT level often means there is some liver damage, but it may not be related to hepatitis C. It is important to realize the ALT level goes up and down in most patients with hepatitis C. The ALT level does not tell you exactly how much liver damage there is, and small changes should be expected. Changes in the ALT level do not mean the liver is doing any better or any worse. The ALT level does not tell you how much scarring (fibrosis) is in the liver and it does not predict how much liver damage will develop.
http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/patient/diagnosis/labtests-ALT.asp
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