BCC

Yes, I am a survivor of B.C.C.! One of 80,000 Canadians effected each year. With blond hair, blue eyes and very fair skin, I’m at highest risk to the impact of sun exposure.

Area of skin on cheek that repeatedly crusted
Liquid nitrogen treatment of the area a year ago
International hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
English-speaking Thai dermatologist
Local anesthesia
Excision biopsy
Epidermis (outer skin layer)
Basal cells (cell at the bottom of epidermis)
Tumor cells
6 stitches
Water proof plaster, commonly known as band-aids in Canada
Antibiotic capsules
Fucidin cream
Lab investigation
Pathological report
Nodular basal cell carcinoma
Solar elastosis – degenerative condition of the skin due to sun exposure
Margins clear
Incision healing
Vitamin E cream combined with aloe vera,
Sun block

And I’m also reminded to stay out of the sun!!

And so, as I carry my “sun” umbrella, I watch and observe how other Asian women carefully protect themselves from the sun. In Vietnam shirts have been especially designed to protect women from the sun while they ride their motorbikes and bicycles. The fabric extends beyond the normal cuff at the wrist to include an extension of fabric that covers the tops of the hands. There is also an extension at the collar that can be used to cover the lower face. When they wear a wide brimmed hat only the eyes can be seen. These shirts have still not reached the streets of Vientiane, but perhaps I can be the first to introduce them. Wearing long gloves that extend beyond the elbow are also common throughout the region to provide protection from the sun.