skin cancer treatment alternatives
shamira_mom
18 years ago
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18 years agogmom74
18 years agoRelated Discussions
facial skin cancer surgery...your experience
Comments (21)My brother was watching TV one day and happened upon a program where they were describing different types of skin cancer and one looked like a blue ink pen dot. He thought that looks like the spot on the bottom of my big toe. He had noticed this before and tried to wash it off but it stayed. He made an appointment and found out it was a melanoma! It was just a speck of a thing but they ended up having to go back a second time to get a clear margin. It wasn't so much the diameter as the depth they had to go. He was on crutches for several months as it took forever for it to heal. He is now over 5 years out and no other problems. Literally the TV show saved his life as he would never have gone to the doctor. Turns out it is not as unusual as you might think. Sometimes they are found between the toes or even under the nail....See MoreSkin Cancer
Comments (27)Lindsey, my little sister has had 3 (or more-she stopped telling us about all of them) basal cell carcinomas removed, and she's not even 30 yet. 2 were on her face and 1 on her shoulder. Her dermatologist took our family history very seriously- our paternal grandfather died of melanoma. I had a mole on my back since I was at latest 7 years old, and several years ago I wanted it removed because it was rubbing on my new low-rise jeans. The dermatologist, first visit, zapped the thing off. Of course it was just a mole; if I had cancer for 20 years (that's at least as long as I had the mole) I'd probably be in serious trouble. Anyway, I don't care how fantastic the derm is supposed to be, if s/he doesn't listen to you, the patient, s/he's a crappy doctor. Nobody knows what is normal for you better than you. If the derm can't get that, s/he's not worth seeing. Keep looking for a trusting derm. And try not to worry. I know it's hard, my sister was 23 when she was first diagnosed, and didn't take it so well at first. But then she started to joke around saying stuff like "Don't annoy me, I have cancer" and such in a joking manner, although obviously she did have cancer. But being lighthearted about it, talking to people honestly, and being diligent about keeping her derm appointments and looking for skin changes has helped. It's not something that will ever go away- she will always have to be on the lookout for new growths. But it is mananged. PS- her derm said that he is treating tons of people her age with skin cancer, especially on the left side of the face, shoulder, and arm. Chalks it up to long commutes (trucker's tan) and lack of ozone layer. And BTW, she lives in Chicago, not exactly the most tropical or direct sun exposure in the world....See MoreRecurrence of DH's skin cancer. Don't know where to turn
Comments (32)Quilly... the first time DH was referred immediately to the Plastic Surgeon by our Family Doctor. I wondered at that time why not an Oncologist. The Oncologist he DID see was for another matter, he was in there for follow up for a blood issue, and asked about the skin cancer,that Oncologist really didn't say much.. just said to go back to the Plastic Surgeon. So your answer: " Even when DH diagnoses skin cancer he refers them to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon because oncologists don't routinely perform those procedures." ..now i understand. SunnyDJ thanks for telling me about your DH's experience with MOHS. WmbsgJane...thanks for the kind thoughts. Everyone has been so helpful, I feel so much better today. It is very encouraging to have the KT members to talk to. You all have a lovely day. I have been mowing and doing yard work. We had a cold front here in Central VA. Instead of the 98 degree days we have been having, today is a cool 84!!...See MoreCancer Treatment for Cat?
Comments (20)My wonderful cat, Titania, was diagnosed with systemic lymphoma several years ago. She had reached a good age of 15. I took her to the vet (which is when they diagnosed her), and she perked up while at the vet. They recommended chemo but could promise no more than six months of life. I took her home - hey she'd perked up; even the vet commented. As soon as she got home, she let down her guard (for that was what that "perkiness" was about -- many animals protect themselves from predators by being as "normal-acting" as possible -- and slumped back down to her sickness. I called the vets up and made the appointment for the next day. I made her last night as comfortable as possible -- set up a warm spot on the living room window ledge where she could look out, played Vivaldi quietly for her, and kept the other cats away - one of them seemed empathetic to her, but her long-term buddy was scared and hissed a fair bit. The next morning I spent as much time with her as possible -- she would drink but not eat. I put the cat carrier in the car, and went back inside for her, walking her around the house outside (for many years she'd been an indoor-outdoor cat, and only got relegated entirely inside once ticks became endemic - she always fought any grooming). At the car she chose to go into the carrier. Something she never chose before, ever. The sad part of what I'd hoped would have been a peaceful passing was that the vet didn't see us for half an hour. The waiting room was filled with loud and nosy kids (who wanted to see my cat), loud and nosy dogs, and just plain a situation I'd not wanted her to experience. TRY to arrange with your vet a private space to wait. (After, my vet apologized, but of course too late to help.) Best of luck on whatever choice you make. Keep attuned to your fur-child's needs....See Moresocks
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18 years agobuyorsell888
18 years agojoyfl
18 years agoandreaotr
17 years agopris
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17 years agoandreaotr
17 years agoLindsey_CA
17 years agothaugen
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12 years agoLaura Young
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8 years agolast modified: 8 years agojrb451
8 years ago
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