Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

@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?

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.

@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

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
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.

Thank You! I have read a lot of information from various sites, including the Skin Cancer Foundation, Mayo and Cleveland Clinics.
I first noticed a small spot on my left torso. I thought it was a bug bite at first and kept an eye on the red, itchy spot. I kept watch for a few months, then it went away. Last May, (2024), I noticed a place on my shoulder. I monitored it for a few months, then wondered if it might be cancer. I called a dermatologist on October 17, 2024. I was not seen until May 6, 2025. I was examined and had a biopsy taken, (Shaved the top layer). My biopsy came back positive for BCC. I am now waiting an additional 3 months to have surgery. Is this normal? I keep seeing, "if treated early". What does that mean? I have no concept of what is "early enough". Just confused about treatment options and how early is really "early enough".

I have probably had 30 of those cancers burned, scrapped and many cut out. My 2nd and best dermatologist was also a pathologist. He completed biopsies right away. He liked to clear it all away, stich it up and none have ever come back. On my face, neck, arms, legs and back. Sun exposure as a child and in my teens, red hair, light eyes, freckles and family with a history. Both my parents. My parents either had melanoma or squamous. Those two metastasize with squamous possibly as my father was misdiagnosed and squamous metastasized for him. I like to say i have a lot of freckles and those hid some scars. Over time, the cut ones the cars are not visible. The scrapped off one on my arm 28 years ago took off the freckles. The same thing with the mohs on my nose.
No cancer is good, but you are getting your diagnosed and treated is great news. As has been said. Where it is going to tell you how they will treat.
Come back and let us know!!

@wgv I can well understand why you'd be so fatigued with a hemoglobin of that level. I hope the blood transfusion helps provide some resolution and relief, although I understand improvement in terms of energy can sometimes take a week or two. Additionally, I wonder if perhaps the other immunotherapeutic drug you're on is Yervoy? Those two can certainly be adding to your feelings of exhaustion.

Here is the direct link to both of those, listed as their generic names (Opdivo and Yervoy are their brand names, those given by the manufacturer; the generic names are basically those of the active ingredients): https://aimwithimmunotherapy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IO-Ipi-Nivo-Combo-PAP-2024.pdf

Will you be having lab work again soon?

@rhondaobason25 - I’m sorry about your basal cell carcinoma (BCC) diagnosis—it’s tough to face with so little info. However, BCC, the most common skin cancer, grows slowly and rarely spreads but needs treatment to avoid local damage. It’s often caused by sun exposure and appears as a pearly bump, red patch, or non-healing sore on sun-exposed areas.
Surgery is recommended because it’s over 95% effective at removing BCC. Options include:
Excisional Surgery: Removes the tumor and some healthy skin.
Mohs Surgery: Removes layers, checking for cancer cells, ideal for the face.
Curettage: Scrapes small BCCs, followed by burning the area.
Done outpatient with local anesthesia, surgery takes 30 minutes to a few hours. Recovery is 1–4 weeks, with possible scarring. Suggest you ask your doctor which surgery is right for you.
BCC is highly treatable, with a near-100% cure rate if caught early.
How long have you noticed it? Please share specific questions or details (e.g., BCC location or reports), and and if you have any particular questions or concerns and we will try to help! You’re not alone—we're here to help!

"Working on mysteries, without any clues".... Diagnosed 4 days ago-Basal Cell Carcinoma. Told I need surgery. I know nothing else and have questions.