Hello Family and Friends, I know it's hard to recognize me in this picture, but yes “This is Me” Jen Ray-Stracke. These picture are the hardest image I ever had to show to anyone. If you know me, I cover up all my imperfections with makeup to give me any kind of self-confidence these days. As you can see, no amount of makeup will ever help me again. My medical issue started around June 1st, 2024. I noticed a small pimple on the side of my nose. I usually never get pimples, so it stood out to me. After a couple of days, I noticed it getting bigger and of course, I had to mess with it. Another week passed and it almost looked like it was forming into some form of wart. On June 14th, my physician gave me the news it was not a wart, and in fact, it was a form of skin cancer. She then referred me to a specialist in Sutton Dermatology. I waited for a call from the dermatologist to schedule a biopsy and the next available time was July 19th. As many of you may know, I'm not a patient person and 30+ days was not acceptable to me due to this lesion on my nose that was growing really fast. So, I went online to Sutton Dermatology’s website and got lucky and booked myself an appointment at a different Sutton location for the very next day on the online scheduling, due to a cancellation. The Doctor cut off the growth of skin cancer for a biopsy and burned my skin to stop the bleeding. While I was there, they reassured me it was not Melanoma, so I felt very luck knowing that when I left. A few days passed and the results of the skin cancer showed it was an aggressive and the fastest-growing skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Since this was caught early, they recommend doing Mohs Surgery, which is the most curable for the SCC. Mohs surgery is a procedure in which the surgeon removes the cancer and continues until only cancer-free tissue remains. After the procedure is done, you drive over to your post-Mohs Plastic Surgeon, and they close the wound and reconstruct your nose. I agreed to the procedures, however again, the next available surgery time for both surgeons to do it on the same day wasn’t until July 26th, which was about 6 weeks away. Even though the outside tumor on my nose was cut off for the biopsy, the skin cancer grew so aggressively, that by the time my surgery date came around, the cancer grew into deeper layers of skin on my nostril, there was literally a hole in my nose from all the cancerous tissue that was removed. In all honesty, I never imagined that in my 40s, I would be advising the younger generation on the importance of wearing sunscreen. I’m so embarrassed, and ashamed, and I will have a scar on my face for the rest of my life, but if I can help even one person from looking and feeling as hideous as I feel, then posting this picture is well worth it. I do have Individual Medical Insurance but the out-of-pocket expenses are outrageously high. I had to come up with thousands of dollars upfront for the dermatologist and plastic surgeon so I can get these surgeries done that day. The unfortunate part is I will still have many bills left to pay on the procedures. I understand times are tough these days, but I give my word that when I get back on my feet, I will ‘pay it forward’ to those in need. Any amount that can be donated is greatly appreciated to me and my family. Even if you are not able to contribute money at this time, a simple prayer to provide me with comfort and strength during this healing process would be appreciated also. Thank you family and friends.
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