Nat is thankful for Canadian Universal Healthcare

The inciting incident

It started as a tiny spot above my right eyebrow about a year ago. At first I thought it was a recurring blocked pore.

Over time the dot grew into an uneven mole. I kept checking it. It was growing, slowly, but constantly. I decided I’d take the time to get it looked at when I retired.

Taking Action

It took a month to find an appointment with one of the new doctors at my family doctor’s clinic as my guy is retiring and working part time. I choose the same new doctor I had seen last year to get continuity of care.

Validation

My appointment was at the end of May. My new doctor had a look and she agreed the mole should be removed because it was changing, had ill defined boundaries and different colours.

I was relieved. I was prepared to be told I was worrying for no reason. Since faces are tricky to biopsy, she referred me to a clinic specializing in dermatology and facial surgery.

“If you don’t hear from anyone in a month call us and let us know.”

Waiting

I marked the date in my calendar. In three weeks my doctor’s clinic called to check in. Since I hadn’t heard from the original referral my doctor sent out multiple requests and asked me to let them know when I heard from anyone. This would allow them to cancel the outstanding referrals.

Moving forward

A week later I got a call from a clinic minutes from my home. The Attending physician was going on holiday but he wanted to see me right away. I got an appointment within 3 days. I let the referring clinic know I had an appointment.

Punch Biopsy

I showed up and found out it was a teaching clinic and I was so happy. Maybe it is watching The Pitt or living in a university town but I’m thrilled to see the next generation of doctors in action.

The Resident had a medical Student with her. They took time to explain their analysis. They too agreed the mole should be removed. I was informed of all aspects of the procedure. I felt confident that a punch biopsy was the right choice.

The Resident left the room to confer with her Attending. They both came in and all 3, the Attending, Resident and Student looked at my mole, palpated it and discussed it.

“I’m a 4 or a 5 of worried out of 10. Not extremely worried but a little to a bit.”

That was enough for me to feel confident getting this off my face was the right decision.

Quick Action

The prep, freezing, biopsy and single stitch took less than 10 minutes.

I went back a week later to have my stitch removed. Another week later I got a call saying my pathology report was ready. I opted for an in person rather than a phone call. I’m glad I did.

Outcome

In my mind there were 3 outcomes:

1 – no cancer, no further action

2 -Basal Cell or Squamous Cell cancer with a clear margin, no further action

3 – some type of melanoma, lots of further action required

Turns out there was a fourth option. The pathology report confirmed it was a Basal Cell Carcinoma and the sample had clear margins.

The Resident took time to examine the site and palpate the edges. She left to confer with the Attending. They both returned and re-examined the biopsy site. The Attending did not like the edge on one side and recommended freezing with liquid nitrogen, aka cryotherapy, to get rid of any suspicious skin cells the same day.

Cryotherapy

I have to say, the freezing was daunting since the site was so near my eye. After 4 rounds the Resident was satisfied all offending cells would slough off.

The Waiting Game

I get to go back in 3 months for a follow up to see if any other interventions are needed.

Thankful

The next day my family doctor’s staff called me for an update. I let them know I had two procedures to remove the mole and the diagnosis. I also asked to pass on my thanks to my doctor. Her following up on the referral and having a sense of urgency meant I got timely treatment.

I’m so grateful for the excellent care I got both from my family doctor and the whole team at the teaching clinic. Total cost to me? Zero dollars. Even the parking was free.

In the end it was 4 months from the moment I decided to take action until I had the results of the biopsy and a full resolution of my chief complaint.

Wait times in our universal healthcare system are often criticized but I have found that when urgency is needed the staff find a way.

Next steps

So now what?

Wear sunscreen. Wear a hat. Limit time in the sun in the afternoon.

I have not always been good about wearing sunscreen. I feel properly motivated to do it now.

Better late than never!

Hey you!

Ya. You. If you see a mole on you or someone else that is changing get it checked out. Don’t wait. If my diagnosis had been a more rapidly growing cancer I might be having a very different outcome because of my reluctance to get it looked at.