Melanoma :(

[Drago6]

Went to the dermatologist last week for the first time in my life (I'm 33)

They took 2 biopsies, they called today and said the one from my back was positive for melanoma. Derm said it was a hair bigger than whatever they sliced out for the biopsy so they are sending me to a specialist to get the rest of it. The spot was small, maybe Mike & Ike sized if being generous.

Was on my lower back area, which is odd because that sees very little sunlight. Assumed it was a birth mark or just a spot.

I'm kind of freaked out, who the fuck get's skin cancer on their ghost white low back?

 

[UKDslayer]

Went to the dermatologist last week for the first time in my life (I'm 33)

They took 2 biopsies, they called today and said the one from my back was positive for melanoma. Derm said it was a hair bigger than whatever they sliced out for the biopsy so they are sending me to a specialist to get the rest of it. The spot was small, maybe Mike & Ike sized if being generous.

Was on my lower back area, which is odd because that sees very little sunlight. Assumed it was a birth mark or just a spot.

I'm kind of freaked out, who the fuck get's skin cancer on their ghost white low back?

More common than you think, since it often gets skipped by sunscreen and gets sun burnt.

 

[Drago6]

More common than you think, since it often gets skipped by sunscreen and gets sun burnt.

well hopefully by the grace of God it was early enough and they can cut it all out and be done

 

[DocRDS]

Yes prayers they caught it early and its just a big scare. But melanoma is serious shit. Get that taken care of

Cancer doesn't give a shit about age, money, condition or pronouns.

 

[JimTN]

Went to the dermatologist last week for the first time in my life (I'm 33)

They took 2 biopsies, they called today and said the one from my back was positive for melanoma. Derm said it was a hair bigger than whatever they sliced out for the biopsy so they are sending me to a specialist to get the rest of it. The spot was small, maybe Mike & Ike sized if being generous.

Was on my lower back area, which is odd because that sees very little sunlight. Assumed it was a birth mark or just a spot.

I'm kind of freaked out, who the fuck get's skin cancer on their ghost white low back?

I go to the skin dr at least once a year, and he always freezes or cuts a spot or two on me every trip.

Similar chain of events for me except I had a dark spot show up on left side of neck below the ear, my normal skin doc did a biopsy back in May, he called me the following Monday and said it was melanoma and had good margins on the biopsy, but he was referring me to another Dr for a second opinion, etc. Went to the second doctor after the first minor wound from the first biopsy had healed (2 weeks), the second doc looked at it and said, "hang loose, it's almost lunch break, I've got one patient next door I need to see and the we'll go down to the end of the hall and fix you up". Ten minutes later he is sticking me about 5 times with the numbing meds, then starts cutting. Ended up with 7 stiches in my neck, and walked out to the waiting area where the wife was. She was surprised to say the least. LOL I was a bit surprised when I saw him stretching out the suture material out of the corner of my eye. LOL

 

[Drago6]

I go to the skin dr at least once a year, and he always freezes or cuts a spot or two on me every trip.

Similar chain of events for me except I had a dark spot show up on left side of neck below the ear, my normal skin doc did a biopsy back in May, he called me the following Monday and said it was melanoma and had good margins on the biopsy, but he was referring me to another Dr for a second opinion, etc. Went to the second doctor after the first minor wound from the first biopsy had healed (2 weeks), the second doc looked at it and said, "hang loose, it's almost lunch break, I've got one patient next door I need to see and the we'll go down to the end of the hall and fix you up". Ten minutes later he is sticking me about 5 times with the numbing meds, then starts cutting. Ended up with 7 stiches in my neck, and walked out to the waiting area where the wife was. She was surprised to say the least. LOL I was a bit surprised when I saw him stretching out the suture material out of the corner of my eye. LOL

Glad you had a happy ending at least!

 

[kmckinnon]

I'll be examined end of month. Last time, like you, they found something and removed it. I suspect this will be a repeat performance with maybe more spots this time. Get'n old sucks.

