Hi Everyone,
So found this site really helpful 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, five years on and diagnosed with skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma, I hated hearing that word cancer, even though my surgeon explained how common this cancer is and the whole procedure, it started as what I thought was a spot at top of nose. So it's now two weeks after surgery and everything seems to be healing, still a little anxious about going back to work 1st July as the scab has not totally gone and I am on reception and not everyone knows. Cannot understand how the last few days I gave started quietly crying and wondering how I can stop this happening again, really should seek advice. Family and friends have been supportive but I would like to talk to someone who has had this kind of skin cancer
Hi and a warm welcome to the online community
I'm sorry to hear that you've had to have surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from the top of your nose. However, it's great that it seems to be healing well.
I think everyone will feel some degree of apprehension on going back to work after an operation as we all worry about what other people will think. However, often people don't even notice and it's just us being self conscious.
The fact that you've had a few tearful days recently is probably a combination of the stress of having your BCC removed coupled with the thought of going back to work. I wasn't sure when you said that you were "wondering how I can stop this happening again, really should seek advice" whether you meant how could you stop feeling tearful or how you could prevent another BCC.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better today .
Even though a BCC is the most common form of skin cancer I think it's still quite a shock to discover that something as simple as exposing your skin to the sun can create so much damage.
I think we have all been guilty in the past of thinking that sunscreen on it's own will protect us from skin cancer. You'll see in this information from Cancer Research UK that sunscreen should only be used to on those parts of the body that can't be protected by clothing.
The first summer after I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma was particularly hard as I used to enjoy sitting in the sun. However, I quickly got used to the new regime and have a selection of hats to choose from when I go out. I also decided that I now needed a whole new wardrobe so went on a shopping spree. So, every cloud has a silver lining. You may already have been given this information but just in case you haven't remember:
I leave a hat permanently in the car so if I forget to take one with me I know I'll have one. Leaving a tube of sunscreen in the glove compartment is a good idea too.
Last year I went to Australia to visit my sister and I still went on the beach and swam in the sea. However, instead of sitting in the sun, I stayed in the shade and I only went in the sea for a short time. Ironically it's easier going on holiday somewhere like that because nearly everyone covers up as they're so aware of the damage the sun can do so I didn't feel a freak in long trousers and a hat!
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
You're welcome
Like you I also used to wear strappy vests, etc. I still do, but only in the house. I also try to walk each day for an hour but do cover up and tend to go out straight after breakfast so it's the coolest time of the day. Unfortunately being covered up does tend to mean you get hotter than everyone else but that's a small price to pay to keep yourself safe.
You can get UV protected sun umbrellas for the garden and I intend to see if I can find a pretty parasol that's UV rated for carrying with me when I'm out and about.
You can still have fun in the sun you just need to be sun smart.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
