Like Your Nose?

[Southernroots]

Sorry, but that's the best way I could come up with to segue into talking about skin cancer!  My nose doesn't look exactly like it used to, because I had surgery and reconstruction a few months back due to basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer).  My nose doesn't look monster-like horrible now, but I do have a scar on it now. Most people barely notice it, but I do.

When I was a teenager, many light years ago, I basked in the sun trying to get my white skin to look tan and more appealing.  My doctor told me that all those sunburns I got caused my skin cancer.  Although I have worn sunscreen regularly for years, those sunburns I got many years ago finally caught up with me.

Trust me, having a doctor slice three times on my nose, and then reconstruction with tissue from my ear was not the best day of my life. The recovery and healing was not a picnic either.  I won't go into the gory details, but, it was really emotionally trying in many ways. Not only was my nose sore and funny looking for awhile, but my ear looked wonky too. I couldn't sleep on either for awhile, or exercise more than walking. Thanks goodness I didn't get a cold while I was healing!

Have I become a recluse who avoids the sun now? Nah, I can't stay out of the sun entirely. I am an avid bicyclist, and love to walk and hike. I also love to sit out in my yard and read, and being outside I am the happiest. BUT, I wear a hat now whenever I am out in the sun, use sun screen fanatically and am as cautious as I can be. If you like YOUR nose, face, arms, etc., I hope that you do what you can to avoid sunburn! You REALLY don't want skin cancer!

 

[doodlebopfan]

Sep. 2, 2010 at 7:35 AM

You went thru more than I did. I have several friends & relatives who have had their noses cut on for basal cells, but not to the extent of involving their ear. You really are an over-achiever! :)