Just got home from my dermatologist...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

He had bad news for me. The little spot I've had for years on my chin has turned out to be the real deal, a basal cell carcinoma.

10 days ago, he removed it and sent it for biopsy; today I got the news.

So, he had to carve on me some more...I don't really mind that so much; after all, I'm the one who hates sunscreen...

But I haven't had very many of these; most of my skin things have been pre-cancers. Not this time...

Well, at least the fucker's gone. I have a nasty scab now, so there will be no pictures of me till this sucker's healed.

Damn.

I did not expect this.

[bicentennial_baby]

1. I'm sorry to hear that Peggy

:hug:

Hang in there. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear bi_baby...

Aw, thanks, sweetie...

I'm hanging!

I've had them before, but somehow this time was different...

:hug:

[CreekDog]

2. Hang in there Peggy

Sounds like the dermatologist has gotten rid of it and taken a little more skin (ouch!) as a precaution.

I hope you're feeling better soon.

from wiki:

"Although it is considered a malignancy, it rarely metastasizes or kills."

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. My dear CreekDog!

I'm dealing with it...

Yeah, he always takes a bit more to make sure it's really gone...

I've had several, but not in a long time...

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[leftyclimber]

3. ..

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. My dear leftyclimber...

You are too sweet...please give lyric a hug for me, OK?

:hug:

[knowbody0]

4. so glad you are on top of this

I am covered with these gems, it's an Irish thing. I remember my grandfather's - just like mine, and he lived to 94.

Stay sweet

[CaliforniaPeggy]

10. My dear knowbody0...

The sweetness will return, no worries...

Ah, it's the Irish blood! And my Swedish grandmother had them too...

I watch my skin like a hawk.

Thanks, sweetie...

:hug:

[rurallib]

6. thank goodness they caught it early. Take care.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. My dear rurallib...

Actually, I've had this several years...

But it's been very quiet, for the most part.

Thank goodness it's gone!

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[Danger Mouse]

8. I'm glad you're taking care of it.

Hang in there. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. My dear Danger Mouse...

Me too...

Thanks, sweetie...

:hug:

[knowbody0]

11. glad you are on top of this

I am covered by these gems, it's an Irish thingy. I remember my grandfather's - he lived to 94.

stay sweet

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. You got it, baby!

:hug:

[LeftyFingerPop]

12. Peg...

I'm sure your doc told you this, but if you are going to get skin cancer, basal cell is the kind you want to get.

It may make you feel better to know that my mom has been getting them for 30 years. :)

Best wishes Peg, glad you got it taken care of. :hug:


edit spelling

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. My dear LeftyFingerPop...

Oh, I know! Remember, I was a nurse...

But it's still a shock when you aren't expecting it...

I've been getting them for 30 years too, lol!

These are for sure the ones to get: slow-growing, shallow, non-invasive.

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[LeftyFingerPop]

20. Damn! I forgot you were a nurse!

:rofl:

Sorry, Peg :blush:

[hedgehog]

16. We're not allowed to give medical advice, but be persistent and ask

about the best dressing to use to get things healed up fast. I'm glad this was caught early. Nothing is scarier than asking the doctor about "this little thing here" and he gets interested instead of telling you it's nothing!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

22. My dear hedgehog...

No worries! I'm a retired RN...I know what to do...

He told me to keep it uncovered as much as possible, and to put a drop of rubbing alcohol on it every day.

It'll be fine, as soon as I get over the shock!

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[trof]

27. Yeah, I hate it when the doc says "H-m-m-m".

It's usually not good news.

[kimmerspixelated]

17. Peggy, hang in there, but please

don't blame the sunscreen aspect of it. There is a lot of misinformation about whether the lack of sunscreen causes these things. Actually Vit D is a preventative. The chemicals in most sunblocks are causing a lot of harm, and may be to blame for more skin problems. Try to up your Vit D intake in vit pill form. It can't hurt and will probably help. Good wishes!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

26. My dear kimmerspixelated!

Well, I was always told to wear it, but I hate how greasy it is...

Thanks for the Vit D tip. I do get quite a lot every day, for my bone density, along with calcium.

Thanks! :hug:

[Deja Q]

18. Holy shit!

I'm definitely glad you'd gone in to have it looked at!

Please take care; we like you here too!!

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

28. My dear Deja Q...

Ah, I've had my eye on this spot for some time...I got tired of wondering just what it was...

No worries...

I plan to be here for many years...

