The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Bonnie Johnson, The Quill Staff
When Gilbert Linder, Stronghurst, found a spot on his face, he was concerned. But he didn't hesitate to find out what was causing the spot. Gilbert called his doctor and got an appointment. Gilbert said, "He wasn't sure if it was cancer, but the thought crossed his mind."
This occurred in the spring of 2003. The spot was removed, but unfortunately, it came back within a few months. He was referred to a dermatologist in Burlington, IA.
The specialist found a spot on his ear too and removed the spot from his ear and the one from his face. Biopsies were taken and sent to St. Louis for testing. They were found to be cancerous. Gilbert stated " I wasn't afraid, but just concerned. I wanted to get it taken care of quickly, so it wouldn't spread. I think handling this quickly helped to keep the cancer from growing". Gilbert returned to the office where the dermatologist removed more of the tissue in order to give a clear margin against the cancer.
After these spots were healed, Gilbert went back to the dermatologist. He had a great deal of rough skin on his face and ears, which was determined to be precancerous cells. The dermatologist began treating the face with a salve. Gilbert applied the salve each day for 4 weeks. During this time, his face became very red and very sore, but the salve worked. It removed the rough skin and the precancerous cells.
In November of 2003, Gilbert then had the same procedure done on his ears. Again this treatment took 4 weeks using the salve once each day, and again, his ears became very red and very sore.
He says, "Early detection is the key to combating any precancerous condition". Gilbert stated, "It was quite an experience. The procedure was really painful. There was a lot of discomfort."
After the treatment, his ears were cleared of the precancerous cells. Gilbert's advice to everyone who works or plays out in the hot sun is to wear a hat, cover the arms and use plenty of suntan lotion.
When asked how he felt about the A.C.S, door-to-door campaigning, and the Relay For Life, Gilbert stated, "I think the A.C.S. is doing all they can do with the amount of money they have available. The door-to-door campaign seems to be doing some good to raise money."
Gilbert also walked in the Relay For Life before he had cancer and he continue to do so now.
"It's for a good cause and well worthwhile," he said.
"It is springtime and we will be having hot, bright sunlight." Gilbert says, "Please wear those hats, cover the arms and hands and use plenty of suntan lotion when you are outside."