My blog is where my wandering thoughts are interspersed with stuff I made up. So, if while reading you find yourself confused about the context, don't feel alone. I get confused, too.
If you're here for the stories, I started another blog: scratchingforchange.blogspot.com
One other thing: sometimes I write words you refuse to use in front of children, or polite company, unless you have a flat tire, or hit your thumb with a hammer.
I don't use them to offend; I use them to embellish.
jescordwaineratgmail.com
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Basal Cell Carcinoma
I haz it. I looked it up, and it's not a really, really terrible cancer. So, I really don't know what to think; or write.
If you HAD to have one, Basal is what you would want. Honest. I would NOT minimize this if it was more important. Email coming:
Basal cell carcinoma
This is not only the most common type of skin cancer, but the most common type of cancer in humans. About 8 out of 10 skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas (also called basal cell cancers). When seen under a microscope, the cells in these cancers look like cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer.
These cancers usually develop on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma was once found almost entirely in middle-aged or older people. Now it is also being seen in younger people, probably because they are spending more time in the sun.
These cancers tend to grow slowly. It’s very rare for a basal cell cancer to spread to other parts of the body.
Other than NOT getting cancer, that is the most common and then one that rarely spreads. Depending on what they do you should be fine. Just keep an eye open for other spots that you can get treated early. Have a beer :) you'll live :)
Thank you. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow, and I hope it's one of those "we'll keep an eye on it" appointments so the doctor can collect my copay and pay for his 18 holes tomorrow afternoon.
I'm sorry to hear your news, it must leave you feeling uncertain. "Luckily" this is a "benign" cancer so you don't have the worries that some cancer's bring, but the word CANCER still has a profound effect and it will take some time to fully realize what it means to you. I know from my own experience with a "benign" tumor that it shook me up a bit. Cancer and tumor are scary words, but they aren't always death sentences. Some are extremely treatable and life will go on almost as if nothing happened.
But I'm sorry you have to go through this. Hang in there.
It should just be an inconvenience. Bob had surgery last year to remove his from his temple. He had MOHS procedure. They cut out part, exam it, take you back in, cut, rinse repeat.
I have a kinda ghastly pic the nurses took before they stitched up his temple, but you can hardly even see the scar now.
I recommend the MOHS, since I think it makes sure it gets all the cancer cells. Don't worry so much. It is just like Lotta Joy said. Not a big deal. But hearing the C word is never comfortable.
According to what I read, the procedure you describe has the highest success rate at about 98%. I can live with that.....and thank you for your support.
Bob actually went in 6 times. We laugh because the first time he was sure he was done. He went to the restroom and talked with a guy that had to go in twice. Said it was a 50/50 chance you go back in for the second "cutting". Bob laughed and told him he was glad, since that guy went in, that meant Bob wouldn't have to.
Everytime he came out, the bandage bigger and bigger. By the time we left we were the last ones in the waiting room. The bandage looked like another head.
But one poor guy had a bandage on his nose that stuck out a good six inches.
Bob was able to put just a bandaid on it the next day and we took family pics for his 65th bday just a week later.
It's a snap.
Opt for the MOHS. Not worth the risk of just letting them cut out a small piece and worrying.
Holy crap, dude, I really need to check your blog more often.... two days late with this but know if you want to yap I'm there at the other end of the "enter" key. I'm looking for a virgin here to sacrifice for you but school is back in and all the third-graders are in class. Might take me a while. Seriously, I hope it's okay.
If you HAD to have one, Basal is what you would want. Honest. I would NOT minimize this if it was more important. Email coming:
ReplyDeleteBasal cell carcinoma
This is not only the most common type of skin cancer, but the most common type of cancer in humans. About 8 out of 10 skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas (also called basal cell cancers). When seen under a microscope, the cells in these cancers look like cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer.
These cancers usually develop on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma was once found almost entirely in middle-aged or older people. Now it is also being seen in younger people, probably because they are spending more time in the sun.
These cancers tend to grow slowly. It’s very rare for a basal cell cancer to spread to other parts of the body.
Thank you. The word "cancer" is something that stills the heart.
DeleteSorry to hear Jess, praying for your return to good health.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I've been reading about it, and it's rare for it to develop into anything more serious.
DeleteOther than NOT getting cancer, that is the most common and then one that rarely spreads. Depending on what they do you should be fine. Just keep an eye open for other spots that you can get treated early. Have a beer :) you'll live :)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to buy a full length mirror, or find a buxom young wench to examine me closely twice each day.
DeleteStill. No fun. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteThat's the thing that really sinks in. It's all minimal, nothing to be worried about stuff, unless it's you.
DeleteSorry to hear this....
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow, and I hope it's one of those "we'll keep an eye on it" appointments so the doctor can collect my copay and pay for his 18 holes tomorrow afternoon.
DeleteI'm glad you had it checked out. Now beat it. I know you can.
ReplyDeleteI have every intention of beating it. Thanks for the kind words.
DeleteSorry to hear you have this Jess, health can be a real bugger. I hope you kick it's arse.
ReplyDeleteOne way, or another, there will be an ass kicking. I plan on being the kicker.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear your news, it must leave you feeling uncertain. "Luckily" this is a "benign" cancer so you don't have the worries that some cancer's bring, but the word CANCER still has a profound effect and it will take some time to fully realize what it means to you. I know from my own experience with a "benign" tumor that it shook me up a bit. Cancer and tumor are scary words, but they aren't always death sentences. Some are extremely treatable and life will go on almost as if nothing happened.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm sorry you have to go through this. Hang in there.
Uncertain is a little light for the feeling. It's one of those :Now what!" feelings.
DeletePrayers for you, candle lit too. Prayers for your family.
ReplyDeleteSelene
Thank you; and make sure the candle won't fall over when you leave the room. I'd hate to think I helped start a fire. ;-)
DeleteIt should just be an inconvenience. Bob had surgery last year to remove his from his temple. He had MOHS procedure. They cut out part, exam it, take you back in, cut, rinse repeat.
ReplyDeleteI have a kinda ghastly pic the nurses took before they stitched up his temple, but you can hardly even see the scar now.
I recommend the MOHS, since I think it makes sure it gets all the cancer cells. Don't worry so much. It is just like Lotta Joy said. Not a big deal. But hearing the C word is never comfortable.
According to what I read, the procedure you describe has the highest success rate at about 98%. I can live with that.....and thank you for your support.
DeleteBob actually went in 6 times. We laugh because the first time he was sure he was done. He went to the restroom and talked with a guy that had to go in twice. Said it was a 50/50 chance you go back in for the second "cutting". Bob laughed and told him he was glad, since that guy went in, that meant Bob wouldn't have to.
ReplyDeleteEverytime he came out, the bandage bigger and bigger. By the time we left we were the last ones in the waiting room. The bandage looked like another head.
But one poor guy had a bandage on his nose that stuck out a good six inches.
Bob was able to put just a bandaid on it the next day and we took family pics for his 65th bday just a week later.
It's a snap.
Opt for the MOHS. Not worth the risk of just letting them cut out a small piece and worrying.
praying for you my dear friend
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteHoly crap, dude, I really need to check your blog more often.... two days late with this but know if you want to yap I'm there at the other end of the "enter" key.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for a virgin here to sacrifice for you but school is back in and all the third-graders are in class. Might take me a while.
Seriously, I hope it's okay.