Didn't really need this

[ancient-one]

Earlier this week I went to my Dermatologist for my 3 months check. I came out with two biopsies and eight places frozen. I got the dreaded call today, I need Mohs surgery on both places. One is Basic Cell in the middle of my first skin cancer scar from about forty years ago. That is on my right cheek.The other is Squamous Cell on my scalp on the edge of a silver dollar size scar from Spindle Cell cancer. I have had two other Squamous Cell cancers in close proximity since the Spindle Cell.

My head, face and left arm are now just a bunch of scars. I don't need any more character and the good areas to get grafting skin have diminished. The Mohs doc has moved about fifteen miles further from me. Neither me or my daughter drive the Interstate in the city area so that means a lot more miles on streets with a lot of traffic. Of course I will do it but I had to get my bitching over with. Sorry.

 

[carpriver]

Sometimes you just got to vent off the frustration and then get on getting on. I need to go back to the skin doc for some strange looking spots on my face and arms. at least the VA takes care of them for me but denies any comp for skin cancer.

 

[Badgerboy1]

Sorry to hear of your troubles...I know it probably doesn't mean much, but now someone you have never met from Wisconsin is thinking of you and will say a small prayer...

 

[ameridaddy]

Just wondering if you're fair skinned and spent a bunch of time in the sun when you were young. I ask because we have a neighbor and good friend who is very fair-skinned and grew up on a farm right on the Chesapeake Bay, played on the beach every spare minute, and was sunburned every summer. Poor thing has probably paid a retainer for her MOHS surgeon for about twenty years now, but she's still vital, spry and active well into her 80's. She says it's a bit scary and sure unpleasant, but it keeps her with us.
Any chance your insurance will spring for a van to transport you instead of having to take a time consuming and risky ride and tie up your daughter?
I wish you well with this upcoming session, and will say a prayer for a good outcome for you.

 

[Beauetienne]

Wishing you all the best and a complete recovery. It's what is inside that counts !

 

[Rustyt1953]

I sent you some pics, Graydon. You are not alone.

 

[DeathGrip]

Yep, I took pictures. Fun stuff.


Don't wait like I did.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Part of my regular check-ups is monitoring a couple dozen (so far) benign skin cancers (face, scalp, arms, torso). Every couple of years there will be some little change that calls for a biopsy and lab analysis. I'll just keep doing what they tell me to do and hope for the best.

Yes, I am a fair-skinned Anglo type who spent way too much time in the sun years ago. Yes, I am a Vietnam veteran and may have been exposed to chemicals (although I am not aware of being in areas where Agent Orange was deployed).

I will just keep following the protocol until the docs tell me some form of treatment is called for, then I'll follow medical advice.

Best wishes.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Go ahead and vent. No need to apologize.

Your in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[joeintexas]

Darn Graydon that is NOT the best news I heard today. You can handle this. My thoughts are with you tonight.

 

[billwill]

Good luck with the surgery and speedy recovery

 

[ancient-one]

The pictures that Rusty sent me make me feel fortunate. He had a tough road. Death Grip had a pretty good go at it also.

 

[Doug627]

Don't give up. Get mad but don't give up.

 

[DeathGrip]

The pictures that Rusty sent me make me feel fortunate. He had a tough road. Death Grip had a pretty good go at it also.

Me, Nothing but a thang.

I saw Rusty's as well. Yikes!

I wish you the best.

 

[kthom]

ancient-one,

I can sympathize with you. But remember that a scar is a visible sign that you have experienced some difficulty and that you have prevailed over that difficulty! You have survived! None of us live forever, and sometimes we all wonder if the pain is worth the gain. But I suspect you will get through this situation like the others before. Ain't fun, but you can do it. Hope all goes well for you!

 

[JohnRippert]

On thursday last week I was at the dermatologist getting my second basal cell carcinoma removed. The first was on my temple and required Mohs surgery and a plastic surgeon to keep the scarring to a minimum. This second one was done at my dermatologist's office and since it is behind the ear I am not worried about scarring. Thankfully basal cell carcinomas are pretty much the best kind of cancer you can get. They do not metastasize like melanoma will.

Heck, I've been telling people the doc said I had too much brains so they opened a hole and let some out.