One Glove...

Since his surgery, Jim's hand has been healing well.  The skin grafts are healthy and doing their job.  For a bit, it felt like one of the grafts was attaching to something and pulling when Jim bent his finger.  Over time, and with gentle use, he was able to work through that and it feels more like normal now.  Whew!  So far, a successful recovery.

Jim's right hand.  Skin grafts on middle finger and base of thumb.  4/7/15

We met with his dermatologist yesterday to figure out what would be the next step.  Since his last visit, Jim had a new spot develop on the middle finger of his left hand, surgery last month was on his right.  When I asked Jim what he thought it was, he said he didn't know yet.  With some insistence and badgering, (my forte lately), Jim did confess that he was relatively certain this was cancer.  In the past, Jim's gut feelings on these spots has been about 90% accurate.  So... that didn't sound awesome.  We spoke with the doc about this new spot.  He shared our concern and contemplated ways to address it.  When we were in last time, he wanted to start topical chemo cream on this hand after the other had healed from surgery.  With that in mind, he decided to go ahead with chemo cream starting next week.  Jim will be able to apply the cream at home, we can wrap it together, and then change it once a week.  He will go in on May 5th to have the progress evaluated.  The current estimate is the chemo process will take about 6 weeks. Well, Cinco de Mayo will be awesome.... they should at least have tequila for a frequent flier like Jim, right???  

Jim's left hand - spot on middle finger between knuckle and hand. 4/7/15

The doctor also peeked at the spot he was not able to address last time on his right hand.  Since it hasn't grown since then, he was content to watch it and give Jim a break from the surgery schedule.  We both are so relieved to dodge that bullet.

SO... on we go.  Jim is definitely not looking forward to the chemo cream and the glove situation again.  He said that along with being uncomfortable, it gets so old explaining to people why he has one glove on.  His right hand is still sensitive, although looking really good, so he is gentle with that hand, too.  Poor guy!  Our kids are both getting very used to all of this, which is sad in some sense, but a relief as far as their emotions go. We've enjoyed our quiet Spring Break and will be relaxing together to round out the week.  I'll post again as we get underway with the chemo.