Skin Cancer - I have it - Get your skin checked regularly

[HowardE]

Let me preface this by saying that I am not looking for sympathy with this post, merely to share my story, and hopefully help others.

I have this little spot on my leg... I noticed it a few months ago. It is about 3/8" across, and irregular in shape.

I am 36 years old, and in great health. I am not a fan of going to the doctor, so it's always a chore for me to do so. My wife and I both went to the dermatologist 3 weeks ago. She was concerned about her skin, since she was a lifeguard for many years, and spent countless hours in the sun.

We were both examined, and the doc didn't even biopsy anything from her, but took 3 biopsies from me. Less than a week later, I received a call from them stating that I have an "EARLY MELANOMA" and that I should contact their preferred plastic surgeon for MOH's Surgery (this is not my surgeon's site, just info on MOH's)

MELANOMA (from medical dictionary) This is the least common, but the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If discovered early enough, it can be completely cured. If it's not treated quickly, however, malignant melanoma may spread through the body and become life threatening.

I am having the MOH's procedure done tomorrow, and expect total removal of the cancer (doc's words). Aside from the fact that I won't be able to dive for a whole 7-10 days after the surgery, I just wanted to let people know about my condition, and...

if you see any irregular moles, freckles, anything ON YOUR SKIN that looks odd... SEE a dermatologist... don't wait.

Since SCUBA divers also spend a lot of time in the sun (on boats, beaches, etc) I think people should be aware... I always wear sun screen, and try not to spend too much time directly exposed to the sun....

Anyway... there you have it... For more info on skin cancer... there is this too.

http://www.avdistrict.org/jobs/acs skin cancer.htm

 

[UFFDABOY]

Howard

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Mine was on my head,I had this spot on the top of my head that was like a scab and it never seem to go away, so when I went in for a check up I mentioned it to my doctor. I ended up having 3 different spot biopsied. On my head, neck, and back. When they were doing the one on the top of my head the Dr. said and I quote "Ew, I don't like the looks of this one, I think I'lll just remove it now" He ended up taking a divit the size of a quarter out of my head. Hey, it's a small price to pay for peice of mind.

I was always a lizard on a rock when it came to the sun. No more. I now have a pretty extensive hat collection.

Hang in there .

E-P

ps Can I interest you in a Lance Armstrong band. At least now I have a good reason for wearing one as opposed to beiing trendy.

 

[DennisW]

I had a squamis cell carcinoma on my arm removed in 1994. I grew up in Florida. Wore nothing but cut offs in the summer while I grew up. I am also pretty fair skinned. So, now I use the highest rating SPF sunscreen I can find and I always wear a hat outside. When they start to skin you a little piece at a time, you get careful.

Good luck Howard.

 

[devolution365]

Good luck, howarde, and thanks for the important reminder.

My fiance is one of those people who are "at risk" because of frequent sun burns, a few with blistering and peeling., but because he's young (30), he thinks he's not at risk. He also has many moles which makes it difficult to detect something like you found. But here's a good website that shows (what to look for.) I keep an eye on him from afar, and bug him to get the doctor to take a look whenever I can get him to go in.

Anyway, glad to hear you detected it early. I've had 2 uncles find similar spots, get them checked, then the cancer was removed and they're fine now. The only change has been that they are now much better about wearing sunscreen.

 

[chip104]

hey howarde, all the best. Thanks for the info and tip. It hits closer to home when you hear it firsthand.

 

[Vtdiver2]

Let me preface this by saying that I am not looking for sympathy with this post, merely to share my story, and hopefully help others.

I have this little spot on my leg... I noticed it a few months ago. It is about 3/8" across, and irregular in shape.

I am 36 years old, and in great health. I am not a fan of going to the doctor, so it's always a chore for me to do so. My wife and I both went to the dermatologist 3 weeks ago. She was concerned about her skin, since she was a lifeguard for many years, and spent countless hours in the sun.

We were both examined, and the doc didn't even biopsy anything from her, but took 3 biopsies from me. Less than a week later, I received a call from them stating that I have an "EARLY MELANOMA" and that I should contact their preferred plastic surgeon for MOH's Surgery (this is not my surgeon's site, just info on MOH's)



I am having the MOH's procedure done tomorrow, and expect total removal of the cancer (doc's words). Aside from the fact that I won't be able to dive for a whole 7-10 days after the surgery, I just wanted to let people know about my condition, and...

if you see any irregular moles, freckles, anything ON YOUR SKIN that looks odd... SEE a dermatologist... don't wait.

Since SCUBA divers also spend a lot of time in the sun (on boats, beaches, etc) I think people should be aware... I always wear sun screen, and try not to spend too much time directly exposed to the sun....

Anyway... there you have it... For more info on skin cancer... there is this too.

http://www.avdistrict.org/jobs/acs skin cancer.htm

Good Luck tomorrow Howard, please keep us posted on your progress. Thanks for the info.
C-Dawg

 

[mdjh51]

spots that are irregularly shaped, not symmetrical, have a varigated or rough border, or that have color variations (within the same spot) should be evaluated by a dermatologist. Those that have had frequent blistering suburns or have had huge amounts of unprotected sun exposure are at particular risk. Melanoma is the rarest of the skin cancers, but also the most likely to metastitize. Finding it early was a stroke of luck. SHould be fine.

Hope all goes well tomorrow,

Ben

 

[00scuba]

My best to you tomorrow. My Dad has had many spots removed from his arms, face, back....they are now giving him a chemo-therapy cream to apply. He has done well after all the procedures, and has Luekemia as well, and being on the meds for that doesn't help this situation.

I remember when i was a kid, you burned...it was just a part of summer. I have the freckles to prove it. I have 2 children that when they are going out...they get the sun block bath before they leave the house.

Let us know how you are feeling...it will be done and you will be home before you know it!

 

[cdiver2]

The men in there 40s want to make sure they get AT LEAST a once a year physical for prostate cancer. Why the emphasis on the once a year?. I used to get mine every year then I went to the Dr's office one day with a unrelated problem (one month before I was due my next check up) and was sent to see a specialist. Imaging my surprise when the first thing he did was give me the rubber glove treatment and say "YOUV GOT CANCER". After many tests they said it was a level 5, after surgery I was told it was worse than the thought level 7. Up one more level and its you have about five years left as it turned out the cancer was very aggressive to go from nothing to a 7 in eleven months. When I asked my Dr why only check once a year if it can move that fast he said "we prefer every six months but the insurance Co will only pay for a yearly check up, I asked for the price to pay for a check myself " $120.
Please don't forget those check ups.

 

[Jamdiver]

Best of luck to you Howarde, I know you'll pull through it .

As a side note, when purchasing sunscreen make sure to look for sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB wavelengths of light and that's water-resistant.
I'd recommend SPF 30 and have even seen SPF 70 out there.

Helpful info and links.
http://www.medicinenet.com/sun_protection_and_sunscreens/article.htm

http://www.skincancer.org/faq/index.php

http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/health_news/061003lotion.html

Sunscreen sun protection factors (SPF) are measured by timing how long skin covered with sunscreen takes to burn compared to uncovered skin. For example, SPF 15 means it will take 15 times longer to burn when wearing the sunscreen