Pam, I forgot to add that if a mole starts bleeding we should see a doctor.
Sometimes they bleed because they are they arein an area where we shave and have become raised so when we shave we nick the top and they bleed.
Just another thing to watch out for.
smile

Wiard, I had basal cell carcinoma on my back several years ago. Removal went without a hitch and I am considered recovered. My main complaint is that it was smack dab in the middle of my back so I couldn't reach it to change the dressing. Had to ask for daily help. Yuk.

Wizard, I've had a basal cell removed from my upper chest 3 times now. First was a scrape and burn, then a surgerical excise. Neither hurt as they numb you first. These are so common with the some worshipping many of us did. I didn't do that, and mine was just above the neckline of my normal blouses. never thought to put sun screen there! now I slather all down my neck and chest area. Good luck to you.

Wizard --
A dear friend of mine was diagnosed with melanoma 3 years ago. She had a large portion of her left cheek (on her face) removed. I am happy to say that she is fully recovered. If you'd like to talk to her about her experience, I could see if it's OK with her for me to give you her email.

Misfire

Wiz, please keep us posted. I'm praying for ya!

Oh queen, care to tell us about your wilder days. We're all ears...you wild woman you!

Meredith, I can relate to your independence. I noticed it when you were talking about asking for help with your dressings. I am the same way. I'll do it myself...thank you.

Now I'm not saying I don't like to be pampered, because I do. That's different!

[ November 26, 2004, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: Dotsie ]

Honey, I would tell all...but then I'd have to cut out your tongue...

JJ

I had the procedure to remove the skin cancer yesterday. It is called Mohs Surgery, which basically involves scraping away tissue as many times as necessary to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, because I had neglected this for so long, I had to have it done six times before they got it all out, and am now sporting a wound the size of a half dollar, which could only be closed by 32 stitches from under my eyelid to down to the lipline. I am fairly certain that plastic surgery is also in my future. I am telling you all this not to complain, because I am grateful that this was the kind of cancer that can be cured and that they got it all. But, I hope anybody that finds a suspicious spot anywhere on their skin will get it checked out IMMEDIATELY, and don't take "don't worry about it" for an answer.

Wiz, Thank you for keeping us up dated. We will continue to pray for a full and miraculous healing.
smile

I'm sure you are glad to have the surgery out of the way! I too had Mohs surgery on my face. From left side of nose down to left side of my mouth - but the surgeon managed to center the incision in my smile line so it's not really that noticeable....yours is a lot longer incision.

Like you, I absolutely would encourage people not to wait to have anything "new" popping up on their skin checked out. I had mine checked out immediately (fortunately) and it was squamous cell not basal which was what I had with my FIRST skin cancer. Mohs is an amazing (and very LOOOOOOONG!!) procedure but allows the surgeon to remove very thin slices of tissue until microscopic examination shows they are beyond the affected area and into healthy tissue.

Wiz I hope that you are forever cancer free! Here's to a HEALTHY future.