1. < Melanoma & Skin Cancer
Moderator

Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Mar 28 4:33pm

Welcome to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet others living with skin cancer or caring for someone with skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and their treatments. Let's learn from each other and share stories about living well with cancer, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

Take these steps to participate in the group:

  • Follow the group.
  • Browse topics.
  • Use the group search to find answers to your questions.
  • Introduce yourself.

Pull up a chair and chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What is your experience, or your loved one’s experience, living with melanoma or skin cancer (i.e., what type, how long since diagnosis, how it’s managed)?

Do you have a question, tip or story to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.

celia16 | @celia16 | 1 day ago

I had Moh’s at a large medical center by a specialist who only does that surgery. He’s quite famous and he did a good job. If I get another one, I’ll go back. He’s about 40 minutes from me. After that diagnosis, I started getting full body skin check annually by my dermatologist.

REPLY
itchyrich | @itchyrich | 23 hours ago
In reply to @delia2250yahoocom "I am 82 years old and have multiple health problems. One that has developed over the..." + (show)
@delia2250yahoocom

I am 82 years old and have multiple health problems. One that has developed over the last year is Basal Cell. They are multiplying. I have one just under my eye that needs further removal. I have to see a surgeon to get this done because my dermatologist isn’t comfortable doing it. I am worried it will be a deforming result. What would happen if i didn’t do anything further. It was cut off but dermatologist thinks it needs further removal

Jump to this post

I was about 82 when I had a BCC removed from lower right eyelid a couple years ago. One surgeon did the Mohs surgery and another one (different office a few miles away) did reconstructive surgery. The Mohs was a piece of cake and it took most of the eyelid. The reconstructive surgery was very uncomfortable and temporarily made a mess of my face. I've posted pictures previously on this site. You might be able to find them as it was only a short while ago. My eye was sewn shut for six weeks and was very inconvenient. Despite the hassle, the surgeries were a success. Not even my eagle-eyed daughter can tell I had the surgery.

REPLY
grammato3 | @grammato3 | 3 hours ago

So many of our posts here have been about travel to hospitals and doctors appointments. Finally, 7 months after my initial diagnosis and 5 since starting immunotherapy, I felt brave and stable enough (after 3 ER visits to get to the source of the problem and straighten out my thyroid), my husband and I are currently enjoying a trip to Europe. And while I am definitely enjoying it, I am also definitely feeling my decreased stamina.

What I thought would be a pleasant walk through the botanical gardens in Crete turned out to be more of a hike. Thankfully my daughter-in-law was a helpful guide and led the way back along a shorter path. Today in London, a morning stroll exhausted me necessitating a quick afternoon nap back at the hotel.

I know I shouldn’t be surprised, but I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed in myself. Then again, I need to remind myself (and my husband!) that I’m dealing with a new and somewhat compromised version of myself. I need to remind the two of us my energy is directed at fighting this disease, which is the priority now. I know we’re fortunate to have come this far - quite literally - but I’d be lying to say it hasn’t been an adjustment to my mindset.

REPLY
delia2250yahoocom | @delia2250yahoocom | 58 minutes ago
In reply to @gingerw "@delia2250yahoocom My 77 year old sister recently had a MOHS procedure done near her eye, and..." + (show)
@gingerw

@delia2250yahoocom My 77 year old sister recently had a MOHS procedure done near her eye, and went the same day to a plastic surgeon for reconstructive work. This was her first experience with such a procedure. She was pleased with the way it all turned out.

On my face I have scars, including one from a horse kicking me, just inside the orbital bone of my left eye. But most of the scars are from different skin cancers. My daily routine is to use sunscreen, and remind myself that I "have character, my face tells a story".

You mentioned you live in a rural area. Are you able to travel to a more experienced dermatologist? I travel 2 hours for most of my specialists, but my derm Dr is about 40 minutes away.
Ginger

Jump to this post

I would have to travel at least 2 hours snd hope I find a good Dr.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.