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Thread: SKin Cancer

  1. #1
    Member memelissa13's Avatar
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    Default SKin Cancer

    I JUST HAD A BIOPSY AND it came up positive what worries should I have? Has any one else here ever had skin cancer? My Doc said it wasnt Melonoma but that it just had signs of being cancer. They are gonna cut out some more skin from my back later in the month and check out the rest of my body from head to toe. Should I worry about this?
    Hugs and Love to all my ladies,
    Melissa

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    God/dess Rhiannon's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Quote Originally Posted by memelissa13 link=board=1;threadid=7068;start=msg79944#msg79944 date=1078258812
    I JUST HAD A BIOPSY AND it came up positive what worries should I have? Has any one else here ever had skin cancer? My Doc said it wasnt Melonoma but that it just had signs of being cancer. They are gonna cut out some more skin from my back later in the month and check out the rest of my body from head to toe. Should I worry about this?
    Wow Melissa.. Sorry to hear about the positive results. The good thing, is that most likely, they've caught it in time, and there are tons of treatments out there these days that will prevent it from developing into cancer.

    I have to get moles checked every year. I'm prone to them, not only because I'm a redhead with very pale skin, but also because my father was covered with them. Unfortunately, he wasn't aware of all the dangers of not getting them examined. He died of Metastatic Malignant Melanoma (Basically terminal skin cancer, due to the moles, but it had spread throughout his body) at age 39 in 1990. In 2001, I had 2 removed from my left upper arm, and 1 removed from my lower back. They were both biopsied and came back negative, thankfully.

    The most important thing for you right now is to not worry. Worry and anxiety put so much strain on your body. Definitely have them check you EVERYWHERE when they do the exam. This means even "down there". I can't stress enough how important it is for anyone, if you're prone to moles, have them checked EVERY year. If caught early enough, you'll be alright. But, in between doctor checkups for the moles, you should ALWAYS keep an eye them. Check for any changes in them, because it could be a red flag that you need to get them checked right away.

    Cancer does not discriminate. Any type of cancer. Just because skin cancer runs in my family, doesn't mean I'll end up with it. On the flip side, just because cancer doesn't run in someone else's family, it doesn't mean they can't get it. It's an evil, destructive disease.

    Melissa, I wish you the best at your appointment, and with your exam. Please post here and let us know how it turned out. Just keep calm, like I said, most likely it was caught in time.

    I'll keep a candle lit for you.



    I'm including a link below that has more information for anyone interested. It has warning signs, etc. Hope it helps someone.

  3. #3
    Member memelissa13's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Thank you Rhianna I'll keep you posted as well.

    I have one appointment on the 15th and ill let you know how that goes. I still have to shedule the surgery though for the larger biopsy.

    Your a sweety
    Hugs and Love to all my ladies,
    Melissa

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    Veteran Member anais's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    I really don't know much about skin cancer, but if I were you, I would do the things you know to take care of your skin, like do not tan, and wear sunscreen.

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    God/dess Lexi's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    meme, I'm sorry to hear that. Although skin cancer can be extremely dangerous, theres also a GREAT chance that if they caught it early you will be ok. I know a ton of people who have had moles removed and are doing just fine.

    Hopefully you just take care of your skin now, dont expose yourself to the sun much, and if you do always wear sunscreen even in the winter, or when its cloudy. The rays still penetrate the skin. SO be careful, and hopefully its caught early, and you'll be ok!!!!

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    God/dess montythegeek's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    If caught early skin cancer is just annoying and CHRONIC. If left alone it can be deadly. My dad had skin cancer, bladder cancer and colon cancer and died 10-15 years later at 86 when his heart gave out.

    It is likely going to be a recurrent thing because the (typically sun-) damaged area is much larger than where it first occurs. You will likely be going back for checks a number of times over the years. If you move, do not let vigilance on this lapse. Make sure you get anything found early.

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    Member memelissa13's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Thank you for the advice Anais, Lexi, and Montey I think everything will be ok.
    Hugs and Love to all my ladies,
    Melissa

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    Featured Member NikkiD's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Wow! Honey, Im glad that you found it early. Good Luck and Take care! Please keep me posted on your status! Much Love.


