As the most common type of cancer, skin cancer never takes a break, including over the holidays. Fortunately, there are ways to recover from treatment while still enjoying time with family and friends.
Dr. Trevan Fischer, a highly skilled, board-certified complex general surgical oncologist, provides extensive knowledge of skin and other cancers, as well as cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment techniques, at his private practices in Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Orange, California.
Additionally, he stays up to date with the latest research in the field through his work on clinical trials at the Cedars-Sinai-affiliated The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, as well as through his role as a faculty member training fellows.
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the skin tissues. Often it is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
There are different types, depending on which cells are involved. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Treatment typically depends on the type, location, size, stage, and other factors. In many cases, it involves surgical removal with a resulting healing process afterwards.
While holidays and traditions are important, it's even more critical to prioritize yourself and your needs when recovering from skin cancer surgery. Some ways to do this include:
It is tempting to try to do everything you've always done for the holidays, but this may not be possible during recovery.
Rest and give your body time to heal. Similarly, avoid strenuous activity and lifting anything heavy to prevent the wound from opening.
Hydrate and consider mindfulness practices like meditation to reduce stress.
Follow our advice for wound cleaning, pain management, and bathing or showering. About 1 in 20 skin surgery patients gets an infection, so watch for symptoms like increased pain or redness, skin that's hot to the touch, oozing or bleeding, or a fever.
As you recover and afterward, avoid ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with an SPF number of 30 or higher. Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Talk about the surgery and recovery with loved ones and decide what traditions to continue and which to put on hold. This is also a perfect time to ask others to step up to help.
Recognize your physical and emotional limitations. Don't push yourself to do too much physically. Similarly, be aware of your state of mind and if you don't feel capable of doing certain things or attending some events, say so.
Acknowledge if you feel stress related to the surgery, recovery, the holidays, or all of the above.
If you're seeking a diagnosis or need a healthcare provider for treatment, Dr. Fischer can help. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.
