Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell cancer on the outside and inside of my right nostril. I didn't think that it would be a big deal with the MOHS Surgeon to remove and repair. To my dismay after the first cut the surgeon came back and said "this can kill you". He told me he would have to refer me to oncologist afterward and wanted to know if I wanted to go to Boston MA or Worcester MA! After two more cuts he recieved clear margins which was told to me by the surgical assistants, he was gone!! The surgical assistants wrapped my nose and face without any reconstruction of the huge whole in my nose and above my lip! I had an appointment at MEE within a week with a diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma with PNI! The PNI is the major issue, I was given option of 6 weeks 30 treatments of Radiation or follow up with scan in 3 months and to watch how the huge hole granulated on its own! I was still second guessing myself about radiation and asked for a referral for a consultation with Radiologist oncologist. I met with him and he told me that the PNI decreases mortality rate, but also said that reconstruction of my nose would not be successful after radiation because the skin on the face thins.
I decided that I want to get the reconstruction done now (appointment with Surgeon tomorrow) , once it is healed I plan to have radiation! I want to LIVE! I am 63 and retired my partner is 68 and has signs of Dementia. I do not drive highway (major fear) and need him to drive to Boston for Dr. Appointments, but radiation will only be 20 minutes non highway! Looking for any advice from anyone who had SSC with PNI and there experience. Please and Thank You