My new nose made by Sears

September is a special anniversary month for me. It has been 10 years since I had a new nose made by Sears.

Not the Sears store where one could buy about anything — but Dr. Joel Sears, dermatologist, in Spokane. Now I am so paranoid about skin cancer I will suggest to a stranger that it would be best to have a spot on their face checked.

My experience started when I went to a free skin cancer clinic in Kalispell. I had noticed a small spot about the size of a BB at the end of my nose. I also had some roughness on the bridge of my nose. I attributed it to being a snoopy and nosy reporter.

Dr. David Murdock was one of the volunteer doctors at the clinic. He advised me to go to a dermatologist within 30 days. I am glad I did.

I went to Dr. Thomas George, an associate of Dr. Murdock, as I could see him sooner. He removed a spot from my nose for a biopsy and took skin from in front of my right ear for the skin graft.

The biopsy showed a more aggressive skin cancer. I was referred to Dr. Sears in Spokane.

Laurie drove me and we stayed with Howard and Connie. Both Connie and Laurie went with me for the early morning appointment at Dr. Sears’ office. We were there until 5:30 p.m.

I became well acquainted with Mohs surgery. The procedure is to remove a small slice of tissue from my nose and biopsy it. Then I would go to a small waiting room while the biopsy was performed. When the biopsy showed cancer, another slice of my nose was removed and biopsied. This continued until the cartilage was reached and, thank goodness, was cancer free. The nurse showed me a photo with the end of my nose completely gone. I am glad I do not have a long nose.

Skin was removed from my forehead for the graft and Dr. Sears proceeded to create a new nose for me. You do not have a general anesthetic for the Mohs surgery and nose reconstruction.

I go to Dermatology Associates, PLLP in Kalispell for check-ups several times annually. There are always pre-cancer spots to be zapped or biopsied. I use sunscreen on my face, but pre-cancerous spots can be any where. I do not like the sun or heat, and have never wanted to tan. I blame my Scot and English ancestors.

Martha King gave me literature about Camp Mak-A-Dream at Gold Creek, which is located 65 miles east of Missoula. She’s a cancer patient.

The concluding session for 2007 takes place Oct. 11-14. It’s the 12th annual Women’s Cancer Retreat for women diagnosed with cancer. Martha is enthusiastic about Camp Mak-A-Dream and has attended several sessions. There are workshops, speakers, entertainment and discussions.

Cost for the three days is only $150 and includes accommodations, meals and retreat activities.

More information may be obtained by calling Camp Mak-A-Dream, (406) 549-5987 or writing to P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806-1450.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News