 

[Threadcutter308]

I go to the skin dr at least once a year, and he always freezes or cuts a spot or two on me every trip.

Similar chain of events for me except I had a dark spot show up on left side of neck below the ear, my normal skin doc did a biopsy back in May, he called me the following Monday and said it was melanoma and had good margins on the biopsy, but he was referring me to another Dr for a second opinion, etc. Went to the second doctor after the first minor wound from the first biopsy had healed (2 weeks), the second doc looked at it and said, "hang loose, it's almost lunch break, I've got one patient next door I need to see and the we'll go down to the end of the hall and fix you up". Ten minutes later he is sticking me about 5 times with the numbing meds, then starts cutting. Ended up with 7 stiches in my neck, and walked out to the waiting area where the wife was. She was surprised to say the least. LOL I was a bit surprised when I saw him stretching out the suture material out of the corner of my eye. LOL

A little over a year ago, I was diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma on my right nostril. It's my understanding that it's the most benign form of cancer. So......I make an appointment to go back in for Mohs surgery. It was on my nose. I'd bet I received at least 100 injections of Lidocaine that day. Five different tissue samples taken, then finally, the doctor says that they appear to have gotten it all.

I'm still sitting in the chair and she says "roll your head to the left, I want to look at your right ear". I'm like "WTF do you want to do that for ?". She says "we have to take some cartilage from your ear to help rebuild your nostril". HUH ? Shit, so she starts carving up my perfectly good ear (and another twenty or so Lidocaine injections in my ear ).

Long story short(er).......she got all done and I ran out of that place like a scalded cat. What a miserable experience. I've had both hips replaced and those were about 90% easier.

But, and the end of the day, it needed fixing and she actually did a really good job. So, don't screw around, go in and get it/whatever taken care of. Time is not your friend.

 

[FredHammer]

I'm kind of freaked out, who the fuck get's skin cancer on their ghost white low back?

Cancer that shows like that in an area not prone to Sun, means that the cancer has already jumped to the lymphatic system. You will more than likely see others pop up for the rest of your life. Good news is you caught it early and you can have some chemo to try to kill the rest of the cancer cells floating in your body before they metastasize into growths under the skin. I'm a Ginger, I know these things.

 

[45-90]

Yes, it's a scary event...mine was a small spot under the glasses pad on the side of my nose...It took a couple of treatments, to burn it out, went deep into the cartridge, and somewhat resilient. Not a fun treatment...but it never came back...treat it early 99% good to go ...been almost 40 years as I was young then too. Just had a check for it about 9 months ago...still okay. One of those things we have to deal with...you will be fine when treated early...but checkups are a must..once it has raised its ugly head.

 

[Drago6]

Cancer that shows like that in an area not prone to Sun, means that the cancer has already jumped to the lymphatic system. You will more than likely see others pop up for the rest of your life.

Fuck. Definitely not sleeping tonight

 

[UKDslayer]

Cancer that shows like that in an area not prone to Sun, means that the cancer has already jumped to the lymphatic system. You will more than likely see others pop up for the rest of your life. Good news is you caught it early and you can have some chemo to try to kill the rest of the cancer cells floating in your body before they metastasize into growths under the skin. I'm a Ginger, I know these things.

Not sure where you did your oncology fellowship - because none of your statements are true. "Catching early" for melanoma means a wide excision as treatment, and besides eye exam, routine labs & follow-up, nothing else. If you need something else - it wasn't "that early". And the best treatments for metastatic melanoma are immunotherapies, not chemos.
Genetics (family history of melanomas, dysplastic nevi syndrome or pancreatic cancer) affects risks for melanoma.

 

[Jigstick]

Wild local incision coming your way. Prayers you get clean margins. The sun is no joke. My kids are pale Germans. We don’t travel anywhere without sunblock and hats.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I'm a believer that there is something in the food we eat, and I also believe that Organic foods are a scam.

