When they said a bulky bandage, they weren't kidding
Kind friends have been asking what happened last Thursday. I had a fingernail removed so that a biopsy could be taken of the skin underneath. It may be a couple weeks until I know the results -- and there is a possibility that the biopsy will need to be repeated if it seems likely that the problem was originating from the matrix. I'm really hoping that won't be necessary because it will likely mean the nail will grow out funky forevermore. Also, I will be back to square one as far as healing is concerned.
The dermatologist who did the procedure was terrific and really put me at my ease (I was terrified, I admit). It didn't hurt while she was doing it. The worst pain was for two days afterwards -- but there are pills for that and I took 'em! Right now, I am okay. I am just inconvenienced by a bulky bandage that I will have for at least two more days.
The problem? My nail changed. A split developed that never went away and a discoloration later appeared under the nail. The discoloration was growing and changing. And the nail became very sensitive if hit. There are a number of benign things that this could be -- so that is what I am hoping for. I never in a million years thought that a person could develop a skin cancer under a nail -- but apparently, you can. If you ever see a change in a nail, get it checked!
Once again, I am deeply and most sincerely grateful for ACA. And my friends. And my sister who is picking up the slack. I am most fortunate.