I have learned my lesson. "Wear your hat", my husband always reminded me.

Last week I had a squamous cell lesion removed from above my left eye and a little bit of my brow.

I thank the excellent surgeon and dermatologist who carefully removed it and reconstrcted the area, right here in Ajijic.

They consulted each other for about 15 minutes as to the best way to incise the area and then deftly "mapped" the area to be removed so that all the lesion would be included.

The surgery took over an hour, so I know they did a good job. Being a former nurse, I watched that they used sterile procedure - they were terrific!! I knew that I was in good hands. The lesion was about the size of a centavo.

My husband was the push for me to visit the doctor in the first place, as I had a "rash" over my eye which would not go away. Dr. Lupita did a biopsy which came back positive within the week and she set up the surgery for the next week.

I should have known better, because a year ago another doctor found and removed a similar lesion from my back.

What did I learn?

1. Do not ignore something that will not heal, not matter how small.

2. Get regular skin care checks. The Lake Chapala Society holds regular check up clinics and all it costs is a donation to the Wilkes learning Centre.

2. Wear a hat during daylight hours. This should not be difficult for me, as I love hats!!

3. Don't think that I am immune from skin cancer because I am not blond or a red head.

4. Most of all - How fortunate we are in Ajijic - we have excellent doctors right in our neighbourhood and the wait time for treatment is minimal.

5. All this cost of less than $600US!

I hope this blog encourages you to seek a check up and if needed receive prompt attention for any concern.

With all these hats my husband should not have to remind me to wear just one!!