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allegiance_mom
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| Posted: July 08 2010 at 8:27pm | IP Logged
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I had a small growth on my back which I had removed in June, and I found out today it is non-melanoma skin cancer. The exact type is called "squamous cell carcinoma." There is nothing else to be done for it, the growth was already removed completely and the area is healing. I just have to watch for recurrences and go for regular check-ups at the dermatologist. The survival rate is in the 92% range. But I am still a bit freaked out. I'm already praying to St. Peregrine to intercede for me, and I'm sure he is.
Reading up on WebMD, it is not at all as bad as having melanoma. And it is quite common, although apparently I'm young for it. I was wondering if anyone else had experience with this type of skin cancer?
I'm pretty sure this is the result of all the tanning I did as a kid. We went to the beach about five days a week every summer, and back in those days Coppertone was tanning lotion, not sunscreen! I used to lay out for hours on end getting as dark as I possibly could. Yikes.
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Allegiance Mom in NY
Wife 17 years
Mom to two boys, 14 and 8, and one pre-born babe in Heaven (Jan 2010)
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: July 08 2010 at 10:26pm | IP Logged
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No experience with it.. I'm glad that you only had the one spot and that it's taken care of though.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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SeaStar
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| Posted: July 09 2010 at 6:15am | IP Logged
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Goodness- that would freak me out, too . I was also one of those presunscreen kids who was nutbrown by the end of the summer. We are at higher risk, definitely.
My kids complain that I turn them into "ghosts" with sunscreen.
I will be praying for your health and peace of mind.
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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amyable
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| Posted: July 09 2010 at 7:12am | IP Logged
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I did not have SCC, but I did have a surprisingly fast growing basal cell carcinoma (2, actually) on my nose that necessitated a skin graft when I was 38. I go to the dermatologist every 6 months now, but it was every 3 for awhile. While it is less likely to metastasize than SCC, it still threw me for a loop (and dh is still vary wary about my "healthy future") so I can understand your feelings and concern!
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Amy
mom of 5, ages 6-16, and happy wife of 
The Highly Sensitive Homeschooler
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mom2mpr
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| Posted: July 09 2010 at 7:33am | IP Logged
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To hopefully reassure you a little.
My dad (72 years old) has had these for years. The big thing seems to be follow up and frequent skin checks. He was a little wigged out for the first year or so. Now it is just a part of life. You want to catch things early. He has had 3 lesions removed that were cancerous over 15-20 years.
It isn't fun but if you care for yourself and keep an eye on things--hard to do as a mom of young kids--you should be OK.
Prayers for you!
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Anne, married to dh 16 years!, ds,(97), Little One (02), and dd (02).
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hylabrook1
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| Posted: July 09 2010 at 8:39am | IP Logged
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I haven't had any biopsies come back that said cancer, but I do have all sorts of funky ashy spots on my arms and hands that are the type of thing that can evolve into SCC. They are definitely sun damage; when I was a kid, I really didn't think the house had an *inside* from May to October. 
Every September I visit the dermatologist, and he removes the spots that are the funkiest. He also assures me that, as others have said, frequent skin checks and early removal will prevent future problems.
Peace,
Nancy
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JaysFamily
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| Posted: July 09 2010 at 9:33am | IP Logged
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My grandfather has had those for 30 years, at least. He has to go every 6 months and have the bad spots removed, but they continue to reoccur and spread. For him, it's more of a nuissance than anything. It's never turned deadly or has spread anywhere but his skin.
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In Christ,
Jaysfamily
wife to Jay
mother to DS(5)
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Skin Cancer
