Skin Cancer Weekly Progress Photo Gallery by Christine K. Barrack at pbase.com

Skin Cancer Weekly Progress

I will attempt to document the progress of the reconstruction of my nose/face. Please know these are graphic images, show open wounds, blood, bone and the process to recovery. Do NOT continue if you have a weak stomach for these type of things.

Please VOTE for this gallery so others may see it. I hope it will help others through their process and educate everyone so they don't have this happen to them.

Click on image to view larger image and further information.

Please keep in mind as summer is here to stay protected. Use a good sunscreen correctly, limit exposure during peak hours and wear protective clothing. Don't forget that tanning beds/booths have the SAME UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin. It pains me to see so many going to tan and not even realize the harm that can be done thinking "it won'thappen to me and if it does a smiple surgery can fix it", that may not be the case.

Before BCC	MOH'S 1 Surgery	MOH'S Surgery Post Op	MOH'S Surgery Post Op 2
MOH'S Surgery Day Two Post Op	MOH'S Surgery Day Two Post Op	MOH'S Surgery Day Two Post Op Profile Left	MOH'S Surgery Day Two Post Op Profile Right
MOH'S Surgery 1 Week Post Op Front	MOH'S Surgery 1 Week Post Op Front Close Up	MOH'S Surgery 1 Week Post Op Front Close Up	MOH'S Surgery 1 Week Post Op Profile Right
MOH'S Surgery 1 Week Post Op Profile Left	MOH'S Surgery 1 Week Post Op Front	Who Am I?	MOH'S Surgery Healing
MOH'S Surgery Bandage	MOH'S Surgery Bandage	MOH'S Surgery Healing 2	MOH'S Surgery Healing 3
MOH'S Surgery Healing 4	MOH'S Surgery Healing 5	MOH'S Surgery Healing 6	MOH'S Surgery Healing Skin
MOH'S Surgery Healing Skin 2	Day Before Stage One Surgery	Stage One Surgery Post Op Just After Surgery-2 Hours	Stage One Surgery Post Op Just After Surgery-2 Hours B
Stage One Surgery Post Op 1 Day Post Op	Stage One Surgery Post Op 1 Day Post Op	Stage One Surgery Post Op 1 Day Post Op Profile Right	Stage One Surgery Post Op 1 Day Post Op Front
IMG_4158rt.jpg	Stage One Surgery Post Op 1 Day Post Op Profile	Stage One Surgery Post Op 1 Day Post Op Front Eye	So Tight
Full View	Stage One Surgery Post Op 2 DaysPost Op Before Stitches Removed	Stage One Surgery Post Op 2 DaysPost Op Before Stitches Removed	Stage One Surgery Post Op 3 DaysPost Op Before Stitches Removed
Stage One Surgery Post Op 3 DaysPost Op	Stage One Surgery Post Op 3 DaysPost Op Profile Left	Stage One Surgery Post Op 3 DaysPost Op Profile Right	Stage One Surgery Post Op 3 DaysPost Op Profile Left
Stage One Post Op 3 DaysPost Op Profile Left	Stage One Surgery Post Op 3 DaysPost Op Profile Left	Stage One Surgery Post Op 5 DaysPost Op Profile Right	Stage One Surgery Post Op 5 DaysPost Op Profile Right
Supplies	Stage One Surgery Post Op 56DaysPost Op Front	Stage One Post Op 6 DaysPost Op Profile Left	Stage One Surgery Post Op 6 DaysPost Op Profile Left
Stage One Surgery Post Op Day 6	Stage One Surgery Last Stitches Out-Post Op Day 6	Donor Site	Pain
Pain 2	IMG_4407rt.jpg	IMG_4410rt.jpg	IMG_4411rt.jpg
IMG_4413rt.jpg	IMG_4414rt.jpg	IMG_4415rt.jpg	IMG_4416rt.jpg
IMG_4421rt.jpg	Donor Site/Right Thigh	Stage Two Surgery Week 2 Post Op Profile Right	Stage Two Surgery Week 2 Post Op Profile Left
Stage Two Surgery Week 2 Post Op Front	Stage Two Surgery Week Two Post Op Forehead	Stage 2 Surgery 5 Week Post Op Front View	Stage 2 Surgery 5 Week Post Op Right Profile
Stage 2 Surgery 5 Week Post Op Left Profile	Stage 2 Surgery 5 Week Post Op Front View Close Up	Stage 2 Surgery 16 Week 2 Days Post Op Front View 7-29-075645e24x6.jpg	Stage 2 Surgery 16 Week 2 Days Post Op Left Profile View 7-29-075651e1.jpg
7-29-075645e24x6.jpg	Stage 2 Surgery 16 Week 2 Days Post Op Front View Close up 7-29-075654e1.jpg	Just Prior to Mohs Surgery	2011 Christmas.jpg

