Don't Do This

Tomorrow, I'm having Mohs surgery on my scalp for basil cell cancer. It's the second time I've dealt with this type of cancer, but the first time for Mohs surgery, since my scalp is involved, and there's not much meat to trim away.

The last surgery for the cancer was on my cheek. Since there was plenty to carve, the dermatologist cut out a chunk around a quarter inch wide by an inch long. How deep they went I don't know, but it required several stitches.

Curious about the procedure, I looked it up and learned it requires removing small sections of skin, until microscopic examination shows there are no cancerous cells. Since it only requires deadening the area for the surgery, I'll be awake for the procedure, which lasts until it's done. How long will that be? Until it's done, and I'm hoping it won't take long.

Now for the reason for the title: Don't go looking for photos of the aftermath of the procedure on the internet, if you're to have this procedure. Not only are some of the photos ghastly, the amount of skin removed indicates some people had to have major reconstructive surgery to not look like something from a horror movie.

So, now I'm sufficiently concerned, and will be nervous when they start. Without any feeling, they might literally scalp me before it's finished....maybe they'll give me a sedative. I think I'll ask.