Thanks, sweetie...

:hug:

[lunatica]

21. My dear CaliforniaPeggy

Start using sunscreen.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

29. My dear lunatica...

Yes'm...

:hi:

[trof]

23. Had one on my lower eyelid a couple of years ago.

Just barely below the lashes.
VERY delicate excision.
The guy did a great job.

Miz t. had a full blown melanoma on the side of her neck 5 years ago.
The doc did outpatient surgery and also a great job. No noticeable scar, just looks like a little crease in her neck.
She has quite a few of those now.
;-)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

30. My dear trof!

Yikes, for both of you!

I've not had either one of those, and I hope to never have them...

Melanomas can be deadly. Glad she's passed the four years on that one...

:hi:

[latebloomer]

24. Glad it wasn't the bad kind, CP!

Take good care of yourself!

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

31. My dear latebloomer!

Me too, sweetie...me too...

Thanks...

:hug:

[tekisui]

25. That can be a shock to the system.

Be well. Keep taking care of yourself!:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

33. My dear tekisui!

It was indeed a shock!

But now that sucker is history...

Thanks...I plan to keep on taking care of myself.

I want like you would not believe to live!

:hug:

[lightningandsnow]

32. That sucks.

:hug:

Well, at least it's not the real dangerous stuff, right?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

34. My dear lightningandsnow...

It did suck!

Nope, it wasn't a melanoma. Those are the truly bad guys. Basal cell carcinomas are lightweights compared to those.

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[Maine-ah]

35. take care, Peggy, and know you've got major DU vibes coming your way

:grouphug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

36. My dear Maine-ah!

Thank you, sweetie!

I'm already feeling them...:hug:

[Parche]

37. My Dear CaliforniaPeggy

I know how cancer is, it has destroyed most of my family, plus cats

I am always here if you want to call

Sounds like they got it, which is good

:hi: :hug: :hug: :hug: :loveya: :loveya: :loveya:


"Where are we going? Life: the timeless mysterious gift is still evolving. What wonders or terrors does evolution have in store for us in the next ten thousand years? In a million? In six million? Perhaps the answer lies with my dear CaliforniaPeggy"

[CaliforniaPeggy]

39. My dear Parche!

Thanks, sweetie...

I'm doing OK...

You are helping me get rid of the shock!

They did get it all...

You are a sweetheart, and no mistake!

:loveya: :hug:

[Rising Phoenix]

38. love you sweetie

be well :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

40. My dear Rising Phoenix...

Ah, I love you too...

And I am much better now...:hug:

[Aristus]

41. Hang in there, CalPeg.

We're here for you. It's going to take a hell of a lot more than basal cell carcinoma to keep our CalPeg down... :grouphug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

42. My dear Aristus!

Aw, thanks!

I'm doing OK...not bad, really...

I was just so damn surprised is all...

I'm glad you're here for me, sweetie...:hug:

[Pool Hall Ace]

43. You are beautiful, scab or not

And you're still dropping the F-bombs, so I know you'll be okay! :hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

44. My dear Pool Hall Ace!

Well now, that's really nice of you to say!

Damn right, I'll be OK...

F-bombs and all!

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[crim son]

45. Wow. But you will be okay, right?

I guess this is a heads up for everybody not to let those things go, even if you've had them in the past. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

47. My dear crim son...

Ah, yes, I will be OK...

In fact, except for my psychological self, I am OK now. It was upsetting to get the news...

And believe you me, I always watch my skin.

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[Haole Girl]

46. It's very common in fair-skinned people

Almost every person on my mother's side (the Irish side) had it. None of them ever died from it. Please try not to worry. And, PLEASE, use sunscreen!! :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

48. My dear Haole Girl!

Yup, you're correct! My red-headed Swedish grandmother had many of them...

They are not in and of themselves, fatal. I'm not worried...

And yes ma'am, I will resume using sunscreen...

Thanks, sweetie... :hug:

[RebelOne]

49. Please, please, from now on, always use sunscreen.

It's the most important thing that you could use if you live in a tropical climate. I lived in South Florida until 1989 when I moved to North Georgia. I learned in my 20s to always use sunscreen (I am now 70 and very fair-skinned). I knew too many people in Florida, including my own mother, who developed skin cancer from exposure to the sun in her younger years roasting on the beach. I don't even buy a foundation makeup unless it has at least 15 SPF sunscreen. I am fortunate that having lived in South Florida, I never developed skin cancer because when I was a child and a teenager, i was sunburned many, many times. Even in the colder months here in North Georgia, I never neglect to use sunscreen.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

53. My dear RebelOne...

I will resume my sunscreen use...

