Sometimes, a deep infection needs to heal from the inside out. The doctor puts a sort of tape through each side. Twice a day, you slide the tape back and forth to keep the incision scab free so it heals from the inside out. This can be a real problem if you have your ear pierced and then let the hole heal over. It forms a cyst and a recurring infection site. I have seen people with a golf ball size infection on their ear lobe. GROSS!
Given your medical history, Captain, and the radiation, better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor is right to do every test and err on the side of caution.
No fun for you, I know. No fun for Jacqui either. Maybe some lobster would help?
SINS