Changing Moles/Skin Cancer Hx

[JKJ]

I have already had basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer.....I am blonde/blue eyed and very, very fair-skinned with a TON of moles.  I used to go to a great dermatologist every year for a full body check.  Unfortunately now I have to get all of my medical care at the VA (veterans hospital) and my primary care doc refuses to refer me to the dermatology clinic (several years now) and he is aware of my history.  I cannot change docs either, I've already asked.

How can I get this doc to listen to me that I need to be seen by a dermatologist?  I have other moles that need to be checked as they have been changing....any suggestions?  I really don't want skin cancer again.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Yes. Do continue to persuade your physician for a referral. I am not familiar with the process involved there but I do hope you get the right management. The conditions you have mentioned concerning your heart and the skin condition require close monitoring and follow up.

I do hope things will be better as you move forward.

[JKJ]

I just tried to get this prime care doc to get me the really strong sunscreen that I used to get from my derm doc (the stuff that has zinc in it)....and what did he do?  he "prescribed" me regular OTC SPF30 sunscreen!!!  so i finally got the name (sol-bar or estion) and have to call again as he has never heard of these products.  so frustrating that i have to do his job for him!

as for the cardiac issues....i have SVT, have had 2 ablation procedures, currently am back on  a calcium channel blocker for re-currence of SVT and also back on nitroglycerene for chest pain--and he still won't refer me to cardiology!!!!  also have potassium issues.

the VA is a horrible place.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Your health is very important and I am glad that you are doing something about this. With a medical history of having been diagnosed with skin cancer , a follow up is definitely necessary. As with cardiac issues, what specific cardiac problem do you have?

You need to be closely monitored for your skin condition. This is very important. I wish you good luck and I do hope you will be guided accordingly.

[JKJ]

Thanks for the reply...I can see if I can get my records from my previous derm doc.  As far as confirming my medical history.......well....I have the scars! LOL!  My former derm doc was insistent that I have a full body check every year of all of my moles...I've had so many "pre-cancerous" ones removed that I can't count.  And my prime care doc won't even look at them (hundreds).

So I'll try to get those records...maybe a letter from the derm doc would help, since this guy won't listen to me.

Dermatology isn't the only problem area I have with this guy....he is doing the same thing with my cardiac issues....I'm convinced the guy is a total idiot (it's the VA).

Wish me luck!!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Is there any way that you can obtain a letter from your previous dermatologist stating your history and case? Do you have your previous test results with you and other medical papers with you which confirms your medical history? You need to discuss this with