@bluelizard The healing biopsy site on my right upper arm is itching like crazy, and unfortunately I feel a similar symptom above it under the skin. Not trying to assume there is a growing issue there, and will be most anxious to get that result back.
Almost centered in my forehead about 1/2" above eyebrows, is a squamous cell scar. When it was done, and pressure bandage put in place, I covered it all in smiley stickers. Next day at work in the courtroom, it was the topic for some funny conversations! Basically my response was my brain had reached maximum capacity so they needed to install a a spigot to release some. Or, they needed to give me third eye access. The long-term affect is there is no movement under that scar to the right eyebrow, so being able to do "the Mommy look" is awesome!
My lightning scar is from anodular basal cell Mohs surgery. My melanoma scar is on right forearm and the 32 stitch scar [done Dec 2008] looks like a dog or shark bite.
As @grammato3 said, having a sense of humor going through all these has really helped me. While I do not diminish the seriousness of any of it whatsoever, being able to lighten the mood helps me, my providers, and all the staff to get to the end of a day.
Ginger
@bluelizard The healing biopsy site on my right upper arm is itching like crazy, and unfortunately I feel a similar symptom above it under the skin. Not trying to assume there is a growing issue there, and will be most anxious to get that result back.
Almost centered in my forehead about 1/2" above eyebrows, is a squamous cell scar. When it was done, and pressure bandage put in place, I covered it all in smiley stickers. Next day at work in the courtroom, it was the topic for some funny conversations! Basically my response was my brain had reached maximum capacity so they needed to install a a spigot to release some. Or, they needed to give me third eye access. The long-term affect is there is no movement under that scar to the right eyebrow, so being able to do "the Mommy look" is awesome!
My lightning scar is from anodular basal cell Mohs surgery. My melanoma scar is on right forearm and the 32 stitch scar [done Dec 2008] looks like a dog or shark bite.
As @grammato3 said, having a sense of humor going through all these has really helped me. While I do not diminish the seriousness of any of it whatsoever, being able to lighten the mood helps me, my providers, and all the staff to get to the end of a day.
Ginger
@grammato3 Yes, humor keeps us on the sunny side, most times. Otherwise what do we have? I'm in my mid-70s and life has taught me that most of the things I truly fear never come to pass. The other stuff, the truly devastating, I never see coming. I try to remind myself of that. Life is so, so good...so it pays to keep one's wits, one's sense of humor and above all, a sense of gratitude.
@gingerw I think you might've been an awesome pirate in another age: someone who bears the slings and arrows - and scars! - of life, but manages to keep it real and not take it too seriously. I aspire to a similar outlook.
Susan, volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Jun 1 1:08pm
@bluelizard Thanks for sharing your perspective and couldn't agree more. Life can sure throw some curve balls and we've seen a lot in our time, personally and collectively. Trying to keep an eye on the good and focus on gratitude can be very centering. I have a little stone I keep on my desk here by my computer to remind me of that. Is there any particular gratitude practice you yourself do?
Circling back to what brought you here: How is your incision site coming along?
@grammato3 Yes, humor keeps us on the sunny side, most times. Otherwise what do we have? I'm in my mid-70s and life has taught me that most of the things I truly fear never come to pass. The other stuff, the truly devastating, I never see coming. I try to remind myself of that. Life is so, so good...so it pays to keep one's wits, one's sense of humor and above all, a sense of gratitude.
@gingerw I think you might've been an awesome pirate in another age: someone who bears the slings and arrows - and scars! - of life, but manages to keep it real and not take it too seriously. I aspire to a similar outlook.
I'm around the same age, and if what you mean by humor is the same as a general sense of the absurdity of life then I would totally agree with you. With having had SCC about 5 times, including a Mohs surgery (Sept 2023), even my life long sense of the absurd finally has been taken over with a type of PTSD that has caused me almost 2 years of social anxiety and depression. We just press on so we avoid having to think of the alternative.
@19sfca47 It does seem that many of us approaching, in or well into our 8th decade of life have had much experience with various forms of - and treatments for - basal, squamous, even melanoma skin cancers. To be honest, I've lost track of how many I've had. I only recently started a medical journal to keep track.
I can't speak for @bluelizard, but for me a sense of humor in this context - even through my current melanoma journey - means trying to see or express the lighter side of things even during challenging times to help ease myself emotionally during stressful times. I'm honestly not as familiar with the term of "absurdity of life" so I'm curious to hear more about that. Can you explain a bit more about your meaning of the term?
