Skin cancer...
Because I tan really easily and well (despite what Joah might think!  ) when I was younger I rarely used sunscreen. In fact, I used tanning oil and I had tanning contests with my friend from Mexico who was naturally darker skinned. I love the sun and I love beinig tan. Since about age 20 I've used sunscreen every day on my face and more recently on my body...now I'm a sunscreen nut.
Well, I had a suspicious mole and I went to the dermatologist a few weeks ago and she just called and said it was an early melanoma and now they have to go back and remove a lot more skin to hopefully get it all. I'm freaking out right now... |
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| Im sorry to hear you have to go through this Steph!
Please keep us posted, and remember.... EARLY.....early, early, early is a REALLY good thing!  |
| I'm so glad you had that mole checked!!!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Keep us in the loop! |
| Glad you caught this early! I'll remember to bring some 30spf on vacation! |
| I was just like you when I was young. So was my sister. She had the same as you and had them all removed with no relasps. I just have a ton of brown patches I watch all the time. Glad you got it early, Take care of yourself and good luck. Keep us posted, HUGS AND PRAYERS |
| Ugh, I'm so sorry Barney. It's something I fear all the time for the reasons you stated (pro baby oil, tan girl).
I've had two moles removed on my face and have been lucky so far, so I really hate hearing when someone didn't have the same outcome. We'll be praying for you! I hope they get it all! |
| Uh oh. Was this the mole in question that we talked about in chat the other day or another one? Either way, I'm so sorry to hear that you didn't get the best news. Do you know how much more skin they'll be taking? Hopefully it won't be too much but get rid of everything. Good luck. |
| Me too, I was guilty of tanning with tanning oil, baby oil, those silver reflective blankets. Outside all the time, as I was a total tomboy and didn't want to get roped in to housework! I still prefer to be outside whenever possible.
Late in '05 I had a suspicious spot biopsied. Christmas of '05 I found out that the spot on my upper arm was Ca. I have a very large scar to remind me. No more troubles since, and I hope it stays that way! Hang in there Steph! |
| Hope all goes well at the dermatologist, Steph. I'm in Myrtle Beach right now and watching all these people baking themselves in the sun and wondering "why"?
Our next door neighbors retired here a few years ago and don't miss a day sitting in the sun. They come up with suspicious spots, go to the Derm and get them cut off and go right back out into the sun again. Geesh! The beach is more fun for us at night when we can take Nelson out walking.  |
| I'm fair skin, I was the good old coconut oil, deep fried over summer, went red, peeled back to white then red again and Oh the blisters in summer too.
I learnt my lesson, total cover up now due to our climate also. Oz has one of the highest stats for skin cancer in the world. I have had a spot on my arm off about 2 years ago so now white is nice, tanned is banned. 
Steph glad you noticed the change and they can remove it early. We are keeping all fingers and paws crossed for you. My nephew is dying from Melanoma and he is only 23. So anyone with an unusual looking skin blotch,scaley patch, mole or freckle do get them checked out and if they turn out to be nothing great, better safe then sorry. Slip, slop, slap in summer (Slip on a top, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat) |
| Good catch - I agree that early is great! |
| Missed this earlier!!!
So glad you caught it early, you may have a bit of a scar but they should be able to get it all!! It's ok to be a bit FREAKED but we are here for you!!! |
I'm sorry Steph.  But it's a good thing you caught it early.
My Mom had it too, on her face. 
Luckily, she didn't have any scaring. Or if there was any it was very minimal. I had only one summer of baby oil, boy was I dark!
Mom always slathered us with Coppertone SPF 8 when I was a kid, so I guess I got a little protection. 
I used 30 in Cancun and still got a awesome tan, I even burned so I switched to 50. |
| Hoping for the best for you |
| Geez Steph,
I'm really sorry. You just made to the top 5 on my prayer list... my kids will pray for you too... they have really strong voices |
ButtersStotch wrote: Uh oh. Was this the mole in question that we talked about in chat the other day or another one?
Yes, the butt one! I'll call it the outer glute region. Well, I guess if I have to have a large chunk taken out of me, it might as well be on my butt...  I wonder if they can suction anything else back there while they're at it...
Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. I really appreciate it! |
Well let's see..... Darcy was "picking her new boobs", does this mean you can pick a new butt???? Not that I'm calling you a butt picker......  |
| Oh wow...not the best news to get. So glad you were watching it, though, and caught it early. That's good. It is totally normal to a little freaked out, though. I am sure I would be too.