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    Featured Member FONDL's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    I've had skin cancer for well over 20 years, and have probably had more than 100 lesions removed surgically. There are several different kinds and fortunately mine have all been melanoma, which isn't life threatening and is probably what you have too. My doctor used to tell me that mine was largely the result of bad sunburns as a kid (I used to play tennis without a shirt all day long.) Get checked regularly, wear sunscreen whenever you're outside, wear a hat, don't sunbathe for long periods of time, and try to avoid going outside in the middle of the day. The incidence of melanoma is increasing rapidly, probably because we don't wear as much clothing outdoors as our parents and grandparents did (eg. compare bathing suits), probably because today doctors recognize it more quickly than in their time, and also possibly because the ozone layer is thinning. It's not life threatening unless you ignore it for a long time, but it is a pain in the butt to have to keep having surgery about a dozen times a year. Especially when they're on your face. Good luck. And be thankful, you could have a lot worse problems.
    Friends Of Naked Dancing Ladies (FONDL)

  10. #10
    Pamela
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Yes i have Basel cell and Squamous cell carcinoma. On a few of my pictures you may see a raised pinkish bump on my shoulder, slow to heal, that one was a trauma to the skin as i waited so long. I had that one removed almost 1 year ago today, it will flatten more and turn flesh colour in time.

    I have to get a full body check every year with my doc. On top of that look every so often for any new growths any colour myself. I have any removed as a precaution.

    I am very light skinned. Being from Sweden i should know better, but i live in suny Florida, now i pay the price...

    Basel cell is not as bad as squamous cell, they both need to be removed, the one on my shoulder was scraped and burned out. It smelled but no pain. I have NO scars from the others being removed.

    You will be fine. I live with the buggers popping up maybe once every few years. Not many at all. I have seen people covered in them.

    Watch out for dark or any discoloured moles, strange shapes and flat. Have them looked at. I also work with people who have Melanoma very treatable! The key is catching all this in time! Don't wait!!!

    Lots of cheer Meme, as you will do just fine. Some is pre-cancerous on people. I have skin cancer, well under control with body checks, and removal as needed!

    Pamela


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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    i was diagnosed with melanoma two years ago--a mole that i never thought looked right,and was told it was fine by 2 doctors. i finally went to a third, who said she thought it looked ok--but that "if you dont like it i dont like it"--was removed, biopsied, and found to be malingant--early stage cancer. what you have sounds like dysplastic nevi--which basically means "weird-ass mole"-these either turn cancerous, or ..don't--whne they are dysplastic, as they might become cancerous, doctors take them off anyhow. mine had already turned malignant, so they knew. melanoma doesnt just go away--if i hadnt been vigilant about getting it checked, if the final dr hadnt listened to me, that tiny mole would have eventually killed me. no question. GET CHECKED. if you dont like something, find a dr who will listen to you. ive always been a sun bunny. tanned, etc..so i had it coming. good you have gotten it off--make sure you go for full body checks every few months for the first year, twice a year for the next few years. good luck!!

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    Featured Member FONDL's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    OMG, I can't believe I did that. I'm beginning to think that when they removed those cancers from on top of my head last year they dug too deep. As any idiot knows (except obviously me) the melanomas are the bad guys. I've had mostly basel cell carcinomas which are fairly common and not life threatening because they grow so slowly and don't spread to other parts of the body (which is called metastisizing.) That's probably what you have and is nothing to worry about.

    If left untreated for a long time they can turn into squamous cells, which can metastisize. I once had a squamous a long time ago but thankfully haven't had any since. Melanomas on the other hand grow quickly and metastisize readily. These need to be removed yesterday.

    Basel cells usually appear as a small red sore which doesn't heal, or if it does heal it returns and sometimes bleeds and keeps getting larger although very slowly. Melanomas are usually dark with uneven edges that gradually grow larger and may protrude slightly. Moles are common sites. If a mole changes its appearance (color or shape) get it checked immediately, these can be very dangerous. Basel cell carcinoma is usually found mostly in fair-skinned people. Melanomas aren't so picky, anyone can get them.

    If anyone would like to discuss this further, feel free to contact me directly. I've had over 20 years experience with my skin cancer. And please say out of the tanning booths, they're worse than the sun.

    Friends Of Naked Dancing Ladies (FONDL)

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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Thanks again for all the information and encouragement. Erica welcome to the web This is a great place to be. I am scheduled for a full body examination on t he 15th of this month and I also am having more surgery on later i the mmonth. I am gonna have a 9" wound My brother in law told me i can tell people that I was stabbed or something in figth What a kidder!!! This was the only spot that I know of that looks bad so I am not too worried about it and the Doc did say it was no melonoma but was motre like erica put it "weird ass mole".

