I'm another who spent too much of my youth in the sun, and am now paying for it.

For those who don't know, I lost most of my nose to skin cancer 2 years ago.

A plastic surgeon built me a new one (from my own cheek tissue) it's nearly perfect. I'm sure no-one would know I wasn't born with this nose unless they looked closely, but like Becky, I was lucky. I hate to think what might have happened had I not mentioned that tiny spot to my doctor.

Since my nose surgery I've had one lesion removed from my back, and one from my leg which also has taken over a year to heal, but has left a much smaller scar than what Becky's has.

Thank you Becky for telling us your story. I hope by adding my own that the message might just get through to others.

Becky thank you for sharing your story and so glad you are cancer free.
Koala thank you for sharing your story as well.

I wasn't sure if I should post about this skin cancer but I'm glad I did now.

Having a disease like MS hinders our ability to fight things off like skin cancer. I never even thought about it until my dermatologist and surgeon told me. It's not really known what causes it to flare up like mine did.

I'm so anxious to get my vitamin D level checked after being on 2,400 IU's daily now. I was on 1,800 IU's when it came back so low. I was supposed to see my PCP for bloodwork Monday but since the hail storm tore up my car, I will probably move the date back a few weeks.

Vitamin D3 is the important one and that's such a contradiction since vitamin D comes from the sun. I am supposed to go outside for 10 minutes a day to try to get a small amount of sun exposure.

My second skin cancer never saw the sun and was not in an exposed place. I also had a biopsy from an area inside my ear that did not have sun exposure.

I learned that basal cell and squamous cell start on the top of the skin so if you see any unusual or painful bumps or scaley patches, get them checked. Very small percent are serious but both of mine were.

Melanoma starts under the skin and I think that is why it is so deadly. It shows on the surface but has already spread under the skin.

I have been so lucky that my face has not been messed up. My dermatologist has frozen a few small precancers but nothing major. I have used Clinique all my life and wonder if that has helped.

I never had anything on my legs before last year. I told my dermatologist in a joking way that I was trying to keep my legs shaved and believe me it's not easy.

He said seriously that was a great idea and both doctors said it was possible that shaving helped keep the growths shaved off. So all you gals, keep your legs shaved!!

Keep your kids and yourselves out of the sun and out of the tanning beds. My surgeon told me that skin cancer is an epidemic now. I've been in his office enough to know he's not kidding.

Becky, I am SO happy that your leg wound is nearly healed! 11 months is a long time to nurse it, but glad it has paid off!

I worry about my DIL. Her PA told her to go ahead and hit the tanning bed whenever she is feeling "down." She is a redhead and cancer runs in her family, plus she smokes. Ugh! I feel she is just asking for a CA diagnosis!

Anyway, rant over, I'm so happy for your good news.

You too, Koala!

The only reason I added my own story was to support Becky21 in her's, emphasis the importance of staying out of the sun, and to encourage everyone to get any suspicious spots checked.

I'm glad you added yor story to Becky's thread. I remember when you had your nose replacement. I remember the picture of your cute new nose.

I'm happy for both of you and proud of you, too.

(((Becky))) (((Koala)))
The two best words ever uttered. "Cancer Free".
Blessings to you both!

Becky, so glad they have given you the all-clear. That is wonderful news!!!

Totally understand the importance of checking skin for suspicious growths and moles on the bod. My mom was also a Malanoma survivor, and it was drilled into us that it's important to check things out. My dad too has had some basal cell stuff removed in time. I've even had quite a few precancerous moles removed that haven't grown back within the scar tissue.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, and helping to show us the importance of keeping an eye on skin stuff.

Thank you all so much.

I really didn't know whether to post about this or not. I've just had a horrible time and so much pain.

I'm really glad Koala posted too! It's been absolutely horrible for her too.

It's very hard to relax after having skin cancer or any cancer for that matter. The chances of having more is extremely high so we have to watch for any strange spots or growths forever and see the doctor often for full body checks. My next one is in July.

Twink, tell you DIL tanning beds cause skin cancer too. Maybe she needs to see some pictures of skin cancer. I wish I had seen them when I was younger.

becky,

i'm so glad that you're alright and this is now in the past.
i've had a skin cancer too, basel cell on my face. we caught it early and i too had the Moh's method of removal.

thanks for bringing this subject up and for sharing your story.