Anyone have Squamous cell cancer and where?

@grammato3
I had alot of redness with sharp pain shooting from the wound upward and across. I went to ER. My lactic acid was elevated above normal. The ER Dr was concerned because of two different staph infections. I did one round Iv IV antibiotics and it went up almost double. So they were going to admit me. Another round of antibiotic and CT scan, x- rays and more blood cultures. Ruling out other complications. After 13hrs in ER the latic acid went back down to normal range. Surgery was March 16th. I still currently have the sharp pain and same redness. That’s after 10days of antibiotics. I see my primary this Wednesday for follow up.
I’m anxious to get this opinion.
I’m surprised this procedure was so difficult.
I did lose my brother to Gorlins syndrome. So it creates higher awareness of skin cancer and infections.

@1lalataylor I'm so sorry to hear about your brother and his succumbing to that rare genetic disorder. May I assume you've also undergone genetic testing?

It's reassuring blood cultures were done when you were in the ER to rule out more serious infections like MRSA. If your primary care provider remains concerned at your upcoming office visit this week, perhaps you could inquire about an infectious disease consult.

Please circle back after your visit on Wednesday.

I have just begun Cemiplimab infusion therapy after having 3 cancerous (sq. cell) lymph nodes removed. Anyone else have experience with this therapy and its effectiveness, side effects, etc.?

@runningy This drug is also known by its brand name Libtayo which I've seen referenced by others on various posts here.

While I've not personally had this type of treatment, I am familar with a site that explains all the ramifications of various types of immunotherapy and lists specific information here that you may find helpful: https://aimwithimmunotherapy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IO-Cemiplimab_PAP-2024.pdf

How have you responded to infusions so far?

@grammato3 So far, so good. I haven't had any noticeable side effects, but I understand that some may manifest themselves later on in the regimen. I have the second infusion in a week.

While having MOHS surgery for basal cell, they also found squamous cell in there as well. This was on my nose. They removed it until the margins were clear, but it took 3 times. I had to have reconstructive surgery after that as the hole was pretty large.

@kaki49 That's one of the benefits of Mohs - really being able to examine the deeper cells under the microscope. I imagine this was a long and surprising procedure for you but it must have been reassuring that all the margins were clear. Have you been satisfied with the outcome?

I have had 7 basal cell, 2 squamous cell and 4 melanomas diagnosed and removed. Wide local excision is the gold standard for treating these diseases. Clear margins indicates the area is free of cancer at the cellular level. A lot of people are concerned about scarring and I understand, particularly for young people appearance is important. If there were a better way like creams or radiation that are equal to WLE, I would have chosen that option. From my personal experience as someone diagnosed with these skin cancers, a scalpel and sutures is the best treatment.