Understanding

Narrow strips of non-viable skin, about 8 cm in total length with an average width of 0.5 cm, had been hanging over part of the rim of my wound for months.  Due to both radiation damage and undermining, they weren’t able to get adequate blood supply and were discolored, i.e., black and blue.  The wound care doctor had wanted to remove them surgically to clear the way for new skin growth.  Originally, he wanted to do it the week before this last week.  However, it was postponed to this last Tuesday after I told him, “Let’s do it next week because I am not mentally ready for another surgery yet”.  On Tuesday, I went to the hospital after taking the maximal allowed dosage of pain medication and was expecting to be in much pain afterward because of the length of the would-be incision.  

When the three-day-old dressing was removed, we saw something totally unexpected.  All the dead skin had vanished in three days except a piece which is about 1cm long.  The doctor was so amazed that he decided there was no need for the surgery anymore.  Instead, he just aggressively scraped (debrided) the wound.  Although I was in more pain than usual that night because of the aggressive debridement, I was actually joyful and thankful because I was expecting something much worse.  

On the tumor front, everything has been pretty much within its normal range of ups and downs.  The chemo still makes me somewhat sick, and meals are difficult to enjoy.  It does consume significant mental and physical energy to do what has to be done, such as pushing down enough nutrition.

Teaching is going well although it could be demanding at times.

May this find you and your loved ones in good spirit and health.