The MOHS nose Part II

I look back at that oh-so-innocent post from December 12th and realize I had no idea what I was in for! "Layers" is the term used in all the MOHS literature, but it is misleading at best. I had a hole in my nose the size of a dime and at least as deep as a nickel. I was utterly unprepared for the 5-hour procedure. Multiple shots of anesthesia to my face. A hole in my nose. A flap procedure to close the hole that left me looking vaguely Frankenstein-esque. A little more than three weeks post-op, I can put it all in perspective. I have healed well, and most of the people I have seen claim not to notice a difference. I notice it. I see myself in the mirror every day. I see the scar. I see the subtle changes to the landscape of my nose. But I also see that there is no cancer present. I have my nose--well, most of it--as it was. In three weeks, I have traversed an emotional minefield. I am thankful it is over and that there is only more healing to come.