Pin Cushion

I went to the dermatologist today to have the remainder of my precancerous mole removed.  I assumed she would freeze the area and take whatever she didn't get when took a sample for the biopsy.  I didn't think anything of the fact that they had me lie down; I figured it made it easier for her to zap the area (left chest area).  I realize now the assistant said the doctor would do surgery, but it didn't register--that's what they do at the surgery center I went to; I didn't think my dermatologist did that kind of surgery.

The first steps were the same as with freezing--clean with alcohol, and then inject a local anesthesia (or whatever they use).  But in the course of the procedure, I could feel tugging--I realized she was sewing stitches.  So I mentioned she was doing more than I expected--she said the mole went beneath the skin, which is why she did surgery.  I now have two layers of stitches--one internal, one external--just like I did for the surgery on my face.  (She mentioned that she "doesn't do faces"--so it's not that she doesn't do surgery.)   And I'm supposed to take it easy for 48 hours.  Which seems to mean no heavy lifting--but they did say I should get help with the Thanksgiving cooking.  I figure I'll get the guys to do the mashed potatoes; the turkey's too complicated to explain--I'm still trying to figure out which tips to follow.

The external stitches don't dissolve; I have to go back in next Wed. to have them removed.  The internal stitches dissolve.  In the meantime, I have to clean the would every day and keep it covered.  So now I have my second set of stitches in 3 months.  I'm starting to feel like a pin cushion.