I'm not one to piss and moan about things in my life. I pretty much take it as it comes and deal with it. I found out about a month ago I have Squamus Cell skin cancer. I looked on the internet and they say it is the second most common type and it isn't that bad, blah blah blah. If you read farther into it though you find it can on ocassion spread to your other organs and if it does you are FUCKED. 95% mortality rate. There is now way to tell if it spread either. I get it hacked off next friday. It is on my face kinda under my mustache. I really don't care. I've been off the beauty contest circut for a few years now and just want it off. Chicks dig scars, right? After 20+ years in the military I finally retire and start to get a groove on and now this. Like I said I don't want to sound like a big pussie but I am scared Shitless!!. Has anyone had any experience with this shit? Thanks for letting me vent. Regards, Todd
No experience yet, but lots of lumps that need checking out... I'm a librarian, and suggest this link as a place to start learning about it: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skincancer.html They have articles from beginner 101 up, links to definitions, etc.
My experience is with prostate cancer. Doc said I would beat it and I did. Early catch was the key. Stay positive. aj USAF Retired
Had the same cut of my temple 2 years ago, No problems. Did a 6 month followup. I spent 16 of 22 years in Westpac. Some of that shit over there is about the same threat and I 'm still kickin. Maybe you ought to talk to a couple of professionals. I think the odds of spreading are a lot less than you think.
If you have to get chemo or radiation treatment, I highly recommend the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. They tuned me up good as new.
Had one about 4 years ago, everything was fine after the dermatologist cut it out. Still got a divot in the middle of my forehead, but like you I had given up beauty pagents awhile back. Best thing is, your Doc found it, and you are getting it taken care of.
My mom had a 1" oval taken off her nose over ten years ago. It was malignant, same type. Nothing since then. Relax, just do what needs to be done. Worrying doesn't help shit.
I have had 3 removed. 1 quarter size from the right side of my nose.It required plastic surgery to close the hole. 1 from my left forehead about 1.5" by 2".A small scar and a half face lift. 1 from my right sholder that was huge,BIG SCAR. Mine were removed using the MOH procedure. They take off a piece and test it for cancer free tissue. If it is not cancer free more is removed until there is good cancer free tissue. PLEASE don,t settle for anything less.If you want to talk about it my # is 859 356 3285.If I'm not there leave a message . I WILL return the call.You are not a pussy.EVERYONE is afraid of the whatifs.I go every 3 months for checkups.I had over 50 basal cells removed and should be ok with it. I still have to force myself to go into the office. Good Luck, Jim
Hi Guy I have 5 forms of skin cancer now. Of all of them the Melanoma is the worst. The squamas cell carcinoma, basil cell carsinoma, are known as pre cancers and are not malignant in that form. They either cut them out or freeze the shit out of them with liquid nitrogen. They blister up and then scab over and it is all over and done with for another 6 months to a year when they do it all over again. They keep saying that it isn't Agent Orange Related but why is it that 75% of Vietnam vets have them and none of our families have it? None of my brothers have any of the crap I have and the Diabetes is a direct link. As for Squamas Cell Carsinoma It ain't no big thing. 20 minutes and you will be on the way home.
alot can be prevented.I roast here in the desert sun almost daily. I got sunburned a few weeks ago and it was 40 degrees out. Big goofy hats are a daily, no shirts off, sunscreen on the face. I lost a neighbor to skin cancer last month, and see alot of friends with things they need checked out but wont. I'm probably due for something by now, but you dont have to be old to get it. Any little bit helps. The guys that have dealt with it can help. If you let it whip your ass it will.
Hey, Squamus cell isn't a death sentence, it's treatable! over the last twenty years i've had close to thirty surgeries for both Basal cell and Squamus. Today I see my dr. every ninty days , budget my hours in the sun, always where sleeves and sunblock. Also, watch out if you are welding, arc rays arn't you friend either! Good luck, Swankey Devils C.C.
I had some moles removed from my back when I was about 20 years old and found out one of them was malignant Melanoma. They dug it out and have not had any problems since. At the time I had no idea how serious that was, not even real sure why my parents had me get the moles removed in the first place but glad that they did. I was never the type to go out without my shirt, didn’t have the pecs or six-pack for it so it just goes to show it can happen to anyone. Keep an eye on your moles if you got them and make sure nothing starts changing. This reminds me that I need to make another appointment to get things looked at. Good luck
My doc cuts moles off me everytime I go in. Just found one that had teh beginnings of cancer. Going to a dermatologist to make sure he got it all. FONZI
Todd, you have every right to be concerned but as all has said you found it and take care of it. I have had several through the years burned off of my face. I was a welder all of my younger life. My Mother-in-law checks into M.D. Anderson here in Houston on the 18th of this month. She has a cancer of the skin that they are not calling "skin cancer " of sorts. It is where the sun has never seen. It is not just the sun that causes these. She will have to have chemo,radiation and an operation. Look into it and keep going back for regular visits. Good Luck. It will be fine. I go every 6 month for the ole prostate and skin cancer exam. at least I try. TP
i work outside everyday and have never really thought about it, that is until today. for some reason i was putting trusses on a barn, and while i should have had my mind on that, i began to think that i should take better care of my skin. skin cancer was on my mind, and then i read this. may be some sort of sign. i am fairly dark complected and have never had a problem with sun burn, my wife is very fair skin and cant look out the window without getting burned and i never thought about it just thought maybe she just liked getting on my ass. but for some reason i thought about it today. i am only 28 but this really got me thinking, you cant take good enough care of yourself and if it takes me 2 minutes to put sunscreen on that sure beats the consequence. this post made me think about again this morning, stay positive and i sincerely hope all is well with you and your situation, i do not know you but we have something in common and i will be pushing positive thoughts your way. rowdy
I got it too. Had a big one cut off my forehead about 5 years ago. I was born and raised in Hawaii and did all my Army stateside time in Georgia. I go every year to get checked. They always find something new to cut off. When I retired from the I thought about moving to Florida but decided to move to Germany instead. Germany=very little sun.
