Misery loves company

[mystang52]

Most of us here are at the age where cancer - and other medical issues - will happen. I'm a double cancer survivor, and like another responder wrote, I look at the glass as half full. I remain very active and enjoy all of my physical and mental hobbies. Life goes on, and specifically regarding cancer there are so many new treatments and virtual cures for nearly all of them.

 

[Amethyst]

This is true, and my father was particularly weird about it. He himself loved the sun. When he got skin cancer, he just had it removed and went on tanning.

When I was a teen, I got acne, and he told me sunshine would be good for it. It wasn't - it made it worse.

I was trying to stay out of the sun because I'd read articles about how skin cancer and wrinkles start with early sun exposure. My Dad insisted this wasn't healthy. When we moved to Florida, he drove me to the beach one day and stranded me there! No shade at all. I got a bad sun burn that day for sure. He said it was good for me.

In your defense, back in the day the prevailing wisdom was that getting lots of sunshine was healthy, essential for absorption of vitamin D, staved off Seasonal Affective Disorder depression, etc.

 

[ER Eddie]

I had skin cancer when I was 25. Scared me. The doc cut it out, and I was fine, but as people are saying, just the word (or rather diagnosis) "cancer" is scary as hell. It easily translates in my head to "your life is over now. Sorry, that's it. You're done." But I was fine, of course. My mind can really get carried away with worry and doomsday scenarios, sometimes. The worst is when I drop into a sort of hopeless and self-pitying mode. That doesn't do a damn bit of good.

I'm assuming the doc can cut it out, and you'll be fine. Meanwhile, what I found to be helpful is prayer in whatever way you're comfortable (especially just expressing your raw feelings), talking with people about it, and letting yourself feel your feelings. Re. the latter, people always say to "think positive," and although that has some value, trying too hard with that can backfire by creating stress, because you're trying to repress legitimate feelings (fear, anger, hurt, whatever). It's better to treat yourself with as much kindness, support, and acceptance as you can.

Sending you love.

 

[Mdlerth]

Park your shyness in the reception area

I shudder to think where some of the women I grew up with are having skin cancers removed from...the way they used to display their bits and pieces, "laying out" all summer in string bikinis.

This is important. The wife of a buddy from w*rk got a melanoma in a spot guaranteed to have NEVER seen the sun. There is no such thing as a skin exam that is too thorough.

 

[Gulfbeach]

MOHS does sound scary. Even after you have it! The worst for me was waiting while the tests were run each time to find ‘clear edges’!

In my case, the graft site behind my ear was more of an aggravation to heal than the surgical site on my nose, which required smaller and smaller ‘bunny nose’ dressings as it healed.

However these bandages also protected the area from the sun so the new skin never got overexposed.

Since the day I was cleared to use sunblock in that area, I have done so without fail. Just annual skin checks now and have needed no further surgery.

Considering the discussion of apps, the included Photo Booth on new IPads has an X-ray filter that does show age spots slightly below the surface. Now that’s really scary!

 

[mhk7]

A lot of dermatologist are recommending a vitamin B supplement for preventing skin cancer...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4570055/

 

[Jamie1101]

Take Charge

I have no doubt doctors cringe when patients don't consider them to be all knowing gods. My first visit to a dermatoligist in 1996 was for a "pimple" in the corner of my eye that would not heal. Walking into the office I saw the poster of different cancers and told the dr it must be a basal cell.. that was caught early, removed, and there were no complications. 2017 I pointed out what looked like a blood blister on my upper chest. The dr said it was only a fatty tissue and nothing to worry about. I insisted to have it removed is it was starting to itch and was annoying. It tested positive for melanoma.. this was caught early and had not spread. I guess what I'm trying to say is you must be proactive and not expect your Dr to catch every little thing.....Cancer is no longer the death sentence it once was...

 

[TeeRuh]

Becca (and all facing MOHs surgery), google electronic brachytherapy. This is basically a relatively new approach to radiation treatment. My MOHs surgeon recommended it for some basil cell on my nose. I just completed a 5 week (twice per week) session.


t.r.

 

[wanaberetiree]

MOHS does sound scary.

I've never heard of MOHS word since two-three days ago.
My dermatologist did not use this world all.

He cut out piece of my flesh and burn the area.

Is it MOHS ?

 

[Gulfbeach]

I've never heard of MOHS word since two-three days ago.
My dermatologist did not use this world all.

He cut out piece of my flesh and burn the area.

Is it MOHS ?

I just checked and the Mayo Clinic site on MOHS is quite extensive and explanatory. Hope that helps or leads to one that does. In my city there is only one dermatologist who does this surgery and one in the next larger city two hours away.
YMMV

 

[becca]

I have not heard of electronic brachytherapy. I will explore that. I am also considering using imiquimod as an alternative to the MOHS. Has anyone here had any experience with that?

 

[Dawg52]

Don't let basal cell carcinoma get you down. Those are not that serious when caught early. I've had a couple and one squamous cell removed. The squamous cell got my attention but it was small and easy to remove. I still play a lot of golf but try to protect myself with sunscreen. I see a dermatologist 2 times a year and haven't had any others removed for 10 years or so.

I see my dermatologist next week. He usually finds something to freeze on every visit. He mentioned I might want to consider doing some kind of 'sun lamp' therapy. It will make your face peel and you're suppose to stay out of the sunlight for several days afterward. Forgot what the procedure is called but its a one time thing and he said it should reduce the need for cryotherapy on my face going forward. He said Medicare pays for most of it. Anyone ever done this? I'm going to ask more about next week. If I do it, would like to during the winter when not outside much anyway.