 

[UKDslayer]

Fuck. Definitely not sleeping tonight

Ignore him.

 

[UKDslayer]

I'm a believer that there is something in the food we eat, and I also believe that Organic foods are a scam.

GMO's are definitely playing a role in shortening lifespan and increased cancers. I also agree diet plays a huge role health, including cancers and autoimmune diseases.

 

[FredHammer]

Not sure where you did your oncology fellowship - because none of your statements are true. "Catching early" for melanoma means a wide excision as treatment, and besides eye exam, routine labs & follow-up, nothing else. If you need something else - it wasn't "that early". And the best treatments for metastatic melanoma are immunotherapies, not chemos.
Genetics (family history of melanomas, dysplastic nevi syndrome or pancreatic cancer) affects risks for melanoma.

All I've ever needed to know on the subject matter, I learned in the Bear Pit!

 

[FredHammer]

Fuck. Definitely not sleeping tonight

You're fine, brah. Had this shit before. They just cut the shit off! I go every 6 months to have spots frozen off.

 

[Snipe260]

Went to the dermatologist last week for the first time in my life (I'm 33)

They took 2 biopsies, they called today and said the one from my back was positive for melanoma. Derm said it was a hair bigger than whatever they sliced out for the biopsy so they are sending me to a specialist to get the rest of it. The spot was small, maybe Mike & Ike sized if being generous.

Was on my lower back area, which is odd because that sees very little sunlight. Assumed it was a birth mark or just a spot.

I'm kind of freaked out, who the fuck get's skin cancer on their ghost white low back?

Only the unlucky my friend.

 

[Snipe260]

Wild local incision coming your way. Prayers you get clean margins. The sun is no joke. My kids are pale Germans. We don’t travel anywhere without sunblock and hats.

U extra bad white man

 

[Drago6]

I'm a believer that there is something in the food we eat, and I also believe that Organic foods are a scam.

I've been doing intermittent fasting for nearly a decade

The past ~2 years i've cut out sugar completely, and have pretty much been doing keto

When i learned about seed oils/PUFA earlier this year i have eliminated those entirely as well

Hopefully it wasn't all in vain

 

[UKDslayer]

You're fine, brah. Had this shit before. They just cut the shit off! I go every 6 months to have spots frozen off.

Melanomas are never, ever to be "frozen off"...that is for actinic keratoses - precursors to Squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer. Some countries that lack resources will use temperature probes (yup, like that meat thermometer) if they use liquid nitrogen to treat a NON-melanoma skin cancer, but it is a freeze most Americans wouldn't tolerate.

 

[FredHammer]

Melanomas are never, ever to be "frozen off"...that is for actinic keratoses - precursors to Squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer. Some countries that lack resources will use temperature probes (yup, like that meat thermometer) if they use liquid nitrogen to treat a NON-melanoma skin cancer, but it is a freeze most Americans wouldn't tolerate.

Do you really know what you're talking about, or just being a Bear Pit doctor like me?
You sound like you know what you're talking about. Yup, on my forehead I get the freeze in a few spots. It's not melanoma.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

Get that shit removed as soon as possible and best wishes for you and your family.

Diet is also very important. Make sure you eat a lot of anthocyanin rich fruits like Granny and Red apples and blueberries. We folks on cigar/pipe forums always talk about making sure your diet is always sharp while using tobacco in moderation.

Also, FUCK GMOs and FUCK anything that is not directly picked off of trees and vines and shipped to market. I used to eat a lot of ramen noodles. (It ain't just a stereotype LOL), but I greatly cut it down and relegate it to emergencies only.

 

[FredHammer]

Get that shit removed as soon possible and best wishes for you and your family.

Diet is also very important. Make sure you eat a lot of anthocyanin rich fruits lile Granny and Red apples and blueberries. We folks on cigar/pipe forums always talk about making sure your diet is always sharp while using tobacco in moderation.

Blueberries have some 11,000 + antioxidants in them! Eat a cup a day!

