Different Kinds of Skin Cancer on Face All at Once

Sorry about the messed up typing. I have no idea what went wrong

Hi Figgy and VLM .Thanks so much for your advice and for the encouragement.  My biopsy results for the possible lentigo are not due for another week or so, about the same time as my new dermatologist's biopsy results will be in.  The waiting is driving me crazy.  And what you said about those of us who like to be or at least feel as if we are in control having a really hard time with all of this is so very true.  I am that person as well.  Hearing you say that facial scars heal better means so much to me.  I too am afraid that I will look like a patchwork quilt.  My new derm is really nice and very understanding.

We seem so very much alike, awaiting appointments with our docs and then having to wait some more for our biopsy results.  Its really strange that feeling of wanting to know and to move on with a plan and, at the same time, dreading the results of a dermatology visit or a biopsy report.  I think I am two different people some time.

I have looked at pictures of both nose and lip surgeries before my BCC surgery and those final results look very good on the face.  I know DR. Google can be misleading, but I must have looked at 50 or so medical sites and that encourages me some to see that the end results are quite nice.

Stay strong and, yes, we can do this.  Really we must.  And your support is much appreciated.  Sertraline first dose tomorrow and fingers crossed.  XX

So sorry to hear about your partner VLM.  I think what others have said about your other stresses in life truly can make  a huge impact on how we handle everything. I know how very hard it can be to care for someone so  important to you that has cancer.  We just lost another member of our family in April from cancer which seemed to come out of nowhere.  My dad and brother both passed from cancer and, although my mother died of old age, she had breast and 2 types of colon cancer, all of which were cured.  It seems everyone has something to deal with and I guess it is a struggle with our mortality in the long run.  I'm new to this site and I have been able to accept friend requests, but having trouble sending requests to others.  I'd like to be your friend as well if you would like to send me a request.

XX

Sorry to hear that your husband has health issues too pucketyboo, it is hard to complain about problems that may seem small in comparison as you say when someone you love is seriously ill. One of the reasons I put off going to the doctors other than being too scared is that I was busy looking after my partner.
My green shield stamp book is Definately full figgy, shame I don’t get to choose my gift! 

Grateful Gal, it sounds like you’ve had a lot of sadness in your family, cancer is so horrible.

I think I’ve sent you a friend request! I’m not very tech savvy. 

Hi I had a good size Bowens Disease lesion on my face and it took eight weeks two times a day of Efudex to clear it but it has been clear now for a few months.  It was quite persistent and usually takes quite a lot longer than a AKs.  Hope you are well into getting rid of yours now. I got very little discomfort during treatment and had been really worried as some people have a really bad reaction to the cream.   Best of luck.

Hi Mandy I am glad to hear you finally got rid of the Bowens maybe it was due to the size. I am on my 4th course of Efudix - 3 AKs on face and the Bowens on leg. The first time I used it on my face. I reacted a bit more and suffered with tiredness and stomach cramps but I don’t seem to get any of that anymore- I must be getting used to it. I always think it’s confusing as to when to stop as the last week is always quite raw looking. I’m not sure if I did it for too long on my leg as it took a while to heal. Plus I think it’s strange that some GPs or Consultants say apply once a day and some twice. 
I am sorry to hear of your other issues and how you are struggling with anxiety - which is completely understandable. It’s the fear of the unknown and if you are anything like me googling away in the night certainly does not help. Also if you have a couple of serious health issues going on or other stress factors it does become very difficult to cope I feel - I do understand what you are going through. I have counselling and I did start Sertraline but it gave me insomnia so I have stopped taking it. There  is a mental health nurse at my GP surgery who is awful !! Totally unapproachable and dismissive so I have given up with that for now.

I was recently referred by my GP to a NHS Dermatologist but decided to pay privately mainly because I was so incredibly anxious. It turned out to be another Efudix treatment but she was so kind and supportive that I have made an appointment for a 6 month check in December. I felt I needed a competent point of contact as I felt I was spinning around in orbit ! So I completely understand why you have decided to pay privately even if it is very costly. It is good too that you have family support. 

Take care and all the best with it all - I’m always here to talk xx

HinFiggy, thank you so much for your lovely supportive reply.  I am so glad you are  having to do the Efudex treatment rathercthsn surgery though I know it’s not much fun as at least it means you can avoid being cut.  Yes, it’s hard to explain to people have not been through these experiences the level of anxiety that arrives along with the skin cancer diagnosis.  I don’t know whether I will ever get to a place again where I can feel safe as I am also dealing with other serious health issues.  I liked the bit I read on here about having your booklet stamped and in the end it’s just full and overwhelming.  I still cannot imagine actually getting to the hospital and sitting myself down to be operated on without actually having a total melt down on the way.     When I try to think about it, I just get taken over by total sense of panic, and then I’m able to push  it away again.  I could never have handled all this with only having the NHS as they have not been there to answer any questions or give any support.  You take care too and please  keep  in touch as always lovely to hear from others how they are doing - I can always  send you a friend connection if you would like that.  

• I was just like this Mandy.  Hubby took me and for the first one he had to wait in the car so we said our goodbyes at the door and I went into Reception, registered and sat down.  I had been eating little savoury biscuits on the way as it calmed me down and my favourite music was Ed Sheeran the Joker and the Queen and we had this playing on the journey.  I only waited about 10 minutes and the Nurse who was looking after me came and introduced herself and said I wouldn't be long.  I thought I can't stay here I have to get out I can't do this and then she fetched me in and I took my coat off and sat in the chair and the procedure started and they both talked to me the whole time, the Nurse never letting go of my hand. It took nearly 2 hours and hubby was waiting for me at the door and I just burst into tears and he hugged me and we went home and I was absolutely fine.  People do not understand how these skin cancers affect you they might not be life threatening and can be cured but they disfigure you and they do make your anxiety level rise xx

I am just going to hope I get some courage when it comes to it.  I had a letter from the hospital saying that I should come for admission at 8:30 on Sunday and tonight I had a message left by the consultant secretary earlier in the day saying I should come by 9:30 for admission.  I had already arranged for someone to pick me up at 8 o’clock so that I could get there at 8:30.  I wouldn’t mind if I could phone anyone tomorrow but the consultants secretary only works Monday to Thursday and I have absolutely no way of getting in touch with him whatsoever except through her which I find very disconcerting.  I am now getting stressed about this because I certainly don’t want to be there an hour early waiting for him to come when I’m in such a state of anxiety but I also don’t want to get there an hour late if he thinks I am going to be there at 8:30.  I thought private hospitals would be more organised  but I’m finding this is far from the truth and it was actually quite a task to find someone to get the operation paid for although the letter said it had to be paid in full 7 days before the operation date or the operation might be cancelled. Peace of mind -  it’s all I pray for but do not get.