Debbie Cousins's Journal, 16 May 24

I think you need to rest and everyone there needs to take care of themselves and others.  

My husband had a Squamous Cell skin cancer on the center of his lower lip. Fortunately, they aren't as bad or dangerous as Melanoma but can grow rapidly. In his case, the Dermatologist he saw didn't even tell us he was pretty sure of what it was. He gave my husband some ointment that he happened to be allergic to and it flared terribly. We went to a "Mohs" surgeon and he said he couldn't operate on it yet because he couldn't even see the edges it was so inflamed. He said to go home for a week or two (I can't remember which) and only use Vasoline on it and then come back for surgery. As I remember it was about 3 weeks altogether. In that time it about quadrupled in size. The skin on our lips is very thin and delicate. His stitches popped open and it still bothers him, after all these years. It constantly peels and he always thinks the cancer is back but they tell him no, it's not. I did read at that time they can grow very fast and are worse than Basil cell. I would have it taken off immediately or sooner. You can Google it and learn more. I hate to be so blunt, it's just because I love you, dear sister. I read at that time that occasionally (seldom) they can go inside. Occasionally they can even start inside which seemed very strange to me since they are considered skin cancer unless I am mistaken. Nothing to drag your feet about. I love the Mohs method so they don't have to take any more than necessary. I send my love and support. Sorry about your back, that is a real bummer. 

Morticia i agree! you need rest. Look up some super simple ab exercises to strengthen and keep back pain at bay. when back pain happens, its usually a result of the back muscles picking up slack of abs. I hope this helps your back pain. squeeze belly botton towards spine to engage abs, especially when sitting/standing, and try it when walking. 

Oh no, Debbie! Prayers for you!! Sorry about everything. 

Prayers for you, Debbie, hope you feel better soon. Make your self-care a priority, it's not selfish, it's essential.  

I rested for the first 6 hours after waking up with my back hurting terribly. I took a strong pain medication and laid down with a hair dryer blowing on the place in the middle of my back, which had no effect. About 2 hours later, I took one of my husband's pain medication. Then, I tried to walk again. I was very dizzy, every time I made a U-turn in a room (which I do six times in each lap of my walking track in my house). Just couldn't do it - I was afraid I would fall. So I rested some more, with a heating pad on my back. Finally, about 11am, I was able to start walking. At first, I was only able to do 1/2 mile before I had to put heat back on my back, taking a 30-60 minute break. I finally worked up to a mile, but only got in 3 miles before I had to go to bed and lay down at 4pm. I slept until 7:15 and immediately started walking. I was able to get to 4.1 mile before having to take another heating pad break. Then, I pushed forward and pre-washed the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher. Cooking makes SUCH a mess, but we're enjoying the BBQ with coleslaw and macaroni salad! Then, I walked another mile, making it 5 miles. Gotta take another break with the heating pad while I finish up my Cosmic Crisp slices with one-eighth of a slice of cheese on each 1/8th of apple. Only had 175 grams of Cooked Summer Squash with Vidalia Onions for dinner (79 calories). To any of you who prayed for me today, thank you. This morning, I didn't think I would be able to get my walking in, but now it looks like I will. I'm going to start walking again at 10pm. Until then, I'll do my Bible reading, which I hadn't gotten done yet today. Ready to start mile#6 now. PTL, I will now have a 10-day winning streak 

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