Third Time's a Charm!

Guess what????

Jim ended up having his third surgery on his left hand today.  Let's hope that is all for that poor hand!  He had a new spot come up quickly between his ring and middle fingers.  The nurse had noted it when Jim was in last and the dermatologist shared her concern.  The cancerous spot on Jim's right hand, the one we thought he was having surgery on today, was similar in size and shape as the last time the doctor examined it.  Since it hadn't grown and the spot on his left hand came up so quickly, it looked like operating on the left hand again was the best choice.

Third Surgery 7/28/14

Third Surgical Location - 7/28/14

This new little bugger was indeed cancer, damn it!!!  In all, that makes five known cancerous spots on his left hand and one on his right.  Fortunately, the doctor was able to get clean margins with just one scoop.  As Jim's awesome luck would have it, closing up the surgical site did require another skin graft.  Can I throw out another damn it???!!!  The doctor again took skin from inside Jim's left bicep, using the exact same location as before, leaving him with just one scar there.

In addition to the surgery, the doctor froze two curious spots on Jim's left hand and four on his right, including the known cancer by his thumb.  At this point, another surgery has not been scheduled to address that cancer.  His doctor is going to see how it responds to the freezing and then decide the best course of treatment.  

Jim's right hand after freezing. 7/28/14

The cancerous spot on Jim's right hand after freezing.  7/28/14

Right now, Jim is in the good zone... the time when his hand and arm are both still numb and he can relax.  Just like the last two times, Jim left surgery tired and starving.  So, the boys and I treated him to a little lunch.  For now, he is doing great.... we'll see what the next few hours bring.  Typically, the evening of his surgery is the very hardest, but we are ready to go and he is staying ahead on his pain management.  

Post Surgery Pain Management - 7/28/14 

So.... Any News??

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our friends and family who are following our journey.  Jim and I both have received a few inquiries about how things are going.  We so appreciate your caring and concern, thank you.  Truthfully, we have been enjoying some summertime fun (with the hats, long sleeves, gloves, sunscreen, and as much shade as we can find) while enjoying a little reprieve from the dermatologist's office.  Jim's last surgery has been healing well, including his worrisome graft site.  Such great news!

So, right now, there isn't a lot to tell.  As much as he can, Jim has been babying his hands and keeping them out of the sun.  His next surgery is scheduled for Monday, July 28th.  We anticipate that surgery will be on his right hand.  As of now, there is only one confirmed spot of cancer at the base of his right thumb.  That being said, there are a few spots on both hands that are concerning to us.  When Jim had his stitches removed almost two weeks ago, the nurse indicated there are a few new spots on his left hand that will probably need to be addressed at some point, too.  Our hunch is that Dr. Sears will go ahead with operating on the known cancer on Jim's right hand, biopsy any concerns on his right, and schedule a later time to look at any further spots on his left.  This will be the first surgery on his right hand.  Jim is still taking the oral medication that is kind of causing his skin to peel or shed.  This process is supposed to help him slough off the precancerous spots, so the doctor can find the cancer easier. 

Thank you for checking up on us and wishing us well.  It has definitely been an interesting summer, but overall we are doing great.  I anticipate posting a surgery update early next week. 

Jim's Hands 7/20/14

Jim's Left Hand 7/20/14