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