Sun Warning

[Roger2561]

Hello all. I just got back from a visit with a surgeon. He told me I have skin cancer. The way the doc says it, I could have had the exposure to the sun over 40 years ago and it now shows up as skin cancer. I can not stress enough to everyone to please wear the skin block or the cover up. Don't end up like me and need surgery to correct it. Thankfully, it's a same day procedure where I spend 2 hours in the OR, spend an hour or 2 in recovery and then go home.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Wow, I hope all goes well for you. It sounds like a simple enough procedure, but still one I hope I never have to go through.

I don't wear a lot of sun block, but I do always wear a hat when I'm out in the sun. Usually I wear a wide brimmed hat.

 

[Egon]

Keep the Faith!

Hope all goes well. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon

 

[deere755]

I think it is something we take for granted at least I am bad about taking for granted. Good luck to you. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[David_G]

I had a small lump develop on the side of my neck.
Went to doc and he had it cut out.
Cancerous growth. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I was lucky it came out clean. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Still have to watch out as there may be more to come.

As they say over here.
Slip, slop, slap.

Slip on a top.
Slop on the sunscreen.
Slap on a hat.

 

[bandit67]

Hope all goes well for you - I've known quite a few folks who've had some skin cancer, had the surgery, and are doing just fine years later.

I grew up in the Northeast, and know how easy it is to forget the sunscreen, as I rarely burned back then. But one nice thing about living at a mile above sea level is that you only forget the sunscreen once. The resultant pain is enough to make sure you put on the sunscreen every time you go out.

But I can't tell you all the times I've seen "lowlanders" come out to Colorado and ski at 10,000 feet above sea level in the middle of winter without sunscreen, and get the worst sunburn of their lives.

 

[JimMorrissey]

Good reminder. I guess it's never too late, but I've been damaged already. Hopefully my munchkins won't end like me. I don't have it yet, but it's just a matter of time before lots of us start to show signs.

It's important to have your wife/gf check out your back for signs that you might not see too often and check the American Cancer Socity website for pictures so you know what to look for and how to deal with it. --Definite problem for many folks in the years ahead.

 

[N80]

I'm white as a sheet so its tough down here in sunny SC. I burst into flames if I spend much more than about 20 minutes in the sun without sunscreen. I'm also developing actinic keratosis under my eyes (scaly potentially pre-cancerous lesions) due to years of sun exposure. I'm also a doctor. Nowadays, when you see me on the tractor in summer I've got on a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and a light long sleeve shirt.

For fair skinned folks in sunny regions I recommend sunscreen for nose, cheeks and ears as part of your daily routine....as in every day. If you start young it really pays off.

My Dad recently completed successful surgery for melanoma on his leg. Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer and tends to run in families. So I'm doubly conscientious now!

 

[Roger2561]

Hi All,

Wanted to update everyone - I had my surgery on Dec. 23. The surgeon took a little over 2 hours to remove the cancerous area and affix a skin graft to it. The effected area was much larger than expected so the skin graft is approx. 2" wide by 9" long starting just above my left ear. The surgeon reported that pathology told him that he successfully removed 100% of the cancer, therefore, no need for additional surgery or any radiation, etc... Phew!, that was a relief! I'm on the mend, my left leg from where they harvested the skin graft remiains quite sore, but I guess patience is a virtue. Thanks to all who expressed concern and for the good wishes. Have a safe and healthy new year everyone. Roger

 

[Bird]

Wow, that sounds like a big one, Roger. Glad to hear the doctor apparently got all of it. My dad and his dad both had light complexions and spent most of their lives outdoors. Even though neither of them ever owned a short sleeved shirt; wore long sleeves year round, they each started going regularly, at about the age of 40, to the same dermatologist about once a year to have a bunch of small skin cancers either burned or cut off their hands, face, and head. But both of them lived to the age of 80. And now my two redheaded brothers (age 60 and 61) have to go have small ones removed from their faces and hands every year or so. I'm not exactly dark complected, but fortunately I guess, I took more after my mother's side of the family and haven't had any yet.