Wear your sun screen

[pamcook]

Our son had a large mole removed a few days ago. Yes, it's melanoma (the worst skin cancer) but it's the most superficial type.
We've been on pins and needles (and on my knees praying) for too many days.
Wear your sun screen. Don't put yourself and your family though this.

[paddlegal]

Our son had a large mole removed a few days ago. Yes, it's melanoma (the worst skin cancer) but it's the most superficial type.
We've been on pins and needles (and on my knees praying) for too many days.
Wear your sun screen. Don't put yourself and your family though this.

Oh Pam, you and your family have my best thoughts for his health.

[Debbie J]

Thank God it’s superficial, how will they treat it? Cut it out?

[pamcook]

Thank God it’s superficial, how will they treat it? Cut it out?

They removed the mole for the biopsy. The next step will be to remove tissue around the area where the mole was (1 cm below and around the edges). Whole body screening every 3 months for a year, then every 4 months for a year and so on.
He’s high risk for developing more. She told him to only wear the clothes that block sun rays, always wear a hat and sunscreen.

[pat-czap]

Sorry to hear this Pam. Hope your son is fairing well.
Greg has had some skin CA's removed. He has a closet full of protective clothing, hats, etc. Sunscreen is not always 100%. Working on that one.

Take care.

[Debbie J]

Thank you for the update.

[pbp908]

I hope that he comes back with a clean margin and this will be the last surgery. He has a wonderful nurse who'll keep a close eye on his recovery.

George is having his arm operated on again Nov. 2. The biopsy came back with no clean margin on one side and his options were further surgery or radiation. He opted for another surgery. His skin is extremely thin and the last one was problematic because of that. I joke that I can bandage anything, but he's had skin cancers removed from his ears, scalp, back and arms. This is the worst one, it was caught early, so we're being cautiously optimistic.

I echo Pam's warning about sun screen and want to add wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Those of us with fair skinned ancestors (British Isles and Scandinavian countries especially) need to be especially mindful of the sun's affects on our skin. I'm afraid all of those days at the beach or the back yard coated in baby oil and iodine (or Coppertone for you younger sunbathers) did us no favors. I have many scars to attest to that.

Also, make sure you schedule regular checkups with a dermatologist as a preventative measure. Don't wait until you have a strange red "insect bite" that won't go away or a mole that looks weird. If you've ever had a problem, every 6 months is the recommendation.

[BekiWard@msn.com]

I’m so sorry he has to deal with this with everything else going one. I’m grateful it’s superficial enough to treat. He’s so fortunate to be near you to monitor and guide through everything. Just take care of yourself too, please.

[jmp1022]

Prayers and hugs Pam

[pamcook]

Thanks everyone.

[Monica]

Skin cancers are nasty to real with! I'm a huge believer in the sunscreen and covering up, given my pale complexion. Sending healing prayers for those who need it.

[troublesmom]

Hugs & prayers for your son Pam! May it go well for all of you.

Pam P I hope George is soon doing much better.

[Trixie]

Hugs to you and your son, Pam. I am so sorry you are having to go thru this.

[paddlegal]

Thinking of you Pam and what you are going through right now as a mom. You, your son and the family are on my mind and sending you my best for great results and recovery.

[pamcook]

Thanks everyone! It's a lot and I'm sure he's feeling like he's being "piled on". All the medical expenses on top of no insurance, and still no job prospects. He's staying focused and of course we're all very thankful it's not worse. There's always something to be thankful for.