My Fall Vacation: Mohs Surgery

In October I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on my nose. Last week I learned I also had basal cell carcinoma, while I was having it surgically removed. Good news! That’s it — don’t need drugs or chemo.

Back in 2020, I wore 3M Aura N9205+ masks I had on hand. Its interior nose wire is cushioned by gray foam. After a couple days I saw a little spot on my nose when I took the mask off: I assumed my twitchily-sensitive skin was reacting to the foam.

( Details of skin cancer diagnosis )

Gross Poses Mohs Nose

As detailed in "My Fall Vacation," overview post, I had Mohs surgery last Thursday to remove a wee cancer on my nose. This entry contains photos during and after that operation. There’s blood and stitches — proceed at your own risk.

truly gross photos inside here

( medical gore inside )

Wound healing protocols have changed since I was little. Now I’m told to keep the wound covered in vaseline, and to not bandage it unless I have to.

I’m uncertain whether my healing face would perturb folks in public. Adding bandages might make it easier for folks who get queasy seeing surgical results. On the other hand, I’m a "let your freak flag fly" kinda person. What do you think?