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

Good thing, you will be able to get an awesome tramp stamp to hide the scar.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Get after it.

Buddy of mine just got hit with Basel
Cell carcinoma on his arm. Not hood

But caught early. They are carving out a ham hock on him.

Spent 30 years in Africa. No sunscreen in the bush. Smell gives you away.

He is not happy right now.

Sirhr

 

[FredHammer]

Good thing, you will be able to get an awesome tramp stamp to hide the scar.

I was gonna be mean and say, "Quit letting that area of your body see the sun on your Grinder dates..."

 

[Blue Sky Country]

Blueberries have some 11,000 + antioxidants in them! Eat a cup a day!

This x100. I go through much more than that a day. I make sure everybody in my family eats at least 1-2 servings and 1 Granny Smith or red apple. Me, I leave the house with 2-3 Granny Smiths in my work duffel. These are almost always consumed by the end of my shift.

Apple antioxidant content ranked by type:

1. Granny Smith. These are the best. On par with blueberries and black raspberries.

2. Red Delicious. A very close second.

3. Gala. These are for if the first two are not available at the moment.

Forget about the golden ones. These have the LEAST amount of anthocyanins. And apples must be eaten skin and all. Most of the nutrients are in the skin.

 

[pmclaine]

Prayers dude.

I go to the derm yearly and get shit frozen off every time. I think she looks at me as a solid money maker.

I will be getting a new one soon though as last time her adherence to COVID shit was disturbing.

If she is that dumb I need to find a smarter DR.

I’m a pink person. In the summer I become a red person.

My Achilles is a love for the ocean and the beach.

I apply this shit liberally and often…

Actually feels dry when you have it on. If you need a daily I would suggest it you won’t hate it.

 

[Cardboard55]

Henceforth, high-SPF skin creams and moisturizers will become part of your daily routine. Something like an Aveeno, which is available in many different concoctions and strengths. A broad-brimmed hat or two may find their way into your daily wear. Be thankful the docs found it early, and expect regular visits here on. Have your S/O (or a friend/fam member) do quick all-overs between visits. Take pics of all your body and particularly any moles. This way you will have a reference to see if any moles are new or have changed shape. Get a good crewcut and photograph your scalp too. Good luck!

 

[AngryKoala]

Just buy a gaylord of ZnO and sit in the middle of it. Then flip off the sun.

 

[UKDslayer]

Do you really know what you're talking about, or just being a Bear Pit doctor like me?

Maybe. Maybe I read alot. Maybe I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night. Anything is possible.

 

[FredHammer]

Maybe. Maybe I read alot. Maybe I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night. Anything is possible.

A cancer doc hanging out on SH? Bwahahahaha!

 

[Nailbender]

I was diagnosed with melanoma around the age of 40. Basel cell too. I had the melanoma surgically removed (my leg), the BC was treated with a lotion (my back). I have had a clean bill of health since (at least 5 or so years now). It's a sign you seriously need to take care of yourself when it comes to the sun but otherwise, don't worry you'll be fine. I take it seriously because I would prefer not to have much more of me cut off. I go to the doc on schedule and I'm confident they'll catch it if it pops up again. I cover up when possible and use sunscreen always but it has not affected my life much other than that. I am also a horrible dick about being in the sun to my kids. They can learn from my mistake.
The worst part for me was realizing I was actually not invincible.

 

[Snipe260]

Good thing, you will be able to get an awesome tramp stamp to hide the scar.

Maybe a fist wif a lightning bolt?

 

[DarnYankeeUSMC]

I was gonna be mean and say, "Quit letting that area of your body see the sun on your Grinder dates..."

Twerking isn't only a night time thing. Sometimes you gotta shake that money maker when the urge hits. Day time or night time does not matter.

 

[Terry Cross]

Do you really know what you're talking about, or . . . . .

Yes.
Her lane.

.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Maybe a fist wif a lightning bolt?