comment |

Little Auzzie		23-Nov-2017 05:41
Hello, I'm 57 y/o Mum of 2, grew up in the hot Australian sun, spending many long hot summer days frolicking in the surf followed by many days in pain after burning to the point of blistering :( So despite having many solar keratosis removed by liquid nitrogen, earlier this year my Doc found an aggressive BCC on my nose (turned out to be about the size of a 10c piece, that's a US quarter)...I am now 9 months post Mohs surgery I have same scarring as you however my forehead scar did not stretch as far as yours. It's all healed nicely and I can live with the scars. After the first few weeks I went out in public and back to work with steri strips over my nose for several weeks, people would ask what happened, I joked "you should see the other guy" now I tell them these scars are a result of skin cancer so please protect yourself against the sun and don't think it won't happen to you like I used to when my parents lectured me. I now religiously wear SPF 50 everyday and carry it with me everywhere! MOHS surgery is a wonderful thing but I never want to go through that experience again. Anyone who is facing this, I wish you well and know that it does heal with time, you just need to be verrry patient!

Cheryl		21-Sep-2017 16:55
I am 2 weeks pot op of the 2nd surgery. It was a hard decision to come to but believing that the forehead flap gives the best long term results, it was my choice. My Mohs surgery left a 2 centimeter hole on my nose so a graft would not have filled in thus FF was best. I'm not really a patient person so faith will have to carry me. It's all good, I'm gonna be ok, cancer free!

Cindi		03-Apr-2017 23:34
Thanks for sharing your story. I am going through this now but the surgery is the size of an egg on my cheek. I'm having skin graft surgery in a couple of weeks so this helps to know what to expect. By the way, you look beautiful!

Guest		19-Jan-2017 06:39
Hi Linda your story is inspirational. I would love to know how you are now. Another updated photo would be great. God bless you.

Linda R		19-Nov-2016 13:31
Nov 18 - such a blessing this whole procedure has been in my life. Day one surgery, day two, leave hospital after over-nighter - day three walk the streets of Nauvoo so I and others can get used to my new look - the blessing in all this, no pain, no excessive bleeding, recovery/healing coming along nicely - bike riding, fourth day out - all this has given me many opportunities to testify of Christ and His healing powers - and with my openness and acceptance of the "new look" many people ask alot of questions. I've learned that when someone turns to look the other way, that doesn't feel so good, I like to have conversation, then we can all be nourished and go forth with joy. Stitches out this last week, staples next week, second surgery Dec 6. I'm a lovely person and ever so thankful for "all" the help I have received when so many people suffer on this earth alone and in pain.I am truly blessed.

Linda R		06-Nov-2016 15:58
No laser, no money Tomorrow is the day, I've had too long to study the surgery and think about it. I, need to get it over with. I've shared your photos with two friends, one who will be with me on the journey Nov 7 - both were shocked. I'm not anymore, I've reviewed the photos so much I feel like I've already had the surgery. It's interesting to me that people pay to have plastic surgery to look better, reconstruction, I call mine destruction. I'm more concerned about others being uncomfortable, then how I will look. It's just earth life - and God blesses me continually with "divine opportunities of growth." Another opportunity to increase my faith and trust in Him and myself. Thank you much for responding to my comments. It's fun and encouraging to talk with someone I've never met..

