Squamous Cell Carcinoma post transplant

I had one on my shoulder before transplant and recently had Mohs surgery on my face. Big scar. We r more sun sensitive bc of meds. I scuba dove for years with no sunscreen. I know wear long sleeves sunbeam, hat, and spf 50. Enjoy outdoors just be smart.

Hi @beracha 😊
Thank you for sharing! Yes, I was a big Jersey shore gal that loved to be on the beach and listen to Bruce Springsteen music with no sunscreen. So I understand your comment about scuba diving with no sunscreen. Did you live in Florida as a kid? I currently live in Florida so it's tough to completely hide from the sun even with sunscreen and a hat.
I was billed for "Mohs" on my last surgery, but I don't think I actually received Mohs. When you had Mohs, did your surgeon use a microscope to check the borders? (My local dermatologist did not)

My special mohs surgeon cut and left me in room while pathology checks. Then she came back and said clean margins and then stitched me up. I grew up in nj. My husband wanted us to travel early in our lives in case I didn't live past 10 yrs. 33 yrs later we have traveled all over world and now we r older so we just deal with our medical issues. Living in FL must be tough to hide from sun.

@beracha 😊
Your life of travel sounds wonderful!
The way you describe your Mohs surgery is what I read on the internet. My dermatologist just took a chunk and sewed me up (and called it Mohs). I think he sent the chunk off to an outside lab to check the borders. At least I hope that's what he did. I guess I need to find a better dermatologist .
My immune suppression meds are Tacrolimis and Mycophenolate. Is that what you are taking for your liver transplant?
Thanks again @beracha for jumping in to discuss this with me. I really appreciate it!

Hi, so glad to help. I take Tacrolimus plus 20 other pills for side effects. I see dermatology clinic for transplant recipients. Way better than my old derm. Mohs did a skin flap since it was between lip and nose. Scar is in smile line. I go annually unless I want something checked.

@beracha 😊
There is a Dermatology Clinic for Transplant at Mayo Clinic Rochester?
I wonder if they have something similar at Mayo Jacksonville. Maybe I could make an appointment during my annual visit in a few months.

I am sorry. I had my transplant in Pittsburgh. I am followed by them and locally in Hershey PA they are building their program. This chat group allowed my entry since I am advancing in liver disease in my 30 yr old transplant. Been on tacro for 33 yrs. I don't know if Mayo does, but I found dermatologist at my local hospital, they have dermatologist who is for high risk patients and bc of immunosuppression they sent me to her. For all other dermatologist stuff I have to go to regular derm dept. Sorry for the confusion. My bad.

No worries at all @beracha 😊 Your information has been very, very helpful to me!
By the way, I love Hershey, Pennsylvania. Especially the chocolate tour ride and the complimentary sample at the end. All the best people come from Hershey!

@beracha is right. Those of us with suppressed immune conditions, like a transplant due to medications, are at more risk for skin cancers. It's a trade-off.

While I don't have a transplant, my husband received a kidney October 2016. He has had 2 squamous cell sites in the last year. One was cut out and one is waiting for an appointment for excision. One on his forearm, one on his forehead. I am on chemo for blood cancer, and thus am prone to skin cancers also. My next squamous cell procedure is in about a month, on my right forearm.

Yes, sunscreen, long sleeves, hat, stay out of the sun are good tips for everyone. But, face it, we have to realize we are more susceptible to skin cancers now!
Ginger

Thanks so much @gingerw 😊
I am curious if your husband had any reduction or changes to his immune suppression meds after the two squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis? Is your husband on TAC and MFF like me?
Thanks so much for reminding me that we are all in this together and the diagnosis is not as scary as it sounds. That means a lot Ginger!