Jeebuz, do you ever rest ?

 

[FredHammer]

Maybe a fist wif a lightning bolt?

"Bruce"

 

[Threadcutter308]

BTW, I have a number of these and they are the shizzle........

 

[jrhtx]

Had one removed 15 years ago. My mother had been complaining about the spot on the back of my head for several years. Finally went to the dermatologist. After biopsy and another specialist removed a "chunk" from the back of my head, it was Melanoma in-situ. Wait and see what the biopsy results are.
You will have to see the dermatologist every 3 months for the first 5 years, unless they have change the protocol, then 6 months for several years, then every year forever. DO NOT MISS AN APPOINTMENT. I can't emphasize that enough.

Every time she will freeze spots, scrap spots, cut spots, etc. It helps that my dermatologist is HOT!

 

[FredHammer]

Had one removed 15 years ago. My mother had been complaining about the spot on the back of my head for several years. Finally went to the dermatologist. After biopsy and another specialist removed a "chunk" from the back of my head, it was Melanoma in-situ. Wait and see what the biopsy results are.
You will have to see the dermatologist every 3 months for the first 5 years, unless they have change the protocol, then 6 months for several years, then every year forever. DO NOT MISS AN APPOINTMENT. I can't emphasize that enough.

Every time she will freeze spots, scrap spots, cut spots, etc. It helps that my dermatologist is HOT!

Sharpie on the ball sack could look like melanoma?

 

[jrhtx]

I would be afraid she would get the knife out! She is pretty fast with it. Was there for my annual and asked he to look at a spot on my knee that wouldn't heal. Was it a bite or something in it. I had been digging at it and couldn't find anything. I blinked and she had the lidocaine and a scalpel and was going to town. Looked like a broken thorn from clearing brush that was deep. Not sure how I missed it when it happened.

 

[n2ishun]

Glad you had a happy ending at least!

You know the response to this without me saying it.......right ?

 

[JimTN]

BTW, I have a number of these and they are the shizzle........

I have several of those hoodies and gloves, neck gaiters, etc., dog barks alot at me when I'm outside doing any type of yard work, etc. LOL

 

[acpchuck]

About 7 years ago I went to a free skin check a local dermatologist did once a month. End result was I had a melanoma spot on my jaw line. When it came time to remove it, I remember the doctor marking where he was going to cut and me saying that is a lot of skin to take out. Fortunately where it was, the scar isn't so noticeable.

Funny part was he gets done cutting, hands the nurse the tissue so it can be examined to see if he got it all (which he did) and then I see smoke. It was me smoking as he was cauterizing where he removed tissue. Told him I was glad it didn't smell like bacon. I got stitched up and when I asked how deep he went, he didn't want to tell me but with me persisting to ask, said he went 3/4 of an inch deep.

I get check ups and have been spot free since. It is scary but when found early, is pretty easy to deal with.

 

[Charger442]

Melanoma took my mother in 1986. She was first diagnosed with it in 1981. Times were different then. She volunteered for a LOT of experimental treatment to help others. in the end, it may have prolonged her life by a couple of years but they were tough years. She was 44 years old.

 

[Maggot]

You're fine, brah. Had this shit before. They just cut the shit off! I go every 6 months to have spots frozen off.

Same here. Last time I had so many on my face she couldnt freeze them all so they gave me some Flourouracil Cream to rub all over my face and neck for a month. Burned like the devil (not literally) and made my whole face red, but cleared it up. The freezing is much better, gets it over with quick. Had several cut off my back and neck. I usually tell her to skip the lidocaine and just do it.

When younger we'd compete to see who could get the darkest. Note to youngsters reading this...DONT DO THAT you'll regret it, use the sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.

 

[Cheese]

Flourouracil cream is no joke. That shit burns like hell and is very uncomfortable on the face. But it does the job. If they don't say they are doing a Mohs procedure on the area then you may want to go to a Dr. that does. Almost lost my nose from a small spot.