Now, the good news is you can get a butt lift.  Not that you needed one, but while you're there...  |
| AND...the one thing that really bugs me is that I noticed this first when I was in France in April and got into a bathing suit for the first time this year. So when I got home I called a bunch of dermatologists and there was a 6 month waiting period to get an appointment! I thought that was crazy so I put it off for another month, thinking (don't know why) that maybe the wait would be shorter a little later on.
Nope. It was now a 9 month wait list to get in. So I finally went to a primary care doctor and showed it to them, knowing that they would say go see a derm...but that doctor called a derm friend and got me an appointment with them and I only had to wait a month. But can you imagine--my original appointment was scheduled for December...I'd still be waiting 3+ months! |
| I'm so glad you caught it early, Steph. The odds are in your favor because of the early catch.
I always envied the people who could tan well because I thought they looked so much healthier with a tan. Unfortunately, I could never achieve that result. I burn, peel and burn again. So I slather on SPF 45 when I'm outside for an extended period. So on the one hand, I look so pale all the time for most of my life, but on the other hand, I won't get sun wrinkles!  Guess that's a pretty good trade-off.
Good luck, and keep us posted!! |
| Steph, I did the same thing. I have a great nurse practitioner I see for everyday things at our Dr's office. I was actually in for something else, and the "spot" came up in discussion. She did the biopsy that day and got the ball rolling. |
barney1 wrote: It was now a 9 month wait list to get in.
Makes you wonder how much good 'early detection' does you when you have to wait so long for an appointment with a specialist. |
| I am so glad you caught it early. Take care and we will be thinking of you and your butt. |
| We'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best outcome! |
| I'm glad you caught it early. Praying for the best outcome for your butt. |
| Sorry to hear about your skin cancer. They do wonders now treating skin cancer. My neighbor's son (22) had a horrible melanoma on his back. They removed a big area and he's completely fine now. |
| Steph...you caught it early, and that is a very good thing. Keeping prayers going for you. Quick and speedy and full recovery! We;re all here for you, love! |
| Good luck Steph! Glad you caught it. I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you. When will it be removed? |
| wishing you the best of luck Steph. |
| Well, they already proabably removed it during the initial appointment. It was around the size of a pencil eraser (a little smaller) and they took it all off and I had 3 stitches. They will be going in around the area and taking a cm off each side and deep to make sure they got everything. My husband seems concerned because he's heard that the standard is 1/2cm, so he's wondering why they're taking that much off. I say, the more the merrier, if it means it's gone!
Thanks for all the well wishes! The next surgery is Sept 20. |
| I agree with the MORE THE MERRIER!!! BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY and all those other platitudes!!!!!
HANG IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Mine sounds real similar. I had a small amt removed at the time of the 1st sample. When I went in to the dermatologist later, they made a much bigger incision. It was a wierd puckered thing at 1st, but now lays fairly smooth. Being on my deltoid area of my arm, it is very visible. I will get a picture of mine and post it. The scar is 2 inches long. It has been 1 1/2 years, and this summer it is much less visible than last summer. |
| Someone ought to teach dermatologists how to take a dart without puckering. |
Ok, here is the scar picture. Actual size is 2 inches long. Cancer removed Christmas of 2005, so almost 2 yrs ago.
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Um....so Steph....are you gonna post YOUR scar?!  |
| Y'all WANNA see my butt?
Since the surgery people are calling it my outer thigh, maybe it won't be obscene. I'll have to see what it turns out looking like. So, um, was that scar picture supposed to make me FEEL BETTER? It looks huge! Now I'm freaking out again
Wow, between my butt and Darcy's boob...lot of surgery going on with personal body parts! |
| Can't be worse than Ron's belly!
Quote: Makes you wonder how much good 'early detection' does you when you have to wait so long for an appointment with a specialist.
my thoughts exactly. |
| So my appointment is a week from today and I'm freaking out a bit again. A coworker and I were discussing it and I actually got out the measuring stick to see how big a centimeter is, and it's a lot bigger than I thought! I was expecting it to be about -- in size but it's more like ------ and there's going to be one of those on each side!! Eek! |
| It will be OK, really. .
A scar is just a scar. Your health is way more important than worrying about a physical mark on the surface. I was a bit shocked with mine, but afterwards, I was darn happy it was big. It made me feel safer, that the bad cells were really gone! Also, I have a close SIL who had a melanoma removed from the back of her thigh. You never really notice the scar. Different kind of skin back there! |
| Scars are COOL Steph! It'll make you look like a tough chick!
