We’re closing in on a year now since I had cancer surgery. It was January 24. Then there were two plastic surgeries to reconstruct my nose with Dr. Sampson Lee, a cool guy with a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best.
In a follow-up appointment, I told him that my eyes were burning, itching, and almost constantly watering. He said that was because the doctor who removed the cancer in my nose also found cancer in my tear duct and had to remove it. Dr. Lee said, “We can fix that.”
He referred me to another surgeon in his clinic, and when I saw him (another drive up to Issaquah and back) he said because of the extensive surgery inside my nose he wouldn’t be able to do it the way he works, inside the nose, but that there was yet another doctor who could put in the stents from the outside, Dr. Woodman in Tacoma.
I saw Dr. Woodman on August 23rd and once he examined me, we made an appointment for outpatient surgery on November 2nd which was yesterday.
The procedure took all of forty minutes, and then they sent me home with medicines and very complicated instructions for aftercare. They gave me an ice-pack mask that I put over my eyes and nose once an hour for fifteen minutes all day long up until bedtime. I am supposed to do that for three days. They gave me prescription pain meds which I took twice yesterday but switched to Tylenol today because I’m no longer in much pain. I also have an ointment that I rub on my eyelids and on the incision four times a day, and an antibiotic I take three times a day. Gabi made me a calendar to track when I do what.
I can bathe, but I can’t get my face wet. I think that pretty much covers the aftercare.
Yesterday I felt bad all day and slept a lot. Today I feel almost normal, but my eyes are watery, and my vision is blurry.
I have two more medical appointments: one in December for a hearing problem that we think might have been related to the first surgery (possible drainage into my eustachian tube making it seem that my left hearing aid is broken which it isn’t), and one in January to remove the stents that were put in yesterday.
That may be the end of it. I hope, I hope, I hope.
Oh Alec. Sending warm hugs and love to you.
I certainly hope it is, Alec. You have made no complaints, in spite of the tremendous burden of possible negative outcomes, and in spite of the ever-present and cumulatively overwhelming discomforts.
The last thing a person wants is to become a model of courage and equanimity, because that means one has had to endure that which requires courage and equanimity.
You are, however, such a model.
I’m sorry you’ve had to go through so much! We are hoping with you that you are completely on the mend!!
Thank you, Lisa.
Glad you are getting the care you need but sorry you need it. Sending healing energy, love and hugs to you now. As well as positive thoughts for improved health asap❤️👍🙏