Beauty

[Peetie57_1]

Hi F1wild. I am not much on posting, but, I just had to chime in and Congratulate you on what I consider to be a Miracle! I cannot imagine what you had to endure. I to am a Melanoma survivor!! Mine was not as extensive as yours. I had Stage 1 and 2 in 2012. One area was on the back of my left arm, which they caught just in time before it spread into the Lymph Nodes. I now have about a 6 inch scar. The other one was on the bottom front side of my leg. It looks like something took a bite out of my leg. But, that's ok, I tell everyone that's scars from GOD's healing touch! I use Josie Maran's SPF 47 and Paula's Choice tinted SPF 30 on my face, and I LOVE them both. I have been using Elta MD 46 for the exposed body areas. I have had 4 other places removed in the past year and half. Some were Basil Cell Carcinoma and just A typical. My Derm told me I was one that produces a lot of molds, (Lucky me!), and I just have to be Extremely careful, which I try to be. I wish all the good health you can handle and GOD BLESS!!

PS. I am 57, fair with Combo skin

ETA: Would you mind to share on how they found this? My Derm told me that usually there are no symptoms until it is to late with this type of cancer. If you prefer not to, I totally understand.

[ChynnaBlue]

On 7/6/2014 happy housewife said:

On 7/6/2014 betteb said:

On 7/6/2014 happy housewife said:

I think in the OP's case I would seek the advice of a dermatologist.

I'm sure being a survivor, she has had plenty of input from doctors.

She asked what we used.

Maybe if she took the advice of her doctors over the posters on a beauty board she would not have a recurring problem!

I'm going to add that to the steaming pile of ignorance with all the "Maybe if her skirt hadn't been so short, she wouldn't have been assaulted" statements.

[F1wild]

On 7/8/2014 Peetie57 said:

Hi F1wild. I am not much on posting, but, I just had to chime in and Congratulate you on what I consider to be a Miracle! I cannot imagine what you had to endure. I to am a Melanoma survivor!! Mine was not as extensive as yours. I had Stage 1 and 2 in 2012. One area was on the back of my left arm, which they caught just in time before it spread into the Lymph Nodes. I now have about a 6 inch scar. The other one was on the bottom front side of my leg. It looks like something took a bite out of my leg. But, that's ok, I tell everyone that's scars from GOD's healing touch! I use Josie Maran's SPF 47 and Paula's Choice tinted SPF 30 on my face, and I LOVE them both. I have been using Elta MD 46 for the exposed body areas. I have had 4 other places removed in the past year and half. Some were Basil Cell Carcinoma and just A typical. My Derm told me I was one that produces a lot of molds, (Lucky me!), and I just have to be Extremely careful, which I try to be. I wish all the good health you can handle and GOD BLESS!!

PS. I am 57, fair with Combo skin

ETA: Would you mind to share on how they found this? My Derm told me that usually there are no symptoms until it is to late with this type of cancer. If you prefer not to, I totally understand.

Regarding how "they" found this - the first time I found a tiny spot on my right arm, right at where my T-shirt ends. I've had tons of pathology courses (I'm an RDH) and the weird thing is that it didn't fit any warning signs - ABCDs - but I had a funny feeling about it. Had it removed and path showed it to be Melanoma.

This last time, I thought I had a kidney stone and my doc ordered a CT scan (11/12) which showed a pulmonary nodule. A PET scan revealed it to be benign. I was to have another CT in 3 months. This one (2/13) showed minimal growth so benign. Next CT (5/13) same, but I kept saying, all along, I wanted it out of me. Referred to cardiac & thoracic surgeon. He explained it was in a basically inoperable area plus, due to other medical stuff, I wasn't a great surgical candidate. Had 4th CT 8/13), same results. I wanted it biopsied! Had very tricky biopsy (8/13) and was rediagnosed 15 years, to the day, of my 1st Melanoma.

Always trust your intuition & instincts, no matter how outside the box!!

[Peetie57_1]

Thanks for taking the time to explain your situation. My discovery was almost the very same as the spot you described on your arm. Mine was on my left arm on the back side. Like yours, none of the warning signs. But, it had starting turning black. When they did the surgery, it was almost to the point of spreading into the Lymph Nodes. The one on the bottom of my leg was starting to turn very dark. I am very Thankful for you that you did trust your intuition & instincts! I pray that we will not have to deal with anymore of this stuff. I try VERY hard to take care and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Warm wishes to you and may you have good health!!