    Thank you gain for the encouragement Erica I hope too see you in the chat
    Hugs and Love to all my ladies,
    Melissa

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    Member memelissa13's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    He Fondl,

    You described my mole as being melonoma. That is scary I knoly have one though and it is obviously prettu big considering the Doc took out about 3 inche graph of my back. I am not sure however how deep he went. That is my curiosity. Ok when I go for the second surgery will it be a local anthesia or will they put me under? Just curious? I would actually love to watch the surgery so I know what is going on. I am curious like that.
    Hugs and Love to all my ladies,
    Melissa

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    God/dess Rhiannon's Avatar
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    FONDL.. Sorry about your long history with the cancers. The whole thing boils down to paying attention to your body and regular self-examinations. Anyone can get moles, although it's even more common in fair-skinned people like myself, and my father. He didn't think anything of the moles, and didn't bother getting checked. He found out when it was far too late. Like I said, any type of cancer is not discriminative. It can grab onto anyone.

    I had to double-check my father's death certificate, to make sure I listed his cause of death correctly, which I did. Metastatic Malignant Melanoma. Being left untreated for so long, the cancer spread to his vital organs, brought his immune system down drastically, and he developed pneumonia. He slipped into a coma, and 2 weeks later, he died. Cancer in any form is a vile, merciless disease.

    I thank you for educating me on basel cell carcinomas. I've heard of them before, but didn't know a lot about them. Thankfully, I've only had to deal with questionable moles. But the key is to get them checked, no matter what.


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    God/dess Rhiannon's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    wow Melissa! A 9" wound? Damn.. If it was me, I'd want to be put under, but then again, I'm such a wuss when it comes to those types of things.. lol.. The 3 I had removed were not very big at all, and were removed under local anesthesia, and I can hardly see the scars anymore.

    Keep us updated hon.


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    Member memelissa13's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    I had one other one removed and there will be no scarring from that one. It was a part of three moles that looked like Mickey Mouse. I call that area on my chest the Mickey Mouse Club I do have tons of moles thouhg I do have a feeling it will be local shot though, It is a quick couple of pinches with a needle as long as your pointer finger i presume. I felt it go in the first time and saw the needle too. The nurse kept on askig if I was ok. I just kept smiling and saying yes I did flinch once though, I think the doc hit a nerve with the needle. I was told I will definately see the scars. I also have new stretch marks in the shoulder area wonder if those will go away?
    Hugs and Love to all my ladies,
    Melissa

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    God/dess Lexi's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Wow good luck again, meme. Hope its nothing serious, though this thread confused me... some people said melanoma wasnt too serious. I always heard that if left untreated it was the worst kind of skin cancer?
    Anyone know?

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    Member memelissa13's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Melonoma is bad, i am just glad right now the Doc doesn't think I have it!!! Thanks Lexi. I know i have gotten a lot of bad news lately health wise but at least i am catching everything early Check ups are good things people I recomend them to everyone. The other things I have a possabilty of getting are Diabeties and High cholestoral. They both run in the family and i know how to take care of them, its just a matter of time before I get Diabeties but everyone in my family that has it lives fairly comfortable.
    Hugs and Love to all my ladies,
    Melissa

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    Featured Member FONDL's Avatar
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Thanks Rhiannon. Actually I consider myself to be lucky. If you have to have something, and sooner or later every body does, basel cells are better than a lot of things I can think of.

    I've actually had 4 different kinds of treatment over the year. Originally I just went to a surgeon about 4 times a year and he just cut out anything that looked questionable and sewed me up. Unfortunately he died. Those were the good old days. Now in order to satisfy the insurance company my skin doctor has to first take a biopsy, the I have to return to get it removed. He either does surgery with stiches or just scrapes it out without stiches. Or if it's above the neck (and lots of them are) he does what's called a Moh's procedure - he does a small surgery, sends it to the lab of analysis while you wait to see if he got it all, and if not does some more surgery etc. until he gets it all, all of which can take all day. But the fun part is that I then have to return the next day to see a plastic surgeon who then closes the incision. If they both do their work on the same day the insurance company will only pay one of them. So because of insurance rules, that used to take about an hour now takes 2-3 days. Makes sense, right? Lately Ive been using a topical cream called Aldera, which was originally developed to treat genital warts and has been found to be effective on some skin cancers. It eats away the skin which then grows back healthy. It takes about a month and is just peachy fun.

    Meme, I've only ever had general anesthesia once for my skin cancer, when my original surgeon wanted to remove a bunch of them at one time from my head and he felt that would work better. Otherwise they've all been local. Sounds like they want to make sure they got all of yours if they're going in again. Good luck.
    Friends Of Naked Dancing Ladies (FONDL)

  21. #21
    Pamela
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    Default Re:SKin Cancer

    Yes Lexi Melanoma is a killer. Squamous cell has it's known causes for being a killer too. If you had to get any type of skin cancer Basel cell is the one my Derm. said she would want.

    Pamela

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