Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

@rhondaobason25
Make sure your dermatologist answers your questions. When do you go back?

FYI: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of cancer period. It usually is not aggresive and rarely but can metastasize. What the main issue with BCC is if you leave untreated it can grow into other areas of your body like, bone, muscle, etc. and now a major surgery to get rid of it. So early detection and removal is the key to success.

I have had about 10 BCC and 1 SCC. I had MOHS surgery done on all of them. Your dermatologist can explain all the options but I can for MOHS. It is done by a specialist who will remove the area of your BCC and a margin. The reason for the margin is to make sure have it all. The removed tissue then goes to pathology to determine if margins are clear and if so your surgery is over. If the margins still show signs then the procedure repeats. This makes sure before you leave room your surgery and removal of the cancer is over.

They will numb the area doing the surgery and you should not feel anything during surgery. Afterward depending on how much is removed and where at the degrees of discomfort will depend on that. I had very little discomfort afterward and none during surgery.

Again many ways that can be treated and not pushing MOHS but for me it was the choice as I wanted all removed and confirmed at the time of surgery.

Look up BCC at American Cancer Society. Make sure your dermatologist or surgeon answers your questions and can offer different methods to remove your BCC. If they can't the I suggest doing a second opinion at a expereienced medical provider.

I am hoping someone will contact me today. I will start making phone calls if I hear nothing by this afternoon.

As I said, I have no idea what is in store, other than "You need surgery" and "we need to discuss your treatment options".

@rhondaobason25 - I hear how confusing and frustrating this journey has been for you, noticing these spots and waiting so long for answers. It’s understandable to feel uncertain about basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and what “early” treatment means. Let’s break it down together as you move forward
BCC is the most common skin cancer, and it grows slowly, which is reassuring. “Early” typically means catching it before it grows deeply or spreads, which is rare for BCC. Your biopsy confirmed BCC, and while waiting three months for surgery feels long, it’s often safe for BCC due to its slow progression. Still, it’s okay to feel anxious about delays. Ask your doctor about the earlier appearance....BCC rarely goes away on its own so the earlier "spot" may have been a bug bite, and your viligence probably prepared you for the real occurrence! You’re proactive, which is great—monitoring those spots and seeking care shows strength. The time frame to wait for surgery does seem long. Are you restricted to that one provider by your insurance? Is there another dermatologist in the area you could see? A second opinion could provide you with a peace of mind. Do you need assistance finding dermatologist in your area? You may also find useful information in the biopsy report. Ask for it.
Keep protecting your skin with sunscreen and regular checks. You’re taking charge of your health, and that’s powerful. How can I support you as you prepare for surgery

The other drug is yervoy so getting both together. Blood work today and fluids. Infusion on Wednesday. U know the odd thing is I have basically no pain. Just totally spent every day. Let's hope things change.

@wgv It's hard when you spend every day feeling totally wiped out. Very often, this is a common reaction when first starting immunotherapy and it gradually improves but for now it's important you give yourself grace and give into your body's need for rest. By the way, I totally get it, as I had felt similarly when I finally felt well enough to travel but wasn't my "old self" and had to cut out time during the day to lay down and even nap.

You indicated it was odd that you aren't feeling pain. While a low hemoglobin level you reported and have have treated for can be associated with some bone or joint pain, it isn't necessarily associated with immunotherapy or this stage of melanoma. Can you tell me more about your concerns or anticipation of pain?

Thank you. I just spoke with Patient Advocate at WVU Medicine. I was told that 1 year from suspecting to first action being taken is too long. I was just told that 3 months wait for surgery is too long. The advocate has been very helpful in locating the resources I need. She is a Patient Advocate though, not a Dr. I am awaiting word today concerning this BCC and me. I will follow-up here.
Questions: I am forbidden any UV exposure. Vitamin D is from UV. How do I supplement the loss of Vitamin D? Do not want to start Vit. D supplements without consult. What about Iron? I am led to believe that BCC destroys iron levels. Iron infusions were mentioned at one point but just in passing. Thanks again.

@rhondaobason25 -I’m glad your Patient Advocate at WVU Medicine is helping navigate your basal cell carcinoma (BCC) care. The 1-year delay from suspicion to action and 3-month surgery wait are concerning, as your advocate noted, though BCC is typically slow-growing. You've taken a great first step! Here’s guidance on your Vitamin D and iron questions, pending your doctor’s input.
Vitamin D: Since UV exposure is forbidden to protect your skin, you can’t rely on sunlight for Vitamin D. Eat foods like fatty fish (salmon, sardines), egg yolks, and fortified milk or cereals. Diet alone may not suffice, so supplements (Vitamin D3) are often needed. The RDA is 600–800 IU daily, but deficiency may require higher doses (1,000–4,000 IU or more). Don’t start supplements without a doctor’s guidance—request a 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test to assess levels and tailor dosing, as excess Vitamin D can be toxic. Do you have a specific concern about taking supplements?
Iron: BCC doesn’t typically lower iron levels. This is not supported by literature..... and sometimes this is confused with other malignancies which can impact iron but not BCC. Iron deficiency could stem from unrelated issues (e.g., bleeding, malabsorption). Iron infusions, mentioned in passing, are for severe anemia when oral supplements fail. However continue to report symptoms like fatigue or paleness. Eat iron-rich foods (lean meats, spinach) but avoid supplements without medical advice.
Next Steps: When you hear back ask about surgery timing, Vitamin D testing, and iron concerns. do you have a primary doctor to review your concerns about vitamin D testing and iron? That would be a good place to start. You may also want to seek a second opinion to determine if surgery could be performed sooner. Please keep us posted!

I just thought I would be suffering with pain during this process. I have little tweaks once in a while but nothing bad. One thing I'm happy about is that I have not vomited during this process. Everything i eat stays down.

@wgv Good nutrition is important so it's great that you're keeping food down! I see you had mentioned last week that you live near Mayo in FL; is that where you're receiving care? I only ask because as part of care at Mayo you are eligible for a nutritional consult if that's of interest to you. Perhaps that's also available at other facilities where immunotherapy is being provided.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I also believe you stated this is for melanoma found in your ear. Ideally, the immunotherapy will work on reducing - or even resolving that completely - so those little tweaks of discomfort may possibly no longer be bothersome. And sometimes mind distraction techniques, such as meditation, can help ease such discomfort. Perhaps you can try that, or would like direction in learning more.

Many people associate pain with a diagnosis of cancer; do you think perhaps this is what triggered your thoughts?

just talked to medical team...surgery is Wednesday!