[MarenSeattle]

On 7/11/2014 F1wild said:

On 7/8/2014 Peetie57 said:

Hi F1wild. I am not much on posting, but, I just had to chime in and Congratulate you on what I consider to be a Miracle! I cannot imagine what you had to endure. I to am a Melanoma survivor!! Mine was not as extensive as yours. I had Stage 1 and 2 in 2012. One area was on the back of my left arm, which they caught just in time before it spread into the Lymph Nodes. I now have about a 6 inch scar. The other one was on the bottom front side of my leg. It looks like something took a bite out of my leg. But, that's ok, I tell everyone that's scars from GOD's healing touch! I use Josie Maran's SPF 47 and Paula's Choice tinted SPF 30 on my face, and I LOVE them both. I have been using Elta MD 46 for the exposed body areas. I have had 4 other places removed in the past year and half. Some were Basil Cell Carcinoma and just A typical. My Derm told me I was one that produces a lot of molds, (Lucky me!), and I just have to be Extremely careful, which I try to be. I wish all the good health you can handle and GOD BLESS!!

PS. I am 57, fair with Combo skin

ETA: Would you mind to share on how they found this? My Derm told me that usually there are no symptoms until it is to late with this type of cancer. If you prefer not to, I totally understand.

Regarding how "they" found this - the first time I found a tiny spot on my right arm, right at where my T-shirt ends. I've had tons of pathology courses (I'm an RDH) and the weird thing is that it didn't fit any warning signs - ABCDs - but I had a funny feeling about it. Had it removed and path showed it to be Melanoma.

This last time, I thought I had a kidney stone and my doc ordered a CT scan (11/12) which showed a pulmonary nodule. A PET scan revealed it to be benign. I was to have another CT in 3 months. This one (2/13) showed minimal growth so benign. Next CT (5/13) same, but I kept saying, all along, I wanted it out of me. Referred to cardiac & thoracic surgeon. He explained it was in a basically inoperable area plus, due to other medical stuff, I wasn't a great surgical candidate. Had 4th CT 8/13), same results. I wanted it biopsied! Had very tricky biopsy (8/13) and was rediagnosed 15 years, to the day, of my 1st Melanoma.

Always trust your intuition & instincts, no matter how outside the box!!

Agree -- a GP looked and told me it was nothing to worry about. It didn't look like any of the pics I'd seen or fit any of the warning descriptions, either. I just knew if I'd had just an unattractive mole on my chest, I would have been aware of it those years long ago when I'd wear tube tops (remember those?). My dad was in Europe at the time but I called him and he said "get in to (Derm) TOMORROW to be sure. Tell him I want him to do a biopsy no matter what." So I did. He took one look and biopsied, and it came back positive.

Long-winded story to support the "go with your instinct" -- even if a doctor tells you there's no cause for concern.

ETA -- my Dad was a doctor which is why I called him for guidance. :-)

[F1wild]

On 7/11/2014 Peetie57 said:

Thanks for taking the time to explain your situation. My discovery was almost the very same as the spot you described on your arm. Mine was on my left arm on the back side. Like yours, none of the warning signs. But, it had starting turning black. When they did the surgery, it was almost to the point of spreading into the Lymph Nodes. The one on the bottom of my leg was starting to turn very dark. I am very Thankful for you that you did trust your intuition & instincts! I pray that we will not have to deal with anymore of this stuff. I try VERY hard to take care and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Warm wishes to you and may you have good health!!

Petie57 - Cheers to you & I!

[F1wild]

Not sure if anyone has tried this - saw on Jessica Alba's The Honest Co. website (honest.com) that they carry a good looking sunscreen SPF 30 with non-nano zinc-oxide 20%. It's only $13.95.

[Katy_Kate]

I think your story is remarkable and I congratulate you on staying strong both times!

Well I would recommend using a sunscreen with Zinc Oxide in it because it is such an effective barrier against the sun. BUT I think its best to always consult your dermatologist before trying a new sunblock.

[F1wild]

Thanks Katy_Kate! My derms & oncologist have given me guidelines, which I follow to a T. There are so many newish products out there. I'm not just looking out for me, but also hope others will find the information.

[Lucky Dog]

On 7/6/2014 happy housewife said

Maybe if she took the advice of her doctors over the posters on a beauty board she would not have a recurring problem!

A former nurse? (Excuse me, you always say "ICU nurse"- as if that makes a difference).

I don't care. I'm gonna say it. Your comment was just stupid.