Terrified ( again! )

[Popsic]

Hi guys,

Hope your all doing well. Finally after 9 years post Ivor Lewis I’ve begun to live my life and be happy!

Then I get hit yesterday that I have skin cancer! I was concerned about a blemish on my arm that seemed to be growing, so I went doc’s, sent straight to hospital for a lookie, had the offending article removed, was told 3 months till test results, got called back after 4, knew something was wrong, was then told it was cancer. Because they didn’t know what it was in the beginning they didn’t go “ deep “ enough, so I have to go back in and have another bit taken out. Have been told to keep an eye on my lymph nodes , but she is confident it hasn’t spread. I know this isn’t oesophageal but I’ve come to trust you all and I have no one else to talk to, so I hope you don’t mind. All sorts of memories have coming flooding back, now I’m terrified that this is it, most of you know about my brother getting cancer at 60 and passing at 62, now I’ve just turned 60, it’s panicked me, im so irrational, but with my Bi Polar I can’t control it.

Was just wondering if any of you lovely people have had skin cancer and how it was treated and outcome , how long ago etc.

Thanks for reading guys.

June

[Brett77]

Living in Australia I know many people with skin cancer who have been very successfully treated. There are many kinds of skin cancer, hopefully yours isn’t melanoma and if it is, it sounds like they’re on it early.

[Popsic in reply to Brett77]

Hi Brett77,Thank you for your reply.

I was told it is a Squamous cell, ( think that’s how you spell it ), I don’t know the difference between them , if there is one. She said that they removed plenty around it but because they didn’t know what it was they didn’t go deep enough, to be honest I switched off the moment she said “ cancer “, my hubby took over at that point. But apparently they are going to remove o.3 mm more to make sure. So hopefully that will be enough.

[Brett77 in reply to Popsic]

Sounds like you’re having mohls surgery. As long as it’s not melanoma it should be ok. Melanoma gets into your blood and spreads so it’s the really bad one.

[Popsic in reply to Brett77]

Ahh right, OK, thank you for that. The consultant didn't seem to have time to explain things properly, it was quite frightening to be h9nest. She said it would be done within the next 4-6 weeks, but we are due to fly to Paphos on the 17th Sept, so she said if they couldn't fit me in before then after the hols would be OK. That was a little reassuring.

[Johnwillmac]

Hi Popsic,

I had melanoma 11 years ago. It was on my left forearm. They had to go back and make sure they took enough around it. Because it didn't grow deep enough I didn't need any other follow up once they took out the second chunk. Best of luck to you.

John

[Popsic]

Hi John,11 years, wow, that’s amazing!

Thank you for your reply, mine was on my upper arm, which freaks me a bit more as she said to check my lymph nodes under my arm, but she seemed relaxed about it. It’s a Squamous cell apparently, I don’t know if it’s the same as yours was. But hopefully it’s gone now.

[Kentishred]

My nephew had skin cancer diagnosed during lock down and had surgery within a month of diagnosis. They thought they might have to take his leg but they caught it soon enough. Now after a couple of skin grafts is doing well, no chemo just regular checks. Please stay positive it sounds as if its been caught early. Stay strong you are a survivor

Loraine

[Popsic in reply to Kentishred]

Hi Lorraine,Thank you so much ! I’m such a worry wort, I keep thinking of my brother, although it wasn’t skin cancer with him, it’s the age thing that bothers me, so irrational, but my bi polar takes over. Your words are so encouraging. Bless you x

[Kentishred in reply to Popsic]

I know how it is to worry about the age thing I did similar when I was 57 as that was the age my mother died and here I am 75years and going strong I had Ivor Lewis esophgectomy two and a half years ago. In fact my cancer was squamous cell stage T3 so it is something that can be beaten.If you have a local support group try and join them I know that's not always possible. I also find following this group really helpful. I found that when I was depressed if I made my self think of 10 happy or funny things a day helped.

Take care

Loraine.

[Popsic in reply to Kentishred]

75;wow! Thank you for your words of encouragement. My Ivor Lewis was 9 years ago now, I am so grateful for everyday. I am going to go to a group next week to have a chat. I am having counselling because of my brother, I too find this group helpful, I am going to start to write down things that I am grateful for, no matter how small. It’s amazing how talking can help,

Regards

June.

[Popsic]

Also meant to say, fantastic news about your nephew, I pray he continues to have good health x

[Bien-aimee]

Really sorry to hear this - but you survived oesophageal, so don't be pessimistic. An old lady of 90 in our church lost all her relatives at 60 and she is doing great. I don't know much about skin cancer, but thankfully you have a correct diagnosis, so Lord willing the treatment will soon start.

[Popsic]

Hi there Bien-AimeeThank you for your reply, you are right I am pessimistic but I do try hard to be positive. I have started treatment, the “ lump “ has been removed, but I have to go back for a bit more to be removed. I have been praying the Lord will guide me and I believe He is, I am feeling a lot more positive since having messages from you all, it really does help. Your message of your lady in the church really does lift my spirits, thank you for that.

God bless

June

[Brett77]

If it’s what I think it is, it’s just a local anaesthetic and you’ll be home an hour or 2 later.

[Popsic in reply to Brett77]

Hi Brett77Yes it is local, which is a good thing really. At least there's no hospital stay this time, always a silver lining lol.

[Cavalier3]

Hello June, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been through this. I’ve had a couple of friends with squamous cell, one on her nose and one on her arm. Both years ago and both fine. It’s melanoma that’s the worry if not caught early. You will be just fine. Enjoy your holiday. X Sue

[Popsic in reply to Cavalier3]

Oh Sue, bless you for that. As the days are passing I’m feeling more positive,I think it was just the shock. Really looking forward to our holiday, I need a break , like many others no doubt.I have to say though it has made me think more, I’m slapping on the cream before I go out anywhere now. Crazy isn’t it takes things like this to make us listen..

June x

[kiddy]

Hi,I hope you get a good diagnosis.

I know how you must be feeling bringing up past memories.

Good Luck

Stay Positive

Debbie

[Popsic in reply to kiddy]

Thank you Debbie, I’m praying the next excision will be enough. X

[purplekey]

Hi sorry to hear this, You are bound to feel anxious, just cause you’ve had cancer once it doesn’t mean you won’t be anxious a 2nd time. My husband had skin cancer on his ear the same type as you and was successfully treated with surgery and no further treatment. Enjoy your holiday and put your trust in the Dr.

[Popsic in reply to purplekey]

That’s so kind of you purplekey, It’s a combination of all things at the moment. But I’m positive, holidays coming and I intend to have a few cocktails! I don’t normally drink but I am going to treat myself.

I am glad your husband is ok, it’s always a scary time, but we get through it.

Stay safe,

June