My mother may have skin cancer.

[Boxer_21]

I just got the news today that my mother may have skin cancer. She had a doctor's appointment today and they actually took a mole off of her face. They asked her some questions about it and did some kind of ultrasound or something on it. Then the doctor decided that she didn't like how it looked and so she cut it off to get some more testing/biopsy done on it. We won't know the results for at least 10 days.

I wasn't there, but from what my mother said if it could be 1 of 3 things. The best being that it was simply a mole and nothing else will be needed. The middle being that it was some form of cancer, but that it was caught early enough and nothing else (or at least nothing significant) will be needed. The worst being that she would have to undergo more extensive surgeries, including going to an actual plastic surgeon.

We're all very worried about this and just very hopeful that it's just a mole and nothing more. However, with 10 days to wait of course we're going to keep thinking about the what ifs (what if it is cancerous). In the meantime we'll also be doing some research online to find out as much as we can about the best and worst that can happen. Can any of you offer any input on this?? Do you know anyone who was in this situation and what was the outcome?? Any info would be appreciated.

Also, one last note. Please keep my mother in your thoughts. She is a very strong woman and I have no doubts that she can beat this, but I'm still very worried for her. Thank you for reading this.

 

[cashisking]

The wait is the worst

I have had several cancer scares in my family, including my own at 28 yrs. old. I totally sympathise with your family, The wait is HORRIBLE, as well as just not knowing, and not being able to do anything but fear the worst... I did alot of research about colon cancer a few years ago when my dear grandmother was diagnosed, she is in remission now knock on wood.

I suggest looking at some of the university web pages you will find, they were the most useful to me. John's Hopkins (sp) is a good one.

Sorry you all are going through this, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer

 

[bustermom]

Hey Mandy! I know what you're going through. My Dad lost most of his hair at a young age (mid-20's) and as a result had several bouts with skin cancer on his scalp. He's of German descent and has pale, easily burned skin - which I understand puts him (and me and my siblings) in a higher risk category.

He's now 72 and doing just fine. He's undergone chemical peels to remove pre-cancerous cells and has had several cancerous cell groups removed. I am not that knowledgable on the different types of skin cancer, but I know that it comes in varying degrees of severity.

Put on a hat, wear sunblock at all times (my moisturizer is even an SPF 15 - no reason to take chances! ), take a deep breath, and try to relax while you wait for the results.

Fingers and paws crossed that the results are positive!

 

[cashisking]

The wait is the worst

I have had several cancer scares in my family, including my own at 28 yrs. old. I totally sympathise with your family, The wait is HORRIBLE, as well as just not knowing, and not being able to do anything but fear the worst... I did alot of research about colon cancer a few years ago when my dear grandmother was diagnosed, she is in remission now knock on wood.

I suggest looking at some of the university web pages you will find, they were the most useful to me. John's Hopkins (sp) is a good one.

Sorry you all are going through this, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer

 

[BRIDGIT]

My thoughts and prayers will be with your mom. I know how it feels to wait for the results. Breast cancer runs in my family, my grandma, g-grama, & great uncle have all had it and my great uncle is the only one still alive. Three years ago they found a lump on my mom and she was the exact same age as my grandmother when she was diagnosed. It was the worst scare of my life waiting for the results after the biopsy. It turns out it was not cancer. It really made me think about what is important in life and not take my mom for granted. Let us know how everything turns out.

 

[Baileysmom]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The wait is the worst, and will will cross everything hoping that all will go well. Best of luck to you and your family in this hard time.

Tanya
Baileysmom

 

[Loke]

Oh Mandy! How scary!! Your mom and you are in our prayers!!:(

~Lenna

 

[Linda/NJ]

Mandy: I am sending positive vibes to your Mom~~~~~~~I will say a prayer too. Keep positive that it is nothing. My Dad was told he had a melanoma a few years ago on his back. It was in the very early stages and the doctor removed it and he was fine. Did not need any further treatment, but he does get checked once or twice a year from now on. I guess my Dad does not like to worry us, I did not find out about it, till after.

Linda & Ginger

 

[Boxer_21]

Thank you everyone. Reading your stories and kind words offers some comforting for myself and my family. We're trying to keep our normal daily routines right now and of course we're hoping that it was nothing major. Once we find out for sure, I'll definitely let you all know. Thanks again, it's really appreciated.

 

[boxers4life2001]

Mandy,
You, your mom, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the next 10 days fly by and you get good news from the biopsy. Keep us updated!!!

~Carrie~