Well....to anyone who gets to see that part of you, anyhow
My father, who lost his leg (and very nearly his life) in a bad motorcycle accident some years ago LOVES it when a macho scar-comparison conversation starts up He always wins.  |
ravenmoonart wrote: Scars are COOL Steph! It'll make you look like a tough chick!
Well....to anyone who gets to see that part of you, anyhow My father, who lost his leg (and very nearly his life) in a bad motorcycle accident some years ago LOVES it when a macho scar-comparison conversation starts up He always wins. It's not the scar I'm worried about. It's that something that size will probably HURT more than a smaller one! Especially since it's not on my face or anything, I really don't care, aesthetically, how big it is. Wow--I'd hate to see the person your father loses to! |
barney1 wrote: Y'all WANNA see my butt?
Since the surgery people are calling it my outer thigh, maybe it won't be obscene. I'll have to see what it turns out looking like. So, um, was that scar picture supposed to make me FEEL BETTER? It looks huge! Now I'm freaking out again Wow, between my butt and Darcy's boob...lot of surgery going on with personal body parts! Who could ever forget the pictures of Ron's BELLY!!!!!!!!!! Next to that your butt will be NUTIN'! |
| Is it WRONG to ask for a picture of someone's butt to be posted online?
I mean, is it wrong? You know, I mean, is it wRONg asking? |
| steph, youll be fine, i had one removed last summer, remember? on my left shin...now that area hurt..not a lot of skin there......
maybe we can make up our own frankenstein girl doll with all of our flubbed up parts |
Ron wrote: Is it WRONG to ask for a picture of someone's butt to be posted online?
I mean, is it wrong? You know, I mean, is it wRONg asking? Yes wRONg, IT'S wRONg |
| living in fla this happened to me on my face they had to cut it out.. but i am aol so try and to worry they found it |
| Steph a scar is a scar, so what, we want you around for a long long time.
Scars fade with time The one on my arm was a beauty, but hardly noticeable now
What's important is you and if that means a battle scar well who cares, you are more important then worrying about the size of the scar. |
lisaoes wrote: Steph a scar is a scar, so what, we want you around for a long long time.
Scars fade with time The one on my arm was a beauty, but hardly noticeable now What's important is you and if that means a battle scar well who cares, you are more important then worrying about the size of the scar. lol, I know. I don't care how big it is except that a bigger scar means a bigger incision which means MORE PAIN! lol Darcy--was yours cancerous? |
barney1 wrote: I don't care how big it is except that a bigger scar means a bigger incision which means MORE PAIN! lol
Steph, don't worry about the scar or the pain. They make some really good pharmies for the pain  .
I've had several surgeries recently. The worst pain was when I had my thyroid removed due to a tumor (benign, thankfully). It was bad at the time but the meds helped tremendously. I don't look back and think of the pain, just how lucky I am that everything is OK now. |
| Hi,
I've been following the thread for some time and realized I hadn't posted.  Steph, thinking of you!
Laser works amazing on scars, it might be something to consider in the future if that's a possibility. Saying that however, while a scar is bothersome , it's also your badge of courage. Marianne |
| yeah steph it was cancerous. it was basal cell carcinoma. just make sure they get all clean margins, wear 30 spf or above...AND make sure it blocks both uva and uvb rays.
and lastly, ive found that loreal sublime fake tan spray works the best |
| It's over! I had my surgery today and it went fine. I'm so glad it's over. I'm waiting for the numbing stuff to wear off and for it to start hurting...It's huge! I'd say it's like 3 or 4 inches long.
It hurt while they injected the numbing stuff--they had to stick me a TON of times...and then when the doctor started the surgery it HURT, so he had to stop and inject me some more (which hurt)...and then again a little while later. I was lying on my stomach with my face buried in the pillow CLUTCHING the pillow and trying to take deep breaths--and I think I have a pretty high pain threshold. But I'm home on the couch now. |
| Get lots of rest! Glad you're home and I hope you get well soon! |
Thank God it is over!  I hope they sent you home with some good pain meds. I am surprised that the incision was so large. You weren't expecting that were you? It will heal. I'm using Mederma on mine and they are already looking better.
Thinking of you, Steph. |
| Yay Steph!! I am so glad it is done with. Mine did shrink too - also a good thing.
Relax and get better! |
| You poor thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| So glad it is all over and went well, except the hurtys. I don' t know what is worse the actual incision or those blasted numbing needles before they start.
Rest up, get better soon and milk the other half for what it is worth, a huge spoil now and lots of TLC. They call it a Man Servant.