You've mentioned that leading to a type of PTSD resulting in social anxiety and depression the past two years; I imagine that must feel very isolating and scary. That can really impact your daily life and loved ones. What, if any, methods or interventions have you tried to help with this?
@19sfca47 It does seem that many of us approaching, in or well into our 8th decade of life have had much experience with various forms of - and treatments for - basal, squamous, even melanoma skin cancers. To be honest, I've lost track of how many I've had. I only recently started a medical journal to keep track.
I can't speak for @bluelizard, but for me a sense of humor in this context - even through my current melanoma journey - means trying to see or express the lighter side of things even during challenging times to help ease myself emotionally during stressful times. I'm honestly not as familiar with the term of "absurdity of life" so I'm curious to hear more about that. Can you explain a bit more about your meaning of the term?
You've mentioned that leading to a type of PTSD resulting in social anxiety and depression the past two years; I imagine that must feel very isolating and scary. That can really impact your daily life and loved ones. What, if any, methods or interventions have you tried to help with this?
Without getting off the subject of skin cancer or purely medical issues in general, all I would suggest is that you Google “The absurdity of life”. The universe is random and indifferent to us, without any defined meaning, except what we make of it. It’s all wrapped up in the philosophy of Existentialism. As you might have been able to deduce, I’m not a religious person. Yes, PTSD is, as you say, “isolating”. My wife has suggested I get help, but just having turned 78 I’ve decided to just ride it out to wherever it takes me.
@19sfca47 Thank you for responding so quickly! You know, you had piqued my curiosity so I actually had googled "the absurdity of life" before I inquired about your interpretation of it. To me, when I read about it, I was reminded of Viktor Frankel's Man's Search for Meaning - kind of trying to find purpose in a universe where random events happen. While some, as you pointed out, find this sense of purpose in spirituality, other may find it in such things as alternative practices - like nature, family and/or community connections, hobbies, meditation to create fulfillment. Or, for me personally, a moderate blend of the two.
I appreciate your getting involved in the conversation about skin cancers. As you can see, it's impacted those of us on this forum in various ways. While some of us go to the dermatologist as frequently as every 3 months to have ourselves checked for any unusual changes, some prefer to hold off and even avoid going for checks because they can be frightening. Have you found your last experience has placed you into one of those categories, and if I may ask, do you have any suggestions for any of us who may feel similarly?
@19sfca47 Thank you for responding so quickly! You know, you had piqued my curiosity so I actually had googled "the absurdity of life" before I inquired about your interpretation of it. To me, when I read about it, I was reminded of Viktor Frankel's Man's Search for Meaning - kind of trying to find purpose in a universe where random events happen. While some, as you pointed out, find this sense of purpose in spirituality, other may find it in such things as alternative practices - like nature, family and/or community connections, hobbies, meditation to create fulfillment. Or, for me personally, a moderate blend of the two.
I appreciate your getting involved in the conversation about skin cancers. As you can see, it's impacted those of us on this forum in various ways. While some of us go to the dermatologist as frequently as every 3 months to have ourselves checked for any unusual changes, some prefer to hold off and even avoid going for checks because they can be frightening. Have you found your last experience has placed you into one of those categories, and if I may ask, do you have any suggestions for any of us who may feel similarly?
I've never read Frankel. What started me many years ago on the whole meaning of life's absurdity is "The Stranger" by Albert Camus, which , if one takes a college English class, is almost required reading.
As for going to a dermatologist, well I go about twice a year, sometimes three times. I have some actinic keratosis lesions on my head that I keep an eye on for any changes in size and color. He will check them, but he basically follows my advice, which is to use 3% diclofenac on my scalp, instead of freezing, burning or cutting. I told him that after the Mohs surgery that one of his colleagues performed I didn't want to be disfigured ever again. What makes me different from many people here is that I have dermatillomania (skin picker), which at times can aggravate my AKs. My doctor knows this so he doesn't push for aggressive treatment of my AKs. A doctor's check shouldn't be frightening. Just keep an eye on any suspicious changes on your skin. If you see something new and strange just don't keep looking at it and wonder. Get it checked. After an appointment you can always call their office with questions and/or concerns. I've called my doctor twice in the last 3 weeks and I always get advice back on the same day from one of the PA's.
