And today's adventure

 for about five years, I have had what I assumed was either a lipoma or a pilar cyst (guess I will find out today) on my right temple. Eventually I just grew my bangs out and brushed them over it. My doctor seemed unconcerned by it, but eventually I got concerned (especially after losing a few friends to various cancers where they PROBABLY got that strange symptom checked out too late). So I made an appointment at the local dermatology clinic.

The initial appointment was quick - they photographed it, the PA who saw me seemed unconcerned by it and said it was probably nothing. But I decided I wanted it gone - I'm sick of worrying about whether my hair covers it (especially with wearing a mask) and it would be nice not to bump it when I brush my hair

So in a bit under an hour, I go and get it removed. They tell me it will just take a local, and I'm hoping it's a fast procedure, but who knows? They will send it of for analysis though the PA said she figured it was totally benign. 

I do have to remember to ask:

- how soon before I can wash my hair again (I hope it's soon. I washed it last night but I like to wash it every other day, especially in pollen season)

- Are there any things I should look out for in re: infection (I presume I will not be made to take an antibiotic prophylactically, at least, I hope so)

And I presume they'll tell me if the stitches they use are dissolving ones or if I have to go back for their removal. (I had dissolving stitches when I had my wisdom teeth out and that made it easier)

I'm telling myself this means I can start wearing cute hair clips again - they irritated the spot or sometimes flattened the hair enough the thing became visible. (I claim not to be vain, but I am, about specific things)

 

I did have to cancel my morning classes but I recorded lectures so I don't feel as bad about that as I might otherwise. 

 

I also hived up yesterday, perhaps an after effect of the second COVID dose? I have "chronic idiopathic urticaria," the only good news is it's NOT allergic and is unlikely to become anaphylactic. But it is kind of miserable and I've noticed every time my immune system is challenged in some way, I hive up for a day or so. (At least they're starting to fade, now). 

****

Edited to add: all done, it wasn't so very bad EXCEPT the dermatological surgeon suspects early-stage basal cell carcinoma. He THINKS he removed the whole thing, the pathology report will tell if the edges are clear or not. (Clear edges = good. Not clear edges = I will have to have more skin cut off that area).

I have stitches but my hair covers it. And a prescription for Keflex, which I don't love, because of bad reactions to other antibiotics in the past (and also currently dealing with hives but whatever). Gonna take the first dose before going over to school so if I do chance to have a bad reaction I won't be alone

I also, in the course of calling my mom to tell her, realized my friend D.'s contact was still in my phone. Feeling sad, I deleted it - really no point in keeping it. But increasingly I guess that's going to be a thing; people having to delete the contact information of people who have died.

I really want some happy news for a change :(