Skin cancer.......get yourself checked yearly.

[Hangfire]

Just had 7 stitches taken out of my cheek eight days ago after having skin cancer removed and this morning (at 0800) I've got to have more removed on my upper lip which is about half way from the bottom of my lip to just below my nose......this is being done by a specialist that my regular dermatologist referred me to that is geared more towards reconstruction of the area after removal.

I'd be willing to bet I've had skin cancer surgically removed a minimum of 35 times so far so I'm no stranger to having it done.........I've had to have my nose cut on four times and three of those times it involved removing tissue from behind my ears to fill in the hole and one of those times I had to be IV sedated.

Where am I going with this ?

Because of my history with skin cancer I go every 90 days to see my dermatologist and he always finds spots to freeze or that need a biopsy but find yourself a good dermatologist and get looked over from head to toe at least once a year.........luckily all of mine have been basal cells thus far.

 

[Tanis143]

Just had 7 stitches taken out of my cheek eight days ago after having skin cancer removed and this morning (at 0800) I've got to have more removed on my upper lip which is about half way from the bottom of my lip to just below my nose......this is being done by a specialist that my regular dermatologist referred me to that is geared more towards reconstruction of the area after removal.

I'd be willing to bet I've had skin cancer surgically removed a minimum of 35 times so far so I'm no stranger to having it done.........I've had to have my nose cut on four times and three of those times it involved removing tissue from behind my ears to fill in the hole and one of those times I had to be IV sedated.

Where am I going with this ?

Because of my history with skin cancer I go every 90 days to see my dermatologist and he always finds spots to freeze or that need a biopsy but find yourself a good dermatologist and get looked over from head to toe at least once a year.........luckily all of mine have been basal cells thus far.

Same here, though so far only two spots removed and several moles. My last one was also on my nose. Took them 6 hours of cut, check then cut again. And because I'm a red head they had to hit me up every time with a local anesthetic due to red heads burning it off much quicker (found this out by that doc, also explains why nitrous oxide does nothing for me).

 

[sherrick13]

Agree, you cant check your own back. Something can grow there without your knowledge

 

[chuter]

Yep, once a year for me. Had one melanoma spot removed, several spots frozen.
I wear long sleeves and a full brim hat when outdoors.

 

[fatcpa]

I agree on at least annual checkups. Here are a few of my collection of removals. Have a few more scattered around my body.

 

[John6185]

I must be fortunate, I've only had three Basal cell carcinomas in my life. They took one off of my face this week and the others were several years ago. I rarely wear sunscreen, it's oily and messy and a lot of trouble to smear on. But it is what it is and I need to start using sunscreen more often when I go out to do yard work.

 

[RickN]

That is one area I have been lucky in. My wife has had a few but none for me so far.

 

[skyhawk1]

I had my first removed June 15. Not sure what happened but they switched surgeons on me when I walked in. Was supposed to do the Mohs procedure for the basic cell. 1 hour after procedure the nurse advised me I was clear and needed to get plastic surgery ASAP. She got me an appointment for 4 hours later. Plastic surgeon said he could not make it look right or match the other cheek but would do his best!. Ending up getting other opinions and was treated at a wound clinic in Stillwater for open wound. Doc said I did NOT need plastic surgery! Last week the wound clinic released me and you can not tell where the surgery was! We sell a lot of Santyl and now that I have used it I am a believer!

 

[Shoot Summ]

I see the Dermo twice a year, most visits are just burning things off, some get a little more involved, or require a follow up.

Don't put it off, do it.

 

[dennishoddy]

I see the VA dermatologist twice a year for some skin issues but never had any skin cancer develop. Lucky I guess as I get nut brown in the summer. Hate sunscreen. Makes me feel all clammy and hot.