And they did. The malignant melanoma on the back of my thigh was excised yesterday afternoon.
It was no bigger than a nickel. Discovered three weeks ago during my first-ever total body scan, I received a few shots of Lidocaine, then a shaved sample was removed for biopsy.
The results came back the following Friday – cancerous. The spot that never scabbed over and continued to weep had to come out. My appointment was scheduled for Wednesday the 23rd, just shy of three weeks from the initial assessment.
I don’t know why, but I always thought of skin cancer as a ‘lesser’ cancer. Breast cancer is bad. Colon, pancreatic, ovarian, liver, lung – all really bad. Very scary. Why did I think of skin cancer differently? Is it because I could see it? (Well, not this one, on the back of my thigh). Would a nickel-size spot on my mammogram have me as calm? On my lung? I know in my heart I’d have been panicked.
And that’s not to say I wasn’t worried. Two Valium an hour beforehand did little to allay my anxiety. The procedure was over in about an hour. The lidocaine lasted into the evening. I slept last night without any sleep aids.
Today it hurts. I’m taking Tylenol, extra-strength, and resting at home. I’m very much aware that there was trauma. And I am leaving the bandage on for now.
Is all of this TMI? I’m a relatively private person (and here I am, showing you a picture of my thigh!). I guess I just want you to get your checkups. I don’t think this is the last of my skin issues. But I plan to be diligent. Be like Martha, at least in this. ❤️❤️❤️
Martha,
So glad you have it under control. I’m experiencing a similar adventure: two tumors on my thyroid. A biopsy will tell me whether they are benign. Let us hope!
Paula
Oh Paula, wishing you all the best with your diagnosis!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Martha. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi Martha – a warning for us all … we never know do we. Heal well and all the best for the future … cheers Hilary
Thanks, Hilary. Glad I did it.
Martha, I’m so glad that you got that check-up!! My sister and I took Dad to the dermatologist last week for a check-up and I’m scheduling my own. Thank you for sharing this personal story!
Yes, Celia! We’re fair-skinned and prone to damage. I’m glad you scheduled your scan. Wishes for a clear diagnosis. 💚💚
Glad it went well, Martha. You’re right, people think of skin cancer as “minor”, but it’s not!
I’ve changed my way of thinking, Martina. Thank you.
So glad you have this episode behind you. Hope the pain passes quickly.
Thanks, Pauline. And here’s to no more!
Not TMI. So glad you posted this. Gives me a sense of urgency… What can’t I see?
I don’t want you to be anxious, Cheryl. Just vigilant. And current with your checkups.
No this is not TMI, this is awake up call to many of us. I am happy it is out of you! And I pray no more. Please stay on this. I did have a body scan this year, and had 2 pre cancer places on my nose, removed that day! Rest and heal! 💜❤️😊
Glad you went, Leslie, and those spots removed. 💙💚💛
Thank goodness they found it and took care of it. Several family members have had skin cancer, so I get checked annually, too. Considering all the sunbathing I did before it became known that getting a deep, brown tan could be harmful, I have been lucky so far. I hope that you never get a recurrence, and remain healthy and cancer-free.
Thank you, Deb. And you’re proof that it’s not just fair-skinned folks who are susceptible.
I’m glad you had it taken care of, and TMI might just be what it takes for others to watch their skin. You think, “oh, skin cancer, no big deal,” but it’s a huge deal. Skin is the biggest organ in the body, but we tend to take it for granted until something like this happens.
You’re right, John – skin is our largest organ. Thank you.
This is always good to share – please feel safe in sharing your information with your many wonderful caring friends – we are here for you. My brother passed away from melanoma five years ago and I am not the same age he was when it happened. I can’t imagine what that was like despite the fact I was there as much as I could be. It was late in the stages when it was caught and they never found the “original” spot. Don’t hide. And follow-up. And if you need any of us to talk or write to, we’re here.
Judy, I’m so very sorry that your brother died. Please accept my sincerest sympathies. I will monitor this closely, and always go for follow-up exams. 💙💚💛
Glad you had it taken care of. I have a friend who had to have her nose reconstructed because of melanoma. Sun worshipers often pay a huge cost.
They certainly do, Denise. I stopped lying in the sun years ago. No tan is worth it!
So glad you went for the skin check. I’ve been going yearly for several years now. Heal well, rest and hope to see you soon.
I’ll see you soon, Lila. Thanks. This morning was just difficult.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Thank you, Ann!
Hi, missed you this morning – Cathy felt good enough to join us and there were more of Robin’s delicious tomatoes. The scale didn’t behave too nicely. The best news is this is all behind you(!) and accept any pampering offered by Jim. See you in a week or two. Nancy
Thanks, Nancy. Resting today.
I agree that in these circumstances, TMI is better than too little. Well done for getting through and here’s to nothing similar rearing its ugly head.
Hope so, Sarah. Thank you, and I hope you’re feeling better.
Sending a big hug your way. Thanks so much for sharing, Martha. You never know whose life you may have saved.
Thank you, Jan. Lovely, sweet Jan. Hope you’re well!
Never TMI in a case like this. I hope your pain eases quickly. And that you have no recurrence. (Insert love emoticon here).
Thank you, Connie. Now go back to spoiling your adorable grandson! 💜💜💜