EVERYBODY!!!! Thanks for the thoughts and support. It literally brings tears to my eyes to read your thoughts and encouragement. They are taking it off using MOH's technique. I am trying to be positive, but you always have that one thought in the back of your mind. It took me till now (41) to realize I am not bullet proof. Maybe I'm more dissapointed about that than anything. I will just have to take it day by day, and start taking the precautions they tell me too. Thank you all once again. Todd
My dad has had several removed from his face. Honestly you can't even see the scars cause if the doc does it right the scar is very minor and will fade. He had a pretty large one right by his eye remove can't even tell. Don't worry if it was caught early enough you don't have anything to worry about
I went thru skin cancer....on my seft eyelid....they did a chop job and made me a new eyelid with a little face lift......spent 2 years with Uncle Sams Misgided Children and it didnt bother me.....I figured ive been thru worse, so the Good Man Above took care of me........so suck it in and get on with your live.......Semper Fi.......stan
Todd, I've been fighting basal cell for years and lately Squamus cell cancers. Two years ago, the dermatologist I've been going to for 16 years screwed up and told me that one spot on my neck was a wax gland and it turned out to be Squamus cell carcinoma. There was a mix up in the biopsi report, or some such shit. I had my neck operated on twice, once in the middle east and once at home. Left a 4" scar but I think that a small price to pay. Anyhow, the dermatologist felt so bad about this (and problably worried about a lawsuit) that he put me onto a product called ALDARA. It's magic and the dermatologists won't tell you about without asking them because it's going to cut their business in half. For the rest of the story, PM me.
Hello Todd, Yes Todd we are all to aware of squasimus cell carsinoma. Carl was diagnosed 6 weeks ago , he has this terrible cancer. Unknown primary, in his throat neck and shoulder. he has been given 12 weeks to live. The only reason it was found was a lump in his neck. Todd he is not sick at all yet,butour Doctors tell us Carl will have a short illness when the tumers enlarge in his throat. He has 4 in his throat 2 in his shoulder blade gone into the bone, and 2 in his neck. This cancer has turned our world upside down. And there is nothing anyone can do to help Carl. I hope you are having better luck than us Todd. Our thoughts are with you. Helen
Mine is not cancer yet. Started treating my skin again tuesday with Efudex, which is a cream that brings out the bad cells. This goes on for about 7-10 days and makes my skin look like raw hamberger. If it all heals after that, I'm good for a few more years. This has beeen going on for probably 20 years, as these outside jobs are hard on skin. I hate sun screen, but its the better of two evils.
I have about 15 BCC (Basel Cell Carcinoma) I am due to go back to the doc to have a check up. I'm 25 and have to spend the rest of my life been mindful of being burnt and being aware of any new spots. I had one BCC burnt off my neck 3 years ago but it came back as it was in the lower layers of skin, the doc cut it out, it was 13 x 6 x 3mm, it was Benign. All roadster owners should be very careful.
i work in medicine where we cut these things out, day in day out,you WILL be fine,melanoma is the one that will cause whats called secondaries in various organs,small squamous cell skin cancers are virtually harmless when taken off,you will live to build more engines ,go to more shows and generally be one happy hot rodder
Tugmaster, Well, First off, damn sorry you got it. But look at the bright side, you may not have to kiss any ugly women now on.. Seriously, As you may have read, I've got the big "C" too, I'm getting the Chemo and all, and I'm getting all of the after effects to be sure. But the out look is good even for my age (you're young enough to be my son) HEE HEE. But in this day and age, like the others before me have said, the probabilities for a good out come are really good. So the statistics for a good out come are on your side. You'll come out of all this and say "DAMN, I'm tougher than I thought". To be concerned, about it, sure. But you'll be just fine, and so will I. Take care big guy, my prayers will be with ya. Dallas aka HellRaiser
I hate cancer.. and wish you the best with your battle.. it is just that a battle.. the key is to stay positive and fight.. you will win..
I've had some stuff burned off my back, as well as one on my face. one on my shoulder that grew up like a little volcano in about 3 days then got all crusty and fell off.. had that one burned off too. I'm overdue to go back and have all my spots checked. you have inspired me to go get 'er done. thanks. being Scottish and Irish is a bitch if you like to play in the sun. my bald Uncle had it on his head, my brother has had a few burned off.
I am paying the price of sitting in the sun all day (worked nights). I did yard work with out shirt and wore cut offs, Jumped in the pool and splashed oil on me to get darker (Michael Jackson does the opposite). Never wore hats. I thought that this happens to others not me.. Wellll, time to pay the piper now....I must say I had fun but I am paying for it. Don't fret just see the Dr. and do what it takes. Good Luck.
I had a malignant melanoma taken off my back thirty years ago....that is the bad one.....yours is common place and should be fine.....one good thing about all this, you'll never live life with anymore furvoir (that's a word, right) after you decide you're going to be ok. I think about 59.5% of it is mental. Good luck.
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