@19sfca47 There was just an article in The NY Times on
dermatillomania. I wonder if a lot of these conditions are not as uncommon as one may think but because of some stigma or shame associated with them, individuals who may suffer from them are less inclined to talk about it. I’m speculating here but because of the potential of repetition, inability to stop and associated shame there must be some increased incidence of depression, also. Adding interventions for skin cancers on top of that must truly aggravate the situation!
You’re very sensible in your approach to reporting skin changes to your supportive dermatology practice. But now I’m wondering after all you’ve been through if you have any recommendations for any one else who may have a similar tendency to pick at their wounds post-procedure?
@grammato3
I too lost track of how many BCCs I have had. The only number I remember is 1 for SCC. I never get out of a dermatology visit without burning off pre cancers or getting another biopsies.
I had been seeing one dermatologist at Mayo Jacksonville for years. Developed a good relationship and knew anything I was concerned with would be addressed including all my body check. I have a new dermatologist who I am getting familiar with but does a very thorough check of my body which impresses me.
Two of my BCCs left some visible scars. One on my chest which was the first BCC I had and had ignored it for years left a long scar. It was not MOHS surgery. The second is somewhat indent in my upper nose where I had MOHS surgery but only I see it.
I too are what I referr to myself as a picker. It is habit of scratching or picking at something that is raised on your skin. Don't even know I am doing it but then it bleeds. My dermatologist knows this now and burns them off. I try not to rub or scratch them but hard to do.
Any cancer (I was treated for prostate cancer in 2023) including skin cancer is something that is not just physical but mental. You mental health needs to be addressed and treated if needed just as much as your physical health. I found Mayo works as a team and I do see a pyschiatric medications specialist.
The one thing I found to help reduce picking is vasoline. After every biopsies and burn off was directed to use vasoline which helps skin heal from below and not form scabs. This helps prevent external feel of a scab. So wha I have been doing in conjuction with this is to apply vasoline to those scratches and spots I have a tendency to scratch as the vasoline makes it a smooth feeling and not something raised to scratch at.
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I agree with both @gingerw and @grammato3. Maintaining a sense of humor really really really helps.
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1 Reaction@grammato3 Yes, humor keeps us on the sunny side, most times. Otherwise what do we have? I'm in my mid-70s and life has taught me that most of the things I truly fear never come to pass. The other stuff, the truly devastating, I never see coming. I try to remind myself of that. Life is so, so good...so it pays to keep one's wits, one's sense of humor and above all, a sense of gratitude.
@gingerw I think you might've been an awesome pirate in another age: someone who bears the slings and arrows - and scars! - of life, but manages to keep it real and not take it too seriously. I aspire to a similar outlook.
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Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions@bluelizard Thanks for sharing your perspective and couldn't agree more. Life can sure throw some curve balls and we've seen a lot in our time, personally and collectively. Trying to keep an eye on the good and focus on gratitude can be very centering. I have a little stone I keep on my desk here by my computer to remind me of that. Is there any particular gratitude practice you yourself do?
Circling back to what brought you here: How is your incision site coming along?
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI'm around the same age, and if what you mean by humor is the same as a general sense of the absurdity of life then I would totally agree with you. With having had SCC about 5 times, including a Mohs surgery (Sept 2023), even my life long sense of the absurd finally has been taken over with a type of PTSD that has caused me almost 2 years of social anxiety and depression. We just press on so we avoid having to think of the alternative.
@19sfca47 It does seem that many of us approaching, in or well into our 8th decade of life have had much experience with various forms of - and treatments for - basal, squamous, even melanoma skin cancers. To be honest, I've lost track of how many I've had. I only recently started a medical journal to keep track.
I can't speak for @bluelizard, but for me a sense of humor in this context - even through my current melanoma journey - means trying to see or express the lighter side of things even during challenging times to help ease myself emotionally during stressful times. I'm honestly not as familiar with the term of "absurdity of life" so I'm curious to hear more about that. Can you explain a bit more about your meaning of the term?
You've mentioned that leading to a type of PTSD resulting in social anxiety and depression the past two years; I imagine that must feel very isolating and scary. That can really impact your daily life and loved ones. What, if any, methods or interventions have you tried to help with this?