I've had a lot of precancers removed, and I assumed that this was one of those...

Oh well.

Thanks for your good warning...:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

50. I am sorry Peggy.

At least it was not a melanoma.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

54. My dear KitchenWitch...

Thanks, sweetie...

I am most relieved it wasn't a melanoma either...:scared:

You know I'll be OK...:hug:

[seaker]

51. Wishing you peaceful healing.

Unexpected news but still so very pleased to know you stepped up and took care of it right away. Well done!
:applause: :applause: :applause:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

55. My dear seaker...

Yeah, it was a surprise...

And I've been watching it several years now...never thought it was a real cancer.

Glad it's gone!

Thanks, sweetie... :hug:

[ccharles000]

52. ...

:hug:

My great aunt just found out she has a spot on her lung. I hope you are ok.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

56. My dear ccharles000...

I am really sorry to hear about your aunt...

Lung cancer is an entirely different disease...

Skin cancers are normally shallow, slow-growing, and not invasive.

I am OK...

Healing vibes to her, sweetie...:hug:

[elshiva]

57. Oh no! Sorry, CaliforniaPeggy.

:hug: :grouphug:
This is all because you are one hot momma. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

59. My dear elshiva!

Aw, you made me laugh, sweetie!

I'm not such a hot momma now...not with this ugly scab on my chin, of all places...x(

It will get better, and one day, it will be gone...

Then I'll take a picture...

Thanks, sweetie... :hug:

[elshiva]

61. You'll always be a hot momma, honey.

Don't worry about the scab. It will heal hopefully. Anyway, you have sexiness where it counts. ;) :loveya: :hug:

[mwdem]

58. Glad you took care of this, Peggy.

We have to stay on top of this kind of thing, esp. as we "age". My sister-in-law died of melanoma at age 39, and she thought she was keeping up with it. Sunscreen, as always, even though I forget it most of the time!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

60. My dear mwdem!

I'm always watching my skin...

Both my mom and my grandmother have had many removed...

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law...What a dreadful loss, and so young...

Thanks, sweetie... :hug:

[BikeWriter]

62. My dear Peggy, here's hoping that's the last you see of those.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

64. My dear BikeWriter!

Ah, wouldn't that be nice? But I doubt it...given my history, and my family's history...

I thank you for the very kind thought, sweetie...:hug:

[femmocrat]

63. So sorry to hear that, Peggy.

Hoping it was just the one spot and there will be no recurrence. Best wishes to you.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

65. My dear femmocrat...

Well, you know, that's life...

I've had a number of these removed, but not in a while...

I hope there will be no recurrence either...

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[applegrove]

66. You sound like you are on top of it. You'll be fine.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

68. My dear applegrove...

I will be fine, and thanks, sweetie...

Just needed to vent...

:hi:

[BlueIris]

67. Woah. Healing vibes for Ms. C-Peg. Geeze, if there's profanity in one of your posts,

you know it's bad.

:grouphug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

69. My dear BlueIris!

Thanks for the healing vibes!

I was in shock with this news...the vibes do help...

:hug:

[av8rdave]

70. Thank goodness you're getting checked and getting those things removed!

Glad it's all over but the healing!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

71. My dear av8rdave!

Oh, yeah! With my family history, I have to!

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[Forkboy]

72. I'm sorry to hear that.

The "C" word is not a fun thing to have to deal with. I'm glad they got this when they did, and I hope all is good in the future for you.

If you need to vent pop on down to the Cancer Support forum. A lot of good people down there more than willing to lend an ear.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

74. My dear Forkboy...

Skin cancers run in my family...

I just need to be vigilant, and I am...

Thanks for the good thoughts, sweetie...

:hug:

[lonestarnot]

73. Dearest California Peggy,

I hate this for you! I am glad you went to the doctor and caught it early and are going to be ok. It seems life is a layering of various scars. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

75. My dear lonestarnot...

A layering of various scars, indeed!

I will be OK, and thank you so much, sweetie...:hug:

[SoxFan]

76. Hang in there, Peggy!

I had my own skin cancer scare last year, and you were right there sending vibes.

:grouphug:

In the meantime, just wear this until it heals...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

78. My dear SoxFan...

And now, here you are for me, sweetie...

Thank you...

