Cliff
5/5
I had not been to a dermatologist in 15 years, so I was overdue for a check-up, and already knew there were some possible skin cancers. After a thorough inspection and 9 biopsies, they found 6 skin cancers, thankfully, all were the more common and least dangerous - still, they needed treatment.
Oasis Dermatology Group has multiple locations. This one is in Weslaco on Oklahoma Ave, a half a block south of Business 83, by the KFC. When you arrive, check in, and provide insurance and payment information, and they will call you when it is your turn.
There are several doctors here, and throughout my process, I seldom saw the same doctor twice. Since everything is documented in the patient file, either one can quickly get up-to-date with your case. Most non-surgical treatment is done here, such as exams, shave biopsies, consultations, etc.
As part of the documentation process, they do take before and after pictures of any lesions. With all the work I had done I had so many photo shoots, I almost felt like a model and wanted the extra lights and a wind machine... (a little humor helps!) Seriously, they were all very professional.
I appreciated the options offered for my treatment of the skin cancers.
Some were good candidates for use of a topical cream which, not only is less expensive, but leaves no scarring. The cream doesn't work with everyone, and it only worked on half the lesions we tried it on, but it did eliminate the need for surgery on three.
If you need surgery, you most likely will be sent to their McAllen surgical center on Buddy Owens Blvd. where they get you in and out quickly, unless you need Mohs surgery which is very specialized and done by Dr. Rick Lin. Mohs surgery removes one microscopic layer at a time to ensure they only remove what has to be removed, and leave minimal scarring. This is essential for people with lesions on their face or sensitive areas. Since it is so time-consuming, requires specialized training and equipment, it is also quite expensive. I am grateful that option is available in the RGV, but equally grateful I did not need it.
I'd like to give a special shout-out to the doctors who did my three surgeries, all of which were successful (the cancer completely removed): Drs. GonzƔlez, Sandrock, and Burningham. They ensured I was informed, as comfortable as possible, and did their work well. Dr. Burningham is the one who went over my options with me and prescribed the topical cream. He also did a great job on the surgery on my arm. I watched him work, which did not appear to make him nervous at all.
Doctors GonzƔlez and Sandrock were assigned to the two surgeries on my back. Obviously, since I'm not a contortionist, I could not watch them work. But all went well. I was concerned about me stressing the stitches when I had to bend over to put on socks and shoes, etc., but their stitches held very nicely.
Additionally, during the initial exam, they found several additional spots on my arms that could have been precancerous and treated them with liquid nitrogen (freezing). This treatment is relatively inexpensive and quick. The treated spot usually blisters, then heals. I cannot even tell now where they did it, and the spots are gone.
My only frustration had nothing to do with them, but with my insurance company, which only allows 5 biopsies at a time. Honestly, I wonder how many doctors would reconsider their career choice had they known how many hours they'd had to invest fighting with insurance companies to ensure needed care for their patients? (Can I get an "amen"?)
I highly recommend Oasis Dermatology Group. I know people like me (fair and ginger) are more prone to sun damage and skin cancers, so I was a little surprised at how many non-caucasion patients they have. In the RGV, with the fierce sun we have, everyone needs to get a check-up from time to time. This is the place. Don't wait as long as I did.
