new to board

[motherchuck]

Hello all! I am new to this board. I am 31 and have had 3 basal cells removed as well as 4 moles and one noncancerous spot removed. I go tomorrow to get another spot removed. This new spot is smooth, raised, skin color so I am not really sure why the dr. thinks it needs to be removed. It is not sore or itching like the others. Anyone else have anything like this? I have tons of moles, all irregular allover my body. My skin is a mess really! I am scared and feel it is just a matter of time b/f they/I find a melanoma. Any other groups out there I should know about? Keeping my fingers crossed.....

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[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 03-04-2003).]

[motherchuck]

Ok, so I got the news tonight that I have another basal cell. Right on my collar bone c/f. I am pretty upset. My husband thinks I should see a plastic surgeon. Do you all do this for your critical points or just let the dermatologist scalp away? I had my dermatologist scalp away for the other 2 spots and a surgeon for 1. He did a wonderful job on my eye. I am hesitant to let then cut away..... Do you all ever feel like someone is giving you a slow chance to review your life? I am 31 and feeling like I might not be alive at 40. Melanoma is right around the corner I am sure as I have lots of irregular moles. How do you all keep your hopes up?

[LoriH]

I'm curious; how long did you have any of your spots before you were suspicious enough to go see a derm?
Does basal cell carcinoma grow very deep very fast?
Is there any correlation to melanoma?
I ask because I am awaiting biopsy results, as you can read my story in my other post.
What would a plastic surgeon do?
How big were your other spots?

[motherchuck]

This spot seems fairly new and I didn't recognize it as a basal cell. My other three were red, flat spots. I would say no longer then 6 months but I really don't know. I have since found 2 more spots that look suspicious so I will probably have them checked as well-one spot is in my head. Since my first basal cell-2 years ago, I see the dermatologist every 6 months. She found this spot.

A regular incision causes really bad scarring as I am a very thin/bony girl. I found out today my dermatologist works with a Mohs surgeon so if I wish to go that route I can. From my experience, mohs has left a lot better looking scar. The incisions I have looks terrible-all 4 of them. Anyway, since this is in a visible area I really want the best cutter out there!

I am very nervous about Melanoma as well, as I am full of irregular moles/spots. All I can do is keep getting them checked by good drs and do body checks often. I think my risks are increased now that I have had other cancer. I am just concerned at the fast rate these things are showing up on me-I thought they were supposed to be slow growing as well.

[Pfretzsch]

Motherchuck,

You asked how people [who fear melanoma] keep their hopes up.

There has been so much done recently regarding melanoma and vaccines and gene therapy that things ARE really looking up. They have made great strides with melanoma. There is reason to hope.

Take Care and Good Luck!