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Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsWithout getting off the subject of skin cancer or purely medical issues in general, all I would suggest is that you Google “The absurdity of life”. The universe is random and indifferent to us, without any defined meaning, except what we make of it. It’s all wrapped up in the philosophy of Existentialism. As you might have been able to deduce, I’m not a religious person. Yes, PTSD is, as you say, “isolating”. My wife has suggested I get help, but just having turned 78 I’ve decided to just ride it out to wherever it takes me.
@19sfca47 Thank you for responding so quickly! You know, you had piqued my curiosity so I actually had googled "the absurdity of life" before I inquired about your interpretation of it. To me, when I read about it, I was reminded of Viktor Frankel's Man's Search for Meaning - kind of trying to find purpose in a universe where random events happen. While some, as you pointed out, find this sense of purpose in spirituality, other may find it in such things as alternative practices - like nature, family and/or community connections, hobbies, meditation to create fulfillment. Or, for me personally, a moderate blend of the two.
I appreciate your getting involved in the conversation about skin cancers. As you can see, it's impacted those of us on this forum in various ways. While some of us go to the dermatologist as frequently as every 3 months to have ourselves checked for any unusual changes, some prefer to hold off and even avoid going for checks because they can be frightening. Have you found your last experience has placed you into one of those categories, and if I may ask, do you have any suggestions for any of us who may feel similarly?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI've never read Frankel. What started me many years ago on the whole meaning of life's absurdity is "The Stranger" by Albert Camus, which , if one takes a college English class, is almost required reading.
As for going to a dermatologist, well I go about twice a year, sometimes three times. I have some actinic keratosis lesions on my head that I keep an eye on for any changes in size and color. He will check them, but he basically follows my advice, which is to use 3% diclofenac on my scalp, instead of freezing, burning or cutting. I told him that after the Mohs surgery that one of his colleagues performed I didn't want to be disfigured ever again. What makes me different from many people here is that I have dermatillomania (skin picker), which at times can aggravate my AKs. My doctor knows this so he doesn't push for aggressive treatment of my AKs. A doctor's check shouldn't be frightening. Just keep an eye on any suspicious changes on your skin. If you see something new and strange just don't keep looking at it and wonder. Get it checked. After an appointment you can always call their office with questions and/or concerns. I've called my doctor twice in the last 3 weeks and I always get advice back on the same day from one of the PA's.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@19sfca47 There was just an article in The NY Times on
dermatillomania. I wonder if a lot of these conditions are not as uncommon as one may think but because of some stigma or shame associated with them, individuals who may suffer from them are less inclined to talk about it. I’m speculating here but because of the potential of repetition, inability to stop and associated shame there must be some increased incidence of depression, also. Adding interventions for skin cancers on top of that must truly aggravate the situation!
Here’s the link to the article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/well/skin-hair-picking-dermatillomania.html?unlocked_article_code=1.ME8.t_RN.NL4EtvZef0Tw&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
You’re very sensible in your approach to reporting skin changes to your supportive dermatology practice. But now I’m wondering after all you’ve been through if you have any recommendations for any one else who may have a similar tendency to pick at their wounds post-procedure?
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2 Reactions@grammato3
I too lost track of how many BCCs I have had. The only number I remember is 1 for SCC. I never get out of a dermatology visit without burning off pre cancers or getting another biopsies.
I had been seeing one dermatologist at Mayo Jacksonville for years. Developed a good relationship and knew anything I was concerned with would be addressed including all my body check. I have a new dermatologist who I am getting familiar with but does a very thorough check of my body which impresses me.
Two of my BCCs left some visible scars. One on my chest which was the first BCC I had and had ignored it for years left a long scar. It was not MOHS surgery. The second is somewhat indent in my upper nose where I had MOHS surgery but only I see it.
I too are what I referr to myself as a picker. It is habit of scratching or picking at something that is raised on your skin. Don't even know I am doing it but then it bleeds. My dermatologist knows this now and burns them off. I try not to rub or scratch them but hard to do.
Any cancer (I was treated for prostate cancer in 2023) including skin cancer is something that is not just physical but mental. You mental health needs to be addressed and treated if needed just as much as your physical health. I found Mayo works as a team and I do see a pyschiatric medications specialist.
The one thing I found to help reduce picking is vasoline. After every biopsies and burn off was directed to use vasoline which helps skin heal from below and not form scabs. This helps prevent external feel of a scab. So wha I have been doing in conjuction with this is to apply vasoline to those scratches and spots I have a tendency to scratch as the vasoline makes it a smooth feeling and not something raised to scratch at.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions