Skin Cancer and RSD - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

aicirtapo · 10-30-2007, 12:40 AM

I have not been on the board in quit a while. The drugs I have been on and the water therapy have kept my CRPS at a reasonable level. However, I was told today that I have skin cancer on my face, a large spot I thought was being caused by irritation from my glasses turns out to be Basel Cell cancer. I was to have a biopsy done to determine the depth and stage and when the doctor read that I had CRPS he refused to do anything until I spoke to my PMD as he said there was a chance of it spreading even with facial surgery. I thought it was only surgery on your limbs that you had to worry about. The spot is very close to my eye and I wanted that Biopsy and him to check on the procedures need for the actual removal after. He finally called the PMD himself and was told that he could do the biopsy. It was too late in the day by then so I am having it Friday by a different doctor who I think is more experienced. However, my PMD did say that I should go into the hospital to have the cancer removed and have Ketamine added to my anesthetic as it is large and they need to do a skin graft. I was not scared before but now I certainly am. Has anyone had operations like this and have they had their RSD or CRPS flare-up. Apparently every time I have to have any type of operation I am going to have to go through special procedures. I don't like going under anesthetic but if it is necessary, then I guess I have too.

sharon1030 · 10-30-2007, 05:43 PM

Hi Laura,

It's nice to see you back, but I'm sorry about what you're going through right now. I don't really have any experience to help you, but wanted to wish you well. It sounds like your docs are being very careful which is good...can't be too careful, right? Good luck on Friday. Let us know how you do.

Sharon

Sunnycal · 10-31-2007, 12:24 AM

I'm so sorry you are going through that. My husband has a skin condition called DSAP (do you really want to know what it stands for? Ha) He had biopsies on his leg (the one with RSD) to diagnose it, and nothing happened. For surgery, though, it is good that they will take special precautions. Good luck.
Sunny

Gaollan · 10-31-2007, 02:53 PM

*hugs* I'm sorry to hear you have to deal with this now. I'll tell you what my husband went through, his experience and maybe that'll give you a better idea. Granted he doesn't have RSD, but as long as your docs are knowledgable and take any and all precautions with you to prevent any RSD crud from moving or flaring, it's a great thing.

So hubby's experience with basal cell cancer on his face started with what looked like a couple of pimples. That's what we thought they were and he squeezed them. They didn't heal up for a bit then it looked just like a pimple again. After about the 3rd time of "popping" them, they didn't heal at all. The 2 spots were actual sores that were getting bigger, not smaller. We got him to a doc and he was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. The doctor, in his office, scraped a little out of both spots, right beside his eye and beside his nose on the same side, for testing.

The results confirmed his dx and he was scheduled for surgery to remove it. The doctor had said that he was lucky he came in when he did before it got further down into the skin and bone. I did much research and though basal cell won't kill you like the bad skin cancer, it can go down through all layers of skin to the bone and cause damage to skin and bone. Horrible and so scary!

He went in for surgery to the outpatient surgical center at the hospital. Had the usual restrictions, don't eat or drink after, blah the night before, etc, etc. Took him in, got him in a gown, iv started with the stuff that makes you feel funny. Took him back, put him under and the doc then excised both spots of cancer from his face. It had been deep but not real deep. He checked several times to make sure he got it all and took another sample for biopsy to make sure it was free and clear of any cancer.

He was wheeled into recovery to wake up. Once he woke up enough they got him up, iv out and gave him a bit of toast and juice, helped him dress and, of course, I had to drive him home as he was still very groggy.

The one lesson we learned is to NOT touch anywhere near the area that is operated on. He had brushed his face in the shower almost a week after and his face opened up. Good heavens there was blood all over! You'd thought he was dying! Went to ER and they just pulled it together with butterflys and gave him antibiotics just in case. We explained about the cancer and operation so they understood.

Luckily he didn't have to have any kind of skin graft I guess because he had 2 spots but they weren't overly large yet and I'm sorry that you'll have to have it done. *hugs*

I'll be thinking of you and that all goes well, that you recover fast.

I hope his story helps you in some way. It's scary but it's been 8 years and he's had no recurrence of the cancer at all.

Hugs,

Karen

aicirtapo · 11-01-2007, 12:50 AM

I thank you for your information. I discovered that it is not Basal Cell but Squamous Cell which is nore invasive but I am sure the operation will be similar although they did mention two skin grafts, one right after and another when they have determine the margins are clear. I guess the spot size of a dime has such fuzzy margins that they are afraid they will have to take a lot and scaring is possible with the first graft so they do some overlap thing with the skin on the face. Anyone every hear of that? Trying to keep an open mind. Laura.