The Importance of Scheduling a Dermatology Examination
By Tammy Pickle
Photo Credit: Courtesy Tammy Pickle
As someone with fair skin, I've always been diligent about scheduling my annual skin checks with a dermatologist. Over the years, I've had numerous moles and freckles examined, and some have required removal due to abnormal cells. During my most recent checkup, my dermatologist, Dr. Christine Cole in Thousand Oaks, noticed something on my forehead that I hadn't even realized was there and decided to remove it.
A few days later, I got a scary phone call from the doctor. The biopsy had come back, and it was basal cell carcinoma. I was crying on the phone with her as soon as she said the words, but I was also so grateful she had caught it early. Never had I heard a doctor tell me that I actually had skin cancer until now. She explained that I would have to have Mohs surgery to remove the cancer. After removal, they would examine the borders to ensure they were clear of any cancerous cells. If necessary, they would continue removing tissue until they achieved clean margins of healthy tissue. Following this, they would proceed to stitch up the area. While I've had procedures done before on quite a few areas like my back and ankle, having this on my face, particularly in the middle of my forehead, was a new experience.
Upon my dermatologist's recommendation, I was referred to two doctors within her practice who perform the Mohs procedure. After thorough consideration, I opted to use Dr. Andrew Kaufman in Thousand Oaks. I believed he had the greatest expertise in reconstruction, as my insurance didn't cover a plastic surgeon for the procedure. Following extensive research and a consultation with the doctor, I was impressed by his knowledge and felt confident in my decision to proceed with him.
In the days leading up to the surgery, I experienced a mix of nerves and anticipation. While I was anxious to have the cancer removed and begin the healing process, I couldn't shake off the feeling of nervousness. Despite knowing there's never an ideal time for such a procedure, I eagerly awaited the surgery date. I opted for the doctor's first available slot, and the two-week wait felt like an eternity. I arrived at the clinic bright and early at 7:00 a.m., much to the surprise of my kids who couldn't believe doctors worked at that hour.
After being called in, the doctor wasted no time and began the procedure. Although I wasn't entirely sure how much tissue was removed, I anxiously awaited as they tested it. There was a tense hour or so of waiting before they called me back in, thankfully informing me that they had successfully removed all the cancerous tissue. Despite the relief, I couldn't shake the nerves as they prepared to stitch me up. Once bandaged, I resembled a unicorn with my forehead adorned in pressure dressings, unable to catch a glimpse of what lay underneath. With a beanie on, I headed home, and followed the doctor's advice to ice the area.
The next morning, I carefully removed the sizable bandage from my forehead and took charge of cleaning and dressing the area on my own. I showed my boys, and we shared a laugh over my newfound “Harry Potter scar.” Although it turned out to be longer than I initially anticipated, the doctor had explained that he needed to stitch a bit larger to ensure better blending of the area. I trust him, but it's such a scary, unknown process. I’m an overthinker and a worrier, so these were some tough days for me wondering how the scar would heal in the middle of my forehead.
A week later, I had the stitches removed, and in their place, medical tape was applied for another week. Once the tape was removed, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the scar looked quite good. Following the doctor's recommendation, I began using a scar cream called BioCorneum. I was informed that it's considered the top choice for scar cream, believed to offer the best results in fading and promoting healing.
The lesson here is clear. Even if you don't notice anything unusual on your skin, it's essential to get regular checkups with a board-certified dermatologist. Your health depends on it. Also, protect your skin. Always remember to wear sunscreen and hats.
I didn't think anything was wrong, but my dermatologist caught something I never would have. While I now have a scar, catching it early prevented it from becoming a more serious issue. I wanted to share my journey to stress the importance of being proactive about your health and getting annual skin checks. Sending positive vibes and wishing Heart Of Hollywood readers health and happiness.
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