Well, (insert bad word of choice here)

[Solly Mack]

I had to have a spot removed from the right side of my face on Monday. I'll get the biopsy results next week. The same side of my face as the radiation and previous tumor.

The doctor says it is an actinic keratoses (most likely) - refuses to say definitively until the results - and that it was most likely caught in time. (again, nothing definitive until the results are in)

My radiation didn't cause it but I now have a new scar to add to the other scars on the right side of my face.

The spot presented itself recently and I got it removed as soon as I could. I know that only a small percentage of these spots become cancer, but once you've had the Big C, you don't want to take any chances.

I use sunscreen and wear hats, but - oh well.

Otherwise, I'm doing fine.

Just needed to vent.

Thanks!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Vent all you want, my dear Solly Mack!

Hope the news is all good!

[Solly Mack]

2. Thank you, Peggy.

Sometimes you just hafta vent.

[marble falls]

3. Everyone who meets here needs to vent. I vent, too.

[Solly Mack]

5. Thanks, marble falls.

It helps.

[Staph]

4. Vent your heart out!

I personally know how cancer changes your point of view. The least little twinge, tickle, spot or ache is an adrenaline rush - "What's wrong now? Is it back? Is it something new and evil and painful and life-threatening?".

It does get better. The fear doesn't completely go away, but after a while, your heart rate doesn't spike quite so much!

[Solly Mack]

6. Thank you, Staph!

I think I've been more ticked than anything. The concern, the wait - the not wanting to do that again.

[alfredo]

7. It's always fun to have the derm scoop out some flesh.

Glad you got it removed quickly.

[Solly Mack]

8. I didn't like the sound of it at all.

I could feel the tugging and other motions, which I also didn't like.

But the doctor was super quick and it was over with in minutes. I currently have a "Hello Kitty" band-aid on my temple.

How are you feeling?

[alfredo]

9. I have my good days, and my bad.

The routines keep me sane.

[sinkingfeeling]

10. Please post when you hear results. Venting is good.

[Solly Mack]

11. I will. Thanks, sinkingfeeling. I felt better once I got it out of my system.

Feels smaller now, so to speak.

[Ms. Toad]

12. Sorry!

I've got a spot on my back that I'm afraid is the same thing - I really need to get it looked at, but I get tired of fighting with the dermatologists who think I'm an hysterical flake.

Glad you got it taken care of & crossing my fingers for good results.

[Solly Mack]

13. I was fortunate. My doctor saw it and made my procedure appointment then and there.

But then I probably looked a little scared when I pointed it out.

Thanks, Ms. Toad. Get your spot checked!