Guest		18-Oct-2016 15:29
Linda R Good luck on your appointment. Let us know how things go. I am glad to have helped by sharing my experience. Know you are not alone. I did not have the laser surgery. I have not looked into it. Do you plan on laser surgery? My reconstruction surgery was to continue to better the outcome. But I have not had the remaining reconstruction recommended due to finances. I am good with were I am. I am curious as to what that might be now after almost a decade of medical advancement. Will be thinking of you on your journey.

Linda R		16-Oct-2016 18:59
WOW! thank you so much, this is the most inf I have rec'd and seen in photos, your very brave - my time is nov 7 2016 I really needed to see these photos, it helps me to prepare and accept what is so come - I wish they would hae these photos available after speaking with the surgeon - I do better when I know what will be occurring - I do dread the ligocaine shots again, those were the worse pain I've had in my life - I'm glad you look so well. Did you have the laser done and if so how long after the initial surgery? Linda

Patti		13-May-2016 01:54
Thanks from me too. I was really unprepared for how bad this surgery would be. I had a tiny speck of skin cancer. No one told me about skin grafts. I nearly threw up in the office when they started the graft. You look great and these photos are so helpful. Since it was "just" basal cell on my nose I didn't think it was a big deal. These photos helped and am sure they helped many others.

Guest		15-Jun-2014 19:51
thank you for sharing your photos. There are few sites that offer photos through the entire journey - mostly before and afters. Prior to my mohs surgery, i went online and looked at photos. When I told my doctor, she said I shouldn't have looked - those are worse case scenarios. Turns out, I was glad I looked. My mohs surgeon had to cut me 8 times (edges were not clear each time) before declaring she could not go any further (she couldn't even close me, too much skin was removed). I have not found any photos online that look like how much skin I lost on my nose - more than half - with it starting to go over the bridge. I had a full thickness skin graft instead of the forehead flap. I was grateful not to have the forehead flap. Its been 6 weeks since my surgery and I can't imagine ever looking like myself again. This has been painful physically and emotionally, and I have a long ways to go. When I make comments about how I feel about how I look - it isn't about vanity - but about feeling like me.... like the person I once was. Where did I go? I cry but I can't blow my nose. One nostril is half the size. I am cautious not to make facial expressions as my facial movement is limited due to the thick skin patch and uncomfortableness. This experience is always in my mind. When I wake up - it is there, when I am at work, it is there. When I go to bed (and cannot lie on my side where the skin graft or donor site is) it is there. But, everything I read points to the same thing - I will heal. And I hope to share an inspirational and happy ending for others to read.

margaret		30-May-2014 12:03
What an inspiration you are, to show your treatment photos. This is so so helpful to others going through this horrible time, but knowing that to come through looking beautiful like you is a Godsend.

MmM		24-Sep-2013 07:01
Oh my best girl! Thank you so very much for your candid, honest and real depiction of your Mohs experience! I had a fairly small BSC on the side of my nose. Two nose surgeries later I can assure most my nose incision (gastly) at fist I'd 'beautiful' -- yeah, but not the same. It's okay: the surgeon says...well, let's say, he says, "To leave 'well-enough' alone!'" I'm not the same but have to agree: 'it' looks okay. Yes, it's new and will change into something better. I know that from past...ah...surgerical procedures! But. And? Yeah, I think it is an 'and.' I am into my third month...they took skin from the 'bowl' of my ear..."to match the wallpaper"...(it did)... BUT...that area if the body: the bowl of my ear is still--after three months ---after ear-to-nose graft---it's still not healing! Okay! To be fair the surgical area in my ear IS smaller BUT it still hurts like (take your est swear word and apply it here)...crap. In fairness the surgeon said since I use to be a smoker areas ... 'would heal slower' ... And I gotta say "Indeedy, that is undeniably true.!" Regardless. IF you smoke...well, you are so addicted (like I was!) you'll think the is crap. If not...I'm hoping this is just another ingredient of information! Best, to your choices...regardless... Do not wait--it will only get worse. Sorry. I 'waited' cause the red spot on the side of my nose was........ 'SO SMALL!' DONT WAIT...regardless. Oh crap, sweet friends...DONT WAIT!

