Some Interesting News

We might have figured out a major factor that has led to Jim's skin cancer.  Last week, his dermatologist requested that Jim visit his G.I. doctor to discuss discontinuing his Crohn's medication.  This med comes with a strong warning about increased sensitivity to the sun and much higher risk of sunburns, even after just a short amount of time in the sun.  Thankfully, Jim's G.I. doc was able to work him into his busy schedule today.  

Jim has been with this doctor for well over a decade.  He has always been a blessing to us - from helping me understand this disease that had sent my new hubby to the hospital, to overseeing his resection 9 years ago, to the continued care in the years since that surgery.  We have always felt extremely confident that Jim has received the best possible care for his Crohn's.  True to form, his G.I. began researching Jim's situation, medication, and history, as soon as his latest medical files crossed his desk.  He believes, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the medication Jim has been on for quite some time is the cause of the skin cancer.  The research he did concluded that long-term use of this medication can lead to skin cancer.  Starting today, Jim is discontinuing that medication.  It will stay in his system for about three months, so hopefully his Crohn's disease will handle the change well.  In addition to monitoring his Crohn's symptoms carefully during this time, Jim will also have to be extremely vigilant about sun exposure as those side effects will also take time to wear off.  I suppose his wife's extra nagging has been appropriate!  And, that sun hat he bought years ago is suddenly no longer hideously unattractive. :)

We have not heard from Jim's dermatologist regarding the latest two biopsies.  While it absolutely stinks to wait, it doesn't necessarily mean bad news.  Jim did learn his dermatologist is out of the office this week, so we cannot read anything into the length of time for results.  She is scheduled to return Monday.  Hopefully we will hear something soon.  In the meantime, his biopsy sites are healing well. 

The spot near the base of Jim's thumb is one of his most recent biopsy locations.

Jim's hands 5/1/14