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| Best wishes for a speedy recovery |
| Glad it's over, Steph. I second the recommendation of Mederma. I used it on my c-section scar, which is now pretty much invisible.
Hope you are not in a lot of pain and heal quickly. |
| I told my niece and nephew when they were young that mine was a knife wound. Sometimes I touch my scare and think how luck I am that it was something that made my doctor laugh with relief. A mole changed color and texture, because I had some how pocked a hole in it and it scared. Leave it to me.
A scar is ok, you didn't want to be a china doll. Did you? |
| Steph: Heal quickly! I am sorry you had to go through this. Yes, pain meds and deep breathing will get you through the initial pain. Take care and let us know how you are doing, we really do care. |
| Owowowwowow.
(We need a picture) Owowowowowow. |
| SO sorry I'm late in posting...
I'm glad they got you in quickly. I hope you aren't in too much pain and that you'll heal quickly.
Quote: (We need a picture)
Well... they do say that laugher is the best medicine |
| Thanks for all the well wishes!
No, they didn't send me home with any pain meds. They said Tylenol would be fine. Well, they were wrong! About 6 last night the numbing stuff had worn off and it started to hurt--you know, that deep down achey pain. So I called my hubby and asked if he could prescribe me anything. He wasn't allowed (you're not allowed to randomly order your wife opiates--go figure!) but someone else called it in and now I have some better stuff, but I haven't taken anything today since I'm at work and it actually isn't too bad at the moment. It's way bigger than I thought. I thought I saw it through the bandage yesterday like this big: ***************, but this morning I changed the bandage and was shocked when it's this big: ************************************ There might be pics this weekend |
| Did you try the Tylenol?
Sorry your hurting. |
| You stop looking at those mirrors cause it always looks worse the first couple days after surgery! I'm sending you hugs and well wishes , now just take time to heal and get yourself better!
Marianne |
| isnt it amazing how much they take off...when they did mine i thought...holy cow...it wasnt even that big....but its those darn margins......
soon though we will be scar sisters..
btw does cam make a good nurse or should he stay in the doctor end of it?? |
| I hope it all fades away with time barney but glad you're okay! here's hoping to no more!!! |
Darcy wrote: btw does cam make a good nurse or should he stay in the doctor end of it??
Oh, he's totally a doctor, 100%. He has no nursing ability whatsoever! |
barney1 wrote: Darcy wrote: btw does cam make a good nurse or should he stay in the doctor end of it?? Oh, he's totally a doctor, 100%. He has no nursing ability whatsoever! hahahahahahhaha....go figure! |
| You are so lucky. Once you have something baking in the oven, I'd feel so secure knowing Dr. Daddy is at home. |
| okay, i cant resist now....
AND you guys get to play Doctor!! |
Darcy wrote: okay, i cant resist now....
AND you guys get to play Doctor!! Yeah, but I never get to be the doctor  |
barney1 wrote: Darcy wrote: okay, i cant resist now.... AND you guys get to play Doctor!! Yeah, but I never get to be the doctor But! You could be Chief of Staff!!!!!!!  (Sorry...couldn't resist!) |
| I'm glad for you that part is over! Get some rest now and cuddle your sheepie! |
debcram wrote: barney1 wrote: Darcy wrote: okay, i cant resist now.... AND you guys get to play Doctor!! Yeah, but I never get to be the doctor But! You could be Chief of Staff!!!!!!! (Sorry...couldn't resist!) Good one, that was worthy of a !!! or two! |
debcram wrote: barney1 wrote: Darcy wrote: okay, i cant resist now.... AND you guys get to play Doctor!! Yeah, but I never get to be the doctor But! You could be Chief of Staff!!!!!!! (Sorry...couldn't resist!) Okay, I'm revoking your status as a proper lady!! |
| Just to let anyone who still cares know: Thet got it all! No more cancer in the butt! |
| Butt still lots of pain in the butt..
Yay! |
| wonderful news!!!!!!!!! |
Joahaeyo wrote: wonderful news!!!!!!!!!
Ditto! |
Pepsi's Mommy wrote: Joahaeyo wrote: wonderful news!!!!!!!!! Ditto! Ditto! |
| That is terrific!!!!! Thanks for letting us know...I was wondering!!!! Congrat! |
| GREAT News |
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| That's great! |
YAY Steph, great news WOOO HOOOO  |
| All right Steph!!! Glad to hear it!! |
barney1 wrote: Just to let anyone who still cares know: Thet got it all! No more cancer in the butt!
I CARE! Sorry I'm catching up late. So glad for the good news and so sad for what you went through! |
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