The "Are You A Truck Driver?" Story

Shortly after Mohs Surgery on my left ear.

It was an ordinary day.  Sitting in a sterile room at Dermatology Associates of Lancaster with Dr. Jeanette Hebel operating on me for the third time.  Twice in 2010 I had to have Mohs Surgery performed on the left side of my head due to cancer cells.  In February of that year Dr. Hebel removed the tip of my left ear which had basal cell carcinoma.  Mohs surgery was developed in 1938 by general surgeon Frederic E. Mohs.  During the procedure, after each removal of tissue and while the patient waits, the tissue is examined for cancer cells.  That microscopic examination informs the surgeon if all cancer cells have been removed or if more tissue is needed to be removed.  

Below my left ear.

To repair my ear she used 18 stitches to pull the skin on the back of my ear up and over the top of my ear.  To this day you can not see the surgery.   Dermatology Associates of Lancaster uses Mohs surgery for cancer removal above the neck.  Dr. Hebel is not only a dermatologist, but a plastic surgeon and I must admit, a very good one.  My second surgery in 2010 occurred in November when I once again had basal cell carcinoma in my neck below my ear.  

My latest Mohs Surgery after all the cancer
cells have been removed.  Quite a big hole!

After all cancer cells were removed, Dr. Hebel used 26 stitches to repair the area she had to remove.  Once again, most people can't see what she did to me.  Well, today I was once again sitting in her chair for more basal cell carcinoma.  After numbing the area to the side of my ear on my face, she began cutting the cancer from my face.  That took perhaps ten minutes and after bandaging the wound, I returned to the waiting room while the sampling was examined to see if she got all the cancer cells.  About 90 minutes later I was called back into the operating room since she didn't get all the cancer.  More cells were removed and I went back to the waiting room.  About 90 minutes later I returned to the operating room and was given the good news that she had removed all the cancer cells.  

After 25 stitches.  Amazing work!

She used 25 stitches to repair the hole in my face.  A bandage was placed on the site and I was told to leave it in place for 24 hours then I could remove it to shower.  I had to place Vaseline on it to keep it plyable as it healed, but didn't need to put more bandages on it.  We talked as she was working about why I have to make visits to the office every six months.  Goes way back to when my mother rubbed baby oil on me when we went to the beach or to the swimming pool each summer.  The baby oil intensified the sun's rays and I am now seeing the effects of what was done to me as a child.  

I'm on my way until next visit in 6 months.
Notice the top of my left ear...looks great!

Dr. Hebel did ask me if I am a truck driver, since all the damage is on the left side of my head and is what she sees on truck drivers who have the sun striking them from the driver's side window.  I told her that wasn't the case.  I do not need to return to have stitches removed since they will eventually disappear.  Dr. Hebel is the only plastic surgeon who performs Mohs surgery for Dermatology Associates and is kept busy.  It took me almost two months after it was determined that I needed the surgery before I could see her.  I never look forward to surgery, but Dr. Hebel is so good and such a nice person that I really don't mind spending half a day or more with her from time to time.  Hey, she's helping to keep me alive!  And, I told her how much I appreciate that!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.