 

[ER Eddie]

I see my dermatologist next week. He usually finds something to freeze on every visit. He mentioned I might want to consider doing some kind of 'sun lamp' therapy. It will make your face peel and you're suppose to stay out of the sunlight for several days afterward. Forgot what the procedure is called but its a one time thing and he said it should reduce the need for cryotherapy on my face going forward. He said Medicare pays for most of it. Anyone ever done this? I'm going to ask more about next week. If I do it, would like to during the winter when not outside much anyway.

Seems like a weird thing for a dermatologist to recommend. It sounds like a sunburn is involved, and as far as I know, it's not the sun per se but sunburn that is associated with skin cancer.

 

[Mdlerth]

Just in time for Halloween

I see my dermatologist next week. He usually finds something to freeze on every visit. He mentioned I might want to consider doing some kind of 'sun lamp' therapy. It will make your face peel and you're suppose to stay out of the sunlight for several days afterward. Forgot what the procedure is called but its a one time thing and he said it should reduce the need for cryotherapy on my face going forward.

Are you sure it's not called "blue light" therapy? I had it done some years ago. In combination with some medication taken beforehand it's supposed to nip precancerous cells in the bud.

It does result in peeling.

 

[Helen]

Thanks to this thread I have made my first appointment with a dermatologist for a look over.

I love this website, you posters really rock!

 

[CardsFan]

Thanks to this thread I have made my first appointment with a dermatologist for a look over.

I love this website, you posters really rock!

I know I put it off for a long time, until DW saw something on my back. Turned out, that was nothing, but thanks to visits, my melanoma was caught very early.

 

[pacergal]

Father with history of several skin cancers, lived to his 80's.
I see a dermatologist yearly, and do home checks in a full length mirror at least monthly.
Fair skin, freckles, multiple sunburns as a child ("go out and play, it's sunny outside!").
I have risk factors that I don't want to mess with, seeing the derm dr is just part of my routine medical care.

 

[SpinDoctorTX]

My mom had these for years (50+)...and it didn't affect her life or lifespan, in the end. Just had to cover up. But maybe it's a wake-up call? Do what you want to do now, don't wait around until it's too late!

People age, and have health problems. Many here are able to move past very serious health problems, including heart attacks, etc., and go on to live full, fulfilling lives, sometimes for decades! Go get' em!

AMEN!

 

[rtroxel]

I had my first basal cell carcinoma removed when I was 28, in 1973. Since then, I've had dozens more removed. In fact, I'm now receiving radiation to remove some activity from my left ear. (I had a choice: take radiation therapy or remove the entire ear.)

About ten years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. EARLY DETECTION saved my life. Viagra has saved my "pursuit of happiness."

Roy in New Mexico

 

[catii]

I'm 73, & have lived through FOUR melanoma, one very-scary renal papilloma (lost a kidney), & a squamous-cell carcinoma. I'm sure that my dermatologist & oncologist will be able to retire early, but I've quit worrying. I grew up in Arizona, & now live in Hawaii, so no more uncovered days on the boat or beach.

I've let my kids & grandkids know, as all but one live in very sunny states. Glad we've got good medical science!

 

[mickeyd]

I am 74 and have had 25+ BCC cut out over the last 15 years in addition to the 5 Melanomas. I am scheduled for my 5th Mohs surgery on Monday. You learn to live with this stuff and move on with life. Visit your Dermatologist on a regular basis.

 

[rtroxel]

In your defense, back in the day the prevailing wisdom was that getting lots of sunshine was healthy, essential for absorption of vitamin D, staved off Seasonal Affective Disorder depression, etc.

I had very pale skin as a kid, and the doctors told my parents that I needed to stay out in the sun as much as possible. Right. Got my first basal at age 28.

It goes to show that medical science is constantly being revised.

Roy

 

[rtroxel]

I had skin cancer when I was 25. Scared me. The doc cut it out, and I was fine, but as people are saying, just the word (or rather diagnosis) "cancer" is scary as hell. It easily translates in my head to "your life is over now. Sorry, that's it. You're done." But I was fine, of course. My mind can really get carried away with worry and doomsday scenarios, sometimes. The worst is when I drop into a sort of hopeless and self-pitying mode. That doesn't do a damn bit of good.

I'm assuming the doc can cut it out, and you'll be fine. Meanwhile, what I found to be helpful is prayer in whatever way you're comfortable (especially just expressing your raw feelings), talking with people about it, and letting yourself feel your feelings. Re. the latter, people always say to "think positive," and although that has some value, trying too hard with that can backfire by creating stress, because you're trying to repress legitimate feelings (fear, anger, hurt, whatever). It's better to treat yourself with as much kindness, support, and acceptance as you can.

Sending you love.

The "hidden" villain in cancer is SELF-PITY. Avoid it any way you can.

Roy in New Mexico

 

[rtroxel]

I just checked and the Mayo Clinic site on MOHS is quite extensive and explanatory. Hope that helps or leads to one that does. In my city there is only one dermatologist who does this surgery and one in the next larger city two hours away.
YMMV

Mohs surgery was developed by a doctor named Mohs. It involves removing infected areas of skin, then looking at them under a microscope. Once it is determined that no more infection exists, the surgery is done. It smarts a little bit for a day or so after.

Roy in New Mexico

 

[rtroxel]

Seems like a weird thing for a dermatologist to recommend. It sounds like a sunburn is involved, and as far as I know, it's not the sun per se but sunburn that is associated with skin cancer.

My dermatologist calls this "blue light therapy". I had it done 2 months ago and it fried almost every keratosis on my face. The keratoses then flaked off after a week or so.

And no, a sun lamp is NOT used. The "blue light" is on the far end of the visual spectrum, just before the invisible ultra-violet light. It is the UV that gives you skin cancer, not the deep blue.

Roy in New Mexico