And yeah, that mask might just be the ticket, lol!


:hug:

[SPKrazy]

77. Basal Cells Are Generally Not A Big Deal

except for the carving part

:hug:

sorry

I've had two on my arm one grew in the scar of the other that was cut off. weird. I think I have one on my arm and need to get to the derm because it is getting bigger.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

79. My dear SPKrazy...

Yup, I agree...

The cauterizing was awful...

But brief, thankfully!

Please get your arm checked out, OK?

Thanks, sweetie...


:hug:

[vixengrl]

80. The word "carcinoma" has got to be scary to hear.

:hug: I'm happy it didn't sound too bad, and hope that scar heals up nice.

(I've always hated sunscreen myself--it feels "sweaty"! and am a red hair/blue eyes/fair-type person, so I should know better--I think I might look at my freckles a little differently, now.)



(Edit to fix broken smilie. A smilie is a terrible thing to waste :) )

[CaliforniaPeggy]

81. My dear vixengrl...

Yeah, "carcinoma" brings up all sorts of bad associations...

This is actually one of the less invasive kind. The kind you want to get, if you had a choice!

I have a number of scars now, and mostly they don't jump out at you...

But this one's right in the center of my chin, where a dimple or cleft might be. We'll see...

Take care, sweetie...

And thank you...:hug:

[littlebit]

82. I know this will be kind of an odd question but

did it hurt when they scraped it? The reason I am asking is last friday the doc put liquid nitrogen on four spots on my scalp. It was a little irritating but not to painful. Anyway she thinks two of the spots might be basil cell but she wanted to do the nitrogen first just to rule out something else. I can't remember what she called it. I have to go back in six weeks to get it rechecked. If the spots are not healed then she is going to scrap them.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

83. My dear littlebit!

It's not an odd question at all...

Basically, no, it doesn't hurt. When they cut out the spots, first they inject a local anesthetic into your skin. THIS hurts, but only for a couple of seconds.

After they inject the stuff, your skin is numb. She probably was looking for an icteric keratosis. These are pre-cancers.

The cancers need to be cut off. The liquid nitrogen is briefly very cold, and that's about it.

Does this help?

Hang in there, sweetie... :hug:

[littlebit]

84. Thanks that helps a lot.

The nitrogen didn't really bother me. It kind of tickled. But when she started talking about cutting off flesh I kind of freaked out a little.

Hang in there Peggy and start wearing your sunscreen.:)

[donheld]

85. I'm so sorry

I know that sucks. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

86. My dear donheld...

Thanks, sweetie...

I will heal...:hug:

[FloridaJudy]

87. {{{{{{{ Peggy }}}}}}}}

Sorry. Cancer is such a scary word. I'm so glad it's been taken care of.

Here's to quick and painless healing.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

89. My dear FloridaJudy!

Ah, sweetie! That is such a beautiful graphic!

I always love it when you post it, and I am very honored to have it here in my thread...

Thank you, sweetie...:hug:

[Arugula Latte]

88. Peggy -- Glad you got that thing taken off!

Sending healing vibes your way ~~~~>~~~~>~~~~>~~~~>~~~~>
:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

90. My dear Arugula Latte!

Oh, me too, sweetie!

I'd rather have the scar than the cancer, any day!

Thanks for the healing vibes, sweetie...:hug:

[blueknight]

91. hang in there peggy!

just a bump in the road for you! you have the personality to overcome anything, i really believe that:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

100. My dear blueknight!

I missed you, sorry!

It's just a bump in the road...

I am fine, thanks...

:hi:

[Shell Beau]

92. At least you did go and get it off!! Many don't! Hugs to you!!!!!!

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

94. My dear Shell Beau!

Yeah, I did! And I will continue to monitor my skin...

It's too important to ignore!

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[Taverner]

93. Take care and stay safe!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

95. You bet I am, my dear Taverner!

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[graywarrior]

96. Mr G just went through the same thing

Good thing they got it early, CP. You'll be ok. Mr G has a nice big scar on his arm. They cut a five inch slice into him and he ended up with about 20 stitches.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

98. My dear graywarrior!

Ooh, that's scary! Please give him my sympathies, OK?

No stitches here, thank goodness...

I am OK, indeed. That cancer is GONE.

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[graywarrior]

104. Stay outta the sun, girlfriend!

[bdamomma]

97. take care of yourself it really sucks if you're a person who likes the sun.

