Melanoma & Skin Cancer support: Introduce yourself and connect

Glad to hear you are doing well with the pancreas. After expressing my concern over wait times, I am scheduled for surgery on Wednesday.

Many wait times for appointments are absurd, especially if a referral is involved. Last year, I had something going on with my pancreas. One of my fears for many years is that I would die of pancreatic cancer. Anyway, my PCP gave me a referral to a gastroenterologist, and it was a several month wait for the appointment. I kind of went ballistic, settled down and messaged the PCP and asked if he could mark the referral as URGENT (for my peace of mind). He did. I had an appointment within a week. Sometimes it pays to not just accept what you're dealt. In my case, it turned out to be a bunch of cysts on my pancreas which, apparently, aren't all that serious.

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".

@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?

@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?

@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!