Hello, this is my first post on here.
I’ve recently been diagnosed with 3 marks being BCC’s. I was incredibly upset when I found out as I’m only 30 years old and have already gone through a lot with severe Crohn’s disease.
The largest mark on my stomach had been there for 4+ years and the GP kept saying it was nothing. In February I was referred to a dermatologist as I had another mark pop up on my chest. They were concerned and did biopsy’s on both marks which turned out to be BCC’s. I was advised that I would have these cut out but as it wasn’t a priority, couldn’t be done until September. In the meantime I got a second private opinion who thought they could be treated via PDT, also diagnosing a 3rd mark on my back. I’ve now had the 2 PDT sessions for all 3 marks and waiting to see my consultant in a few months time to check the BCC is all gone.
I now feel incredibly anxious about having another BCC and upset that I feel like I can’t do the things I enjoy like traveling and cycling outside. How does everyone else deal with the fear? Thanks x
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community
I'm very sorry to hear that you've had to have treatment to remove three BCCs and it's understandable that you'd be worried that you might get another.
As I'm sure you're aware BCCs are caused by exposure to the sun or through using sun beds and once you've had one you are more likely to have another. Although my skin cancer wasn't BCC, I had a melanoma, I do understand how you feel about being in the sun.
Probably the most important thing you can do to prevent another BCC is to be safe in the sun. This doesn't mean that you have to stop doing things you used to enjoy doing in the sun, unless that was sunbathing, but you need to change some things to protect yourself.
When I was diagnosed with melanoma I was given a leaflet with the following advice and thought you might find it helpful as it applies to all forms of skin cancer:
The first summer after I was diagnosed was particularly hard as I used to enjoy sitting in the sun. However, I quickly got used to the new regime and now automatically reach for a hat when I go outside. I also needed a whole new wardrobe so went on a shopping spree. See every cloud has a silver lining!
I leave a hat permanently in the car, so if I forget to take one with me I know I'll have one, and leaving a tube of sunscreen in the glove compartment is a good idea too.
Last year I went to visit my sister in Australia, the skin cancer capital of the world, and nobody looked twice at me being covered up because they know how dangerous the sun is. In this country I originally felt a little more self conscious covered up but now don't think twice about it.
I also told all my close friends about my skin cancer and how I now had to be careful in the sun. This meant that they automatically look for a shady spot to sit in if we go out and I don't have to keep explaining myself.
Feel free to ask me anything you like and I'll try to answer.
When you have a minute it would be useful if could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