I know I do, but I have been very cautious nowadays.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

99. My dear bdamomma!

I do like the sun, not to the extent that I lie out in it or anything...

Back to the sunscreen!

Thanks for your good wishes, sweetie... :hug:

[UrbScotty]

101. My dear CaliforniaPeggy...

I'm glad they found it early.

Take care!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

102. My dear UrbScotty!

I'm glad too!

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[TZ]

103. Well sounds like they caught it early

and got it off lickity split. Sounds like you should be okay..:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

107. My dear TZ...

I'm thinking this too!

I am OK, and thanks, sweetie... :hug:

[ThomCat]

105. I hope this was a one-time occurance.

:hug:

No more cancer for you. Please stay healthy.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

108. My dear ThomCat...

Ah, sweetie...I've had them before, and I'll most likely have them again...

It's not a problem as long as they're removed before they become more dangerous...

I'm going to redouble my efforts to stay healthy, however!

Thanks, sweetie... :hug:

[SacredCow]

106. My significant other had one removed several months ago....

can't even tell where it was anymore... Hope yours heals up quickly!!!

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

109. My dear SacredCow...

I'm happy to hear about your significant other!

I usually have scars from mine...probably will this time, too...

We shall see!

Thanks, sweetie...:hug:

[Whoa_Nelly]

110. O geez, Peggy!

Am so sorry!
Am glad you have been getting checked out, and that this one was CAUGHT! :hug:

And as for that silly scab...?

Wear it proudly because you care enough about yourself, and show others that they can face this, too! :patriot:


Besides...
Your beauty shines from your heart.
Everyday!

Keep being beautiful, dear Peg! :hug: :loveya: :pals: :hi:

[greenbriar]

111. oh c-peg I am so sorry

you are always one to give support

please accept my long distance support and let me know if you ever need me to do more!

[Blue Diadem]

112. I'm glad you got it taken care of Peggy.

Prayers and hugs :hug:

Healing vibes coming your way. I hope you never have to deal with something like that again.

[Hekate]

113. I have SUCH a relationship with my dermatologist and his liquid nitrogen tank. You...

... keep up those visits, Peggy. Be good. The very good news is that this is not melanoma. :hug:

Hekate
all freckles, no tan

[MikeH]

114. I have had several skin cancers removed

The first time was a squamous cell carcinoma on my arm and a basal cell carcinoma on my leg, back in 1997, when I was 46.

I have since had several other basal cell carcinomas removed, one I think on my left shoulder, and a couple on the back of my neck.

Just this last month I had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my upper left arm, close to my shoulder. I first noticed it probably about a year ago, and saw my general practice doctor about it last fall. He did a biopsy, and it was determined it was a basal cell carcinoma. I had it removed by a dermatologist last month, whom I also needed to see about a big cyst on my back. My general practitioner recommended seeing a dermatologist.

The skin cancer was removed by a scraping or slicing process, as were the cancers on the back of my neck by my general practitioner. My dermatologist slightly preferred doing an incision over slicing, but I chose the slicing process. He will need to check it in 3 months to be sure the skin cancer is gone.

I also had several lesions on my face that I have had for a long time, possibly precancerous, frozen off with liquid nitrogen.

Given that I have now had several skin cancers removed, I need to be on the lookout for more of them.

I have had several bad sunburns, especially in the 1970's after I moved from Illinois to San Diego, California. I had been at the beach without putting on any protective lotion. Back in the 1970's it had not been as well known as it is now the connection between sunburn and skin cancer, particularly melanoma.

I also got a very bad sunburn a few years ago in Hawaii when I went on an off-shore excursion (I was in a cruise ship) on one of the islands and had not put sunscreen on. I think I was under some pressure to get to the meeting place on time. I noticed that the sun's rays in Hawaii are especially strong.

I put on sunscreen when I go on hikes or when I know I am going to be spending substantial time in the sun; I do not do so otherwise. In particular I do not put on sunscreen when I am just going to be walking about. When I do put on sunscreen, I always prefer gel to cream; cream is very messy. I particularly like to use Bullfrog.

I have some Irish ancestry on my dad's side; my dad's mother was 100% Irish, and I think my dad's father had a little bit of Irish, so I am at least 25% Irish. My dad's mother had ancestors who came to America during the potato famine in Ireland. Being part Irish I have a ruddy complexion, reddish brown hair, and quite a few freckles and moles, as did my dad and I think my grandmother also. My dad had at least one skin cancer removed from his face that I remember.