Surgery and the Stats

Jim received a call today from the nurse at Dr. Sear's office.  Unfortunately, this latest biopsy was also positive for squamous cell carcinoma.  Mohs surgery is scheduled for October 1st.  We're not really sure why the docs feel surgery is a better option than the chemo cream, but our hunch is that it has to do with the location, tenderness/discomfort Jim had been experiencing, and how quickly it popped up.  

Jim and I were talking stats today.... so here they are:
*This will be surgery #4.  (This will be the first for his right hand.)
*All total, Jim has had 8 confirmed spots of SCC.
*Jim has endured 10 biopsies thus far.
*I have said the "f-word" 14,783 times with reference to cancer.

While I have been mumbling some of my very finest profanity and sulking a bit, Jim is amazingly positive... so annoying!!!  To pull me out of my slump, we also counted some blessings.
*We both know that he is going to get through all of this.  
*Jim has an amazing team of medical professionals working with him.  
*Between the VA and his private insurance, this has not presented a financial problem for us.
*We have an incredible network of supportive family, friends, and coworkers.
*Throughout this entire journey, Jim's work has been completely supportive and understanding of his appointments, surgeries, and post surgical limitations.
*We have two amazing boys who are doing great.
*Vicodin and Fireball..... that is all.      

What's up with Jim?

The answer?  Jim is ok.  His left hand has healed well and is gaining in strength.  He still has some limited ability in movement and won't be lifting weights anytime soon, but otherwise he is ok.  

As for his right hand, Jim is scheduled to start using the chemo cream in October.  Due to the huge need to keep his hand out of any type of sunlight during treatment, both of his dermatologists felt waiting until the sun is a little less intense and the days are shorter was a good plan.  BUT.... Jim never really follows plans.  This past week, a new lump came up on the index finger of his right hand.  Due to the size, tenderness, and quickness of it emerging, we both were obviously concerned.  Today, he met with the PA in his dermatologist's office to have it evaluated.  She shared our concerns and biopsied this latest spot.  If the biopsy comes back positive, she felt another surgery would be likely.  So, for now, we wait for the results which should come in about a week.  Crossing our fingers! 

Jim's right hand 9/5/14

The new lump isn't really visible in the picture, but the state of his skin is.  As expected, the skin on Jim's hands is peeling quite a bit.  In addition to the extensive peeling on the backs of his hands, Jim's palms are extremely soft.  It isn't just Jim's hands that are involved, however.  The soles of his feet feel like he has spent many hours in a world class spa with a very skilled, perhaps overzealous pedicurist.  This peeling occasionally makes standing for extended periods of time somewhat uncomfortable.  He said the peeling seems to have slowed down some, but walking barefoot on smooth surfaces feels oddly tacky and unusual.  Jim has also noticed some small spots on his face peeling.  All of this is to be expected while on acitretin.  

So, how is Jim?  I would say, all in all, he is doing well.  Let's hope today's biopsy is not cancer....but after the summer we have experienced, he and I both have our doubts.  I will post when we know more.... keep those fingers crossed!