Following up with Dr. C

Today was my first follow up appointment with Dr. C (the radiology oncologist).  Let me say, I think I finally have him trained.  He came in with a fun spirit and a huge smile.  He commented that he usually has to look at scans or Xrays to know how the patient is doing but since mine is smack on my face, he just has to look at  me.  Haha.  Yeah.  I'm so lucky that way!

He felt around and didn't find anything he was concerned about.  He did acknowledge the thicker areas but didn't think it was a concern.  I agree there are no bebes or other things that my cancer has presented in the past.  We talked about the dry eye.  He said that sometimes that resolves over time (like maybe a year) and if I find I don't need the LacraLube (nighttime ointment) or the daytime drops, that is fine but for now, it is probably good to use.

We talked about the cataract. He said he has no problem owning his own side effects but he felt there was no way the cataract was already from the radiation.   He said he never sees cataracts for 2-3  years.  I reminded him about the years of Prednisone and we agreed that was  probably the culprit.   Maybe it won't grow since I am not on Prednisone anymore.

He said I am okay to color the brows but he would prefer if I don't wax them for a few more months.  He said that the plucking hurt because the skin isn't healed yet.  So if I have to do it, go ahead but he thinks there is no reason to irritate the area for a few more months with waxing.

We talked about the "zit".  In true Dr. C fashion, he was himhaw about it and said we should keep and eye on it.  Because it hadn't gone away in a  few weeks, it seems unlikely it is a zit but we agreed to call it that for now.  He wouldn't tell me what he thought it could be if it wasn't a zit.  He did say he is an Oncologist so he has lots of worries that he doesn't think I need to worry about it now.

As I was walking out with him, he said  he was very happy my skin held up so well.  He finally admitted he was concerned how  my skin would react with the Polymyositis and if I would have problems with the Methotrexate.  Funny, we never spoke that before or during.  But I admitted to him I had the same concern going into it.  We laughed and said we were glad it was a non-issue.  It is just so fun having a super rare disease that people don't know the answers to these questions.  It is like being a medical pioneer!

After I met with him, Michelle (the radiology tech that helped me most days) came out to see me.  She gave me that same big warm hug from before.  She was glad to see me and glad I was doing well.  It was great to see her too. She really is a special person that did everything she could to make something so scary and horrible...okay.  I can't help but feel that office saved my life and my vision.   Not to mention the vanity factor with cancer tumors in my face.

My skin is a little freckled.  The eyebrow a little worn.  But unless I pointed it out, most wouldn't realize what that poor dang eye has been through.

I don't go back for a follow up with Dr. C for 3 months.  That is October folks.....Fall...after summer. I like that.

Photos below....

Just kidding.  This is from my birthday.  After several shots
of tequila, I got silly.  I thought I could put a mustache
on my eyebrow to camouflage it.  I guess it won't work!

Brow today with bang cover up.  This is how I look
when I go out with minimal make up.  I'm proud you can't tell.

Lifting the bang "veil".  In the photo, you can't really tell there is a dent. 
It is a little more obvious in person.  So glad I have a brow and lashes.