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.

Hi Larsi! Actually its called Peach and Lemon Blossom. I have seen it on Miele retailer websites. I believe I got mine from the Persil detergent vendor: Better Products On-Line. @Livebetter: I, like you, am always tempted by differing laundry products. Rock Solid, I love Persil Megapearls. I was not overwhelmed by the smell and no adverse skin reactions. I have not tried the liquid or other powders. I was very pleased with the cleaning results. Price is the only issue for me. Wish I could find something cheaper that worked as well, but I haven't. Miele detergent products are almost identical in price to Persil, just easier to get (for me). Kinda like the folks on the kitchen forum who are obsessed with OTK (One True Kitchen), we are the OTD (One True Detergent), LOL!

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!!

The cancers on my forehead and nose were squamous cell, and the one near my eye was basal cell. For several years, I had what appeared to be a slim oval-shaped freckle on my forehead. Totally flat and smooth. Then I noticed that it had gained some "depth" to it, and was slightly "textured." Not rough, exactly, but no longer completely smooth. It didn't itch or hurt. But, I've always had long nails, and I began to notice that if I scratched my forehead for any reason, a fingernail would seem to "catch" on that spot so I went to the dermatologist to have it removed. In looking at it, the doctor didn't think it was anything to be concerned about, but I said I wanted it gone, so he removed it. In California (I don't know about other states/countries), if something is removed from someone's body it must be sent to pathology for analysis. The report came back that it was squamous cell carcinoma. So, I had to go back to have surrounding tissue removed to ensure that all of the cancer cells had been removed. The cancer on the side of my nose started out as a bump. Didn't look at all like a pimple. Didn't hurt or itch. No odd color to it -- it matched the rest of my skin. But it was "in my line of sight." That is, I always noticed it there unless I had my eyes closed. It bugged me. I was in a lot of meetings (for my job) with a lot of high-level folks, and I became really self-conscious about it. So, I went to the dermatologist to have it removed. Again, the pathology report showed it was a squamous cell carcinoma. Related side story -- I first started wearing glasses when I was in the 5th grade. I am extremely nearsighted. Seems my prescription would get stronger and stronger every year. My nose has a very small (narrow) bridge, and the weight of my glasses (even with very lightweight frames and lenses) caused the skin on both sides of my nose to become very raw. My medical doctor told me that I should switch to contacts, saying that if I didn't, I would end up with skin cancer on my nose. I didn't want contacts. I had several close friends who wore contacts and they were always having one problem or another with them. So, I continued to wear glasses for several more years. Finally, I couldn't take it any longer and switched to contacts. And I ended up with skin cancer on my nose. The cancer near my right eye was, again, a bump, but smaller than the one I'd had on my nose. Again, it was in my line of sight and bugged me. It was about halfway between the inner corner of my eye and the tear duct. Because of the proximity to the tear duct, my dermatologist sent me to a specialist in Moh's surgery. The pathology report on that one was basal cell carcinoma. I've looked at lots and lots of photos of skin cancers, but I've never seen one that looked anything at all like any of the three I had. Therefore, my advice to folks would be that if you have an existing spot or mole and it suddenly changes, get to a dermatologist to have it removed and analyzed. If you suddenly have a growth where you didn't have one before, get to a dermatologist to have it removed and analyzed.