not easy to deal with (squamous cell carcinoma @ actinic keratosis - Cancer: Skin Message Board

bill1958 · 04-07-2004, 12:59 PM

doctor said i have squamous cell carcinoma (scc) on my forehead and many actinic keratosises(ak) on my face. started treatment with fu5 (fluorouracil) after 12 days not much change. seems it is supposed to get red and inflamed. the scc is about the size of pencil eraser in diameter, ulcerated and bleeds. it does not heal. doctor is going to excise the scc next wednessday and he says that it has not spread and it should heal. easy for him to say as i am scared it will spread. I have a four year old son that needs me

. Anyone use fu5? how long should it take as i am doing my whole face one section at a time.

Ther's so much do deal with and it's like i am alone as i no know one with this type of problem. Sorry i am rattleing and i know others have it much worse but it is very frustrating and frightening. I am open to any comments about scc, fu5, and ak. Thank you.

chigs489 · 04-07-2004, 02:09 PM

Hey Bill,

I know what you're going through. I was in a state of panic after my doctor found 2 basal cells (most likely), that he will biopsy to make sure a couple weeks from now.

Skin cancer stinks big time, because it makes you paranoid of a new "spot."

Just like you, I have a kid at home (and a wife) who needs me.

My psychologst gave me this advice, which I will adapt for your situation.

1. Your doctor wants to remove the scc next wed. If he thought it was life threatening, he would have had you over at the hospital, and the thing would have been taken off 2 hours later.
2. The doctor believes it hasn't spread. We get into trouble when we start questioning our doctor's competency (I do it all the time, and I need to stop). A good example is, the doctor says "It's a viral lung infection." And you say "No way! I know this thing is CPD!"
3. Anxiety taxes your immune system. Between now and wed, being anxious and worked up is only going to make things worse. Relax.
4. Do everything you can to strengthen your immune system. Exercise, eat right, stay away from booze, etc. DO what you can to stay healthy.
5. The pre-cancerous spots were caught early, and they are being treated.
6. scc rarely spreads, and it's not melanoma.

You can't change what happens, you can only change how you react to it. Your family needs you to be strong. I was punishing my wife by getting full blown panic attacks, freaking out etc. due to a whole host of health problems (chronic bacterial sinusitis, asthma, neuropathy from the drugs, and the skin problems). Now I focus on getting my strength back, staying positive, working out, and being the foundation for my family.

Let us know how it goes.

Rick7799 · 04-07-2004, 03:06 PM

Skin cancer will not kill you when caught early. I have had dozens of basal cells going back to the 80's. I just keep an eye out for new ones. I was freaked out when I first got one, but now I just live with it. No big deal. Trust your doctor. He sounds like he is right on top of it.

motherchuck · 04-07-2004, 03:53 PM

I do feel that there is another side of skin cancer that is not being recognized here. That is, the emotional side. I am well aware that this will probably not kill me but I am having a really hard time dealing with the fact that I have 3 1 1/2 inch scars on my face and I am only 32. I have plenty more spots on the way and have been dealing with this for 5 years. I think that is hard to deal with!!! Yes, I am fortunate that I am alive and this is not melanoma but I do have issues that need to be dealt with, as does anyone that is going through this. I do feel that my feelings are valid. Scarring for anyone is not easy no matter how you get them. More power to you if you are strong enough to cope with the scars and see it as no big deal but I am pretty sure there are others out there that feel like I do. I of course may be dealing with issues b/c these spots are on my face. I would feel much better about it if they were elsewhere!! I too feel alone. I do not personally know any other 30 year old with multiple basal cells (except the internet). It is scary and your feelings are valid.

Anyway, my advise is just to make sure you have a good cosmetic/plastic/Mohs surgeon and dermatologist that you can trust. Find a good listener b/c you will need it!! I know my husband has heard it all but he is a great listener and does not judge my feelings in any way. I also try to eat right, excercise etc.

chigs489 · 04-07-2004, 04:27 PM

well motherchuck,

I'm 33, and it looks like I have 2. I'm Irish and Swedish, and I was warned years ago about the sun, but I didn't listen. I also thought OTC sunscreen/block would do the job. Now my dermatologist tells me it doesn't block all the harmful rays, and it only last for about an hour. In other words, it's useless.

Which brings me to another aspect of this whole thing: money. The prescription sunblock is expensive! And I'm going to have to buy this stuff from now on.