timeline for squamous cell growth

@s2vera: Funny you mentioned the analogy to Freddy Kruger - I say that, too, about my melanoma as my one metastatic lung nodule responded early on in immunotherapy treatment but I've joked that I feel it could be lurking somewhere else inside like Freddy! But I've adapted Mark Twain's philosophy about worrying: "I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened"! Which is not to say I don't have questions and plans, I do. But I'm trying to let life unfold and be open to it. It was a process, I admit.

I've no doubt having experienced the losses of your sons have contributed to some sense of hypervigilence and increased awareness but I'm wondering if those concerns about skin cancer may be misplaced or exagerated for your own situation now. Had anyone actually said that it was your mother's sebhorrheic keratosis that directly led to the SCC? That would be highly unusual. One need not expose themselves to the sun excessively to be susceptible to developing a skin cancer, especially those of us who are fair skinned with light eyes due to less melanin to help protect against normal, every day UV rays. Taking standard precautions as we've all been taught now help to lessen exposure considerably from "days of yore" when these facts were not known.

Has your therapist been helpful in addressing some of these health concerns?

@grammato3
Hi thank you for replying. The SSC started about 2 1/2 years ago. When I finally got him to go to the doctor was July 9th of this year. We had two prior appointments which he refused to go to. The doctor did a biopsy and it was diagnosed as SSC a week later. It’s on his right forearm and about 1.5 to 2”round and about 1” in high. Because of its size, where it’s at, age, skin elastic the doctor explained the need to take tissue around it. It would be very difficult if not impossible to close the area up. It has gotten bigger.
I’ve read about chemo and radiation, but because of his age and other health issue, I don’t think either is a good option. Bill has Alzheimer’s which adds to his not always being cooperative at times.
Is it possible to get a time line. I realize everyone is different, a general idea would be helpful. I have read if it has spread into his bones, muscles and so on it can be terminal. His general health is not good.
‘I hope this makes sense.

@ggshin: I see, this does appear to put things into greater perspective. From what you're relaying there are several factors the doctor is considering: a rather large area that would like require either a significant Mohs or a wide local excision, possibly with a lymph node dissection - all requiring the patient who undergoes these procedures has the ability to remain still and refrain from picking at the wound site afterwards. A person with Alzheimers has a tendency to become agitated - and as you say, not cooperative - and exhibit habits such as picking; additionally, diabetes can impair wound healing due to compromised blood flow to the area. That could make the patient more susceptible to infection. Chemo and other interventions can also pose risks.

You are correct that left untreated there is potential for SCC to spread to the lymph system or distant organs, although this is in the minority of cases and it's generally a slow growing cancer. You can ask the medical provider what is the likely case for your husband based upon the biopsy.

It's a difficult position to be in, I'm sure. Mayo has several programs and resources for caregivers such as yourself which you may find helpful: https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/alzheimers-disease-research-center/for-patients-families/dementia-wellness-education-programs

It's a hard job being a primary caregiver. Do you have others who are helping you care for your husband?

I do have a caregiver that comes 2 days a week. It gives me an opportunity to grocery shop and other errands. My daughters are close but of course they work. As well as granddaughters that work also. Until recently I was able to leave him home if it was just a quick run to the store, unfortunately he has stared wandering looking for me. The yard is fully fenced however that is out of the question now. We do have an appointment with a Dermatologist next week. It will be interesting to hear what he thinks.
Thank you so much for the information. I’ll check out the caregiver/Alzheimers program.

@ggshin: Family assistance does help but I understand the limitations. If you or your husband have Medicare, this program may offer some assistance: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide. This guideline from The American Cancer Society provides questions that you may consider asking the dermatologist: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html

I hope the appointment meets your satisfaction. I'd like to hear how it goes. You can hit "reply" to this comment so it will come to my attention.