Diane		19-Aug-2012 15:56
Hello Christine, I hope you are well, you are so BRAVE!! I have a skin cancer on my nose and have been looking for what would I should expect during surgery. I'm a little scared now... :-( I've had MOHS on my forehead but just a small spot (and other area's that are not so exposed). Would you please tell me why your surgery was so extensive? My Derm/Dr. has not mentioned this would be very invasive but my basal cell is about the same size as yours... Thank you for sharing and being so open about this. I can send you a picture if that helps. I trust Dr.s but they don't know everything and sometimes seemed "surprised" or will tell me well you're in that 5% group of people that this happens to (The happens to is usually not a good thing) :-)

Diane		19-Aug-2012 15:56
Hello Christine, I hope you are well, you are so BRAVE!! I have a skin cancer on my nose and have been looking for what would I should expect during surgery. I'm a little scared now... :-( I've had MOHS on my forehead but just a small spot (and other area's that are not so exposed). Would you please tell me why your surgery was so extensive? My Derm/Dr. has not mentioned this would be very invasive but my basal cell is about the same size as yours... Thank you for sharing and being so open about this. I can send you a picture if that helps. I trust Dr.s but they don't know everything and sometimes seemed "surprised" or will tell me well you're in that 5% group of people that this happens to (The happens to is usually not a good thing) :-)

anuschka		05-Apr-2012 10:40
Thanks for sharing this important information. V.

Christine K. Barrack		20-Mar-2012 01:44
Paige-Just thinking of you and your husband. He is going to need your strength and support during this journey. Together you can both heal. I do hope all goes well. How is the area healing now with the stitches out? Blessings, Christine

Paige		15-Mar-2012 18:00
My husband just had this done but on the side of his nose In fact, tomorrow he sees the doctor about getting his stiches out - This has given me some encourgement as to what expect down the line as he heals - thanks for sharing htis

Christine K. Barrack		10-Feb-2012 03:57
Thank you all for your kind comments. I do hope that the information and images have helped you or someone you love in some way. I try to reply to every message, and if I have not yet gotten back to you I will be very soon. Several have asked for an updated picture. I have added a recent one at the end and will work on a few more over the next couple weeks. Smile today!

John Cravatta		06-Feb-2012 13:39
Thank you for your compasionate efforts to to help others. I admire your character!

gouws		04-Feb-2012 12:31
Thank you for taking the time and effort to show these graphic pictures of yourself at a time when you were probably not feeling at your best.I hope you have made a full recovery from your ordeal.I wish you the best.Bruce SA

Ian		04-Feb-2012 03:15
Christine, you are one brave and considerate soul. I'm six months on from Radiotherapy and Chemo for throat cancer but what I went through was so easy compared to your ordeal. Your images and comments are to be most highly valued. May God continue to uphold you in every aspect of your life and bring complete healing..

Raymond		03-Feb-2012 17:23
I hope you are doing well now ... thank you so much for this series and making us aware of it all.

Barbara Heide		03-Feb-2012 14:11
thank you so much for sharing this with us... you are so brave! all my best wishes for you and your family... V

Cheryl Blanchard		03-Feb-2012 12:54
what a beautiful, brave soul you are...thank you.

Coleen Perilloux Landry		03-Feb-2012 03:59
Bless you, I hope you do well. I had Stage 4 Melanoma on the very top of my head and had the top of my head removed, then the scalp sewn up exactly like a baseball. Am seeing doctor in morning and I have things growing like weeds in the springtime.

Inga Morozoff		02-Feb-2012 02:30
Thank you for sharing your journey. This is a very powerful gallery that should be seen by all.

Monte Dodge		01-Feb-2012 20:33
Vote,,,

Mary Cross		09-Jul-2011 17:41
My sister is just going through all of this - she is booked in to have the final stage next Thursday 14th, but I have just changed her dressing and it looks a bit "gunky" - a bit bloody and there is a bit of puss, did you experience any of this when you had yours? Just to add I think it is brilliant that you have got this on the web, it shows people not to be afraid of what it happening to them.

Diana Higgins		04-Jul-2011 20:55
Dear Michelle It really helps to see that others have survived this horrible experience. I have just had Mohs then a forehead flap onto my nose with replaced cartillage and skin grafts. I feel like a complete freak and wonder where I will get the strength from to go through the next few months.Thanks for being so brave and out there. They don't tell you about the pain either from the ear cartillage. Do other people go out, see friends etc during this time?

Michelle		15-Apr-2009 03:53
Thanks for sharing your pictures of the journey that you went through. I had malignant melanoma removed three years ago from my scalp & thought I was done with skin cancer when the sentinel lymph node biopsy came back as clear. Unfortunately, yesterday I had Mohs surgery done to remove basal cell carcinoma from nose. The defect was 3cm x 15mm, much larger than expected. I had the forehead flap done yesterday as well. I am overwhelmed today, but I feel blessed to see the progress that you went through, and I realize I am not alone. You are a beautiful person on the inside (for sharing your journey) and on the outside. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Tony		15-Mar-2009 00:00
Tony 14-Mar-2009 23:39 Christine,you are one strong woman,with alot of faith,I just had mohs on Tuesday(it'Sat now)and they closed it up on Wednesday(day after). I am a 45 year old Man,and no way could i have gone through what you did. I have had alot of pain,but nothing that will touch what you went through.My spot was only 1.1cm x 1.2 cm, they were able to do a flap between my eyes and pull it down.Hope you are doing well,God Bless You And your Family!

Ferenc J. Haraszti		14-Feb-2009 06:40
Well, they've got you too, sorry to see! I've gone thru the same thing in April of 2008, it was next to my right eye. About the same size as yours, maybe 2-3mm smaller. Anyway, I've just run across a possible cure (if it ever happens again), and would like to share it with you. I know I would try it before going under the knife again: http://holistic-personal-development.com/2007/11/10/topical-vitamin-c-stops-basal-cell-carcinoma/ Anyway, I hope things are going well for you and no sign of another Basal Cell!

joyce		30-Dec-2008 21:57
Thank you for your wonderful educational site. My husband just has mohs surgery and seeing your progression so well documented and photographed gave him great encouragement as to the possible end result. Who was your surgeon for the skin graft? I hope this comment serves as a vote for your site.

Ginger		14-Nov-2008 19:55
I have just been diagnosed with a BCC on my nose. It covers most of the top of my nose. Thank you for sharing the stages of your surgeries and the after pictures. Your pictures are a huge help to me in understanding what I will be going through and what the potential end result may look like. You have given me hope. Thank You.

Johnny JAG		29-Aug-2008 15:14
This is a very moving gallery, I hope you continue to make a good recovery. Best wishes.

Guest		04-Jul-2008 18:41
Thank you so much for so openly sharing your story, it really helped prepare me for my own surgery. I am 46 and just had my first Mohs this past Monday on my forehead and now have a "Harriet Potter" incision extending from my right eyelid diagonally back to my hairline, but I know through you that it will heal. I am in for a series of these surgeries, and it is nice to know that none of us are in this alone. Thank you for the support and for giving us a place to share. All the best to you and your family.

Vera		01-Jul-2008 00:14
Thank you so much for sharing your story through pictures and words. I too had BCC on my nose and had Mohs surgery June 26th. When I look at your pictures I see myself. I'm 44 and the mother of two. I pray that my face will look as beautful as yours. Your waiting room story puts eveything in perspective. We will survive, looking different, yes, but it could be much worse!! Thanks again for sharing!! God Bless You!!

David Schrom		14-Jun-2008 06:37
Thank you! I've been careful but not careful enough. You've motivated me to be much more so. The eight year-old girl beside me has learned something that may spare her a similar fate. Thank you again.

Nancy Layton		10-Jun-2008 22:47
Oh sweetie, you poor thing. What you went through. You look wonderful now, just as pretty as ever. On Jan 16th I had Mohs surgery to remove a fingernail size basal from my upper center forehead. Well, it turned out that it had spread under the skin and it was the size of a silver dollar. I was devistated. The next day I had reconstructive surgery, boy was I in pain. When I took the bandage off 5 days post op, I almost fainted. I did throw up. I had a huge three and one half inch wide and one and one half inch tall surgical scar with a large black rotting thing in the middle. The skin flap was unsuccessful. The flap died and for the next month I watched my infected skin and tissue fall off. I was left with the huge bloody scar with a half dollar of exposed skull in the middle. I thought I would go crazy. I went to another plastic surgeon who drilled holes in my skull and shaved off the top layer of the exposed skull to promote granulation so I could grow tissue and skin over the skull. Well its mid June and the scab just fell off, no more skull. The scar is healing, but I have a lot of edema and swelling. I look like a Klingon from Star Trek. I also have a quarter size dent in the middle. I t will take up to a year to fill in. This sucks. I am glad you are ok and you really look wonderful. I hope I will to in time. Like you, I am a young mom and having this on my face has been awful.

Gina Jones		25-Apr-2008 19:48
Christine, you don't know how you helped me and my husband get through this. I am 41 and on March 5, 2008 was told I needed this surgery. Your pictures helped me understand what was going to happen, and I could picture myself and what I was going to look like. (Though nothing really prepares you for that "Elephant Trunk".) Today April 25th, I just came from getting the last of my stitches out, so after 2 surgery's I am starting to feel somewhat normal. What I can't get used to yet is all the numbness I have on my forehead, top of my head and behind my right ear (donor area). But again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for making this easier for me!

Teresa Howell		20-Apr-2008 14:41
You are awesome. You had the strength and talent to be able to take this horrible experience and turn this into a life changing experience for so many. Being a Malignant Melanoma Survivor, I understand this all too well. I took many photos of myself but I became severely depressed as I watched my face transform into something it was not like before but in due time I accepted it all and I feel I am a better person. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to view your photos. Teresa Melanoma Survivor Since 2003

Renee		29-Feb-2008 06:54
Dear Christine...thank you so much for all the time you took to patiently explain everything to me before I had my Mohs surgery. You made me strong to face whatever I would have to face. You were a true inspiration and I so appreciated the documentation of your procedures with photos. I am a very curious and visual person, so I was able to psychologically get myself ready, thanks to you. I hope we get to meet one day. You must come and visit Montreal. Keep in touch when you have a moment....I still can't believe your incredible family with 6 children and the wonderful love you and your husband have provided to all of them. Much admiration!

Renee		16-Feb-2008 06:52
Dear Christine...You are super courageous to have had the inspiration to document your progress. I guess vanity goes out the window when you face such surgery...you only pray they got it all. I am due for this type of surgery Feb 19, 2008, on my nose on one side of my face where my glasses rest. I had not idea how deep the open wound might be. Thanks for sharing and educating me. I am scared as hell but at least I now know what to expect and... if it is not so deep I will thank God and all those who prayed for me. I do hope I won't need reconstructive surgery after, as I would think that is probably the most painful of all. Your pictures certainly speak and luckily the colour of your skin ajusted quite well. I do have a couple of questions...1) what was the size of the suspicious cancerous skin before the operation 2) why all that skin for the graft at first as opposed to just covering the indentation. I would really appreciate it if you have a moment to give me some details on that appendage and also also 3) why the cut your forehead? Again thanks. Renee

Guest		28-Jan-2008 22:30
You a brave lady!

Anne		22-Aug-2007 19:25
Thank you for thinking of others and posting these pictures of your progress. I'm scheduled for the same procedure next Monday, 8/27, and have been having difficulty understanding the entire process and what to expect. I feel more at ease now just knowing what to expect and to see how beautifully you've come through all this. Thank you so much

Dave		01-Jun-2007 13:28
I think that you are so brave and can serve as an inspiration to others. God be with you and your family

Jean		13-May-2007 16:15
One amazing lady - good luck to you - and good health in the years to come

Guest		07-May-2007 14:51
Such a brave soul....proud of you for sharing this, I hope others with this type of cancer are able to see this and understand it isn't about vanity, it's about getting well. Deb

Guest		04-Mar-2007 04:23
Thanks for sharing.

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