I appreciate it is not life threatening like other cancers can be but I do find it hurtful when people refer to it as “just a BCC” like it’s nothing of consequence. It’s still a cancer, it’s in the middle of my face & I've had one surgery & currently awaiting further surgery as not all of it was removed unfortunately. I hate the unknowns like ‘just how far has it spread locally?’ (Involved margins with micronodules & infiltrative so not visible to the naked eye), ‘how big a hole is it going to leave?’, and ‘if &/or when I may get another one?’ (I’m only 37 so quite likely unfortunately). Does anyone else feel like this at times? It makes makes me feel like I cannot reach out to others in case I get that sort of response that kind of shuts the conversation down.
Hi Hannah, people and perceptions, it definitely can be a challenge.
It makes makes me feel like I cannot reach out to others in case I get that sort of response that kind of shuts the conversation down.
I have been on my journey for over 22 years now so have basically filtered out the people who can’t take me at face value and seek to understand the challenges living with cancer brings. People who can’t deal with it have moved on and I have developed new friendships.
The fact you are here is a good positive step as I know far to many people with cancer withdrew from life and living.
I was diagnosed way back in1999 with a rare incurable skin Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (blood cancer) nothing like skin cancer. Over all these years there were only a few months when anyone could have seen that I had ‘something wrong’..... but at times my skin was 70% covered in tumours (hit my name for my story)
But it is what it is - a crappie deal.... but I developed a way to navigate life in a positive way and deal with the ups and downs and not let the bumps in the road pull me down.
My Specialist Cancer Nurse told me in my early years “Mike, there are two days in every week you can’t worry about - Yesterday & tomorrow. You can’t change what happened yesterday and can’t control what will happen tomorrow so live for today”
Due to the years of skin treatments I am virtually guaranteed that I will develop skin cancer at some point in time but I don’t left this crowed out a life that has been hard fought for.
I see you have been posting in the Skin Cancer Group - it’s good to talk with others with the same condition as to how they managed ((hugs))
Hi again , good to hear that your uncle got through his Allo and is having n remission - yes the SCT journey is rather amazing but so challenging.
The Community is a safe place where people who understand can listen and support…… so akways around to chat.
