PRP Survival Guide

PRP Survival Guide

Menu

Back to Square One?

Yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada yada 

The Red Bastard has returned!

At first glance it appeared to be a spider bite. However, when it did not improve with medication, my dermatologist performed a biopsy. A more definitive — and accurate — diagnosis was rendered: squamous cell carcinoma.
 
I researched four specialist in Plano, Texas and scheduled Mohs surgery with Dr. James Russell for September 13.
The surgery was successful. ALL the cancerous cells were removed. I went home a “Happy Camper” and began taking cephalexin, a standard antibiotic. That was a Tuesday.
 
Four days later I experienced an itchiness around my waist, but didn’t give it much concern. That was a Saturday.
 
Then came Sunday. BAM. Head to ankle. Back in 2012 it took 10 weeks to get the coverage I was experiencing in less than 24 hours.
 
My wife took me to the ER where I was able to solicit prescriptions for triamcinolone and hydroxyzine. The consensus within in the ER was that I was experiencing a reaction to cephalexin. They were reticent to conclude it was PRP.
 
First thing Monday morning I scheduled an appointment with my dermatologist. By Wednesday, a biopsy was heading to the dermatopathologist with specific instructions to consider PRP. Duh?
 

PATH FORWARD

  • Today (Monday, September 26) I have a follow-up appointment with the dermatology surgeon. There is still a serious wound in need of ongoing treatment.
  • Tomorrow I meet with my dermatologist to review the biopsy and discuss treatment options. Returning to the University of Texas Southwestern is no longer an option. The earliest appointment I can get at UTSW is February 2023. Too little. Too late.
Naturally, this new onset of PRP (Journey #2) is going to create some major challenges to body, mind and spirit. Just the fact that I’m 10 years older will make the physical issues (mobility) more impactful.
 
That said, I am more enlightened and better prepared than I was when the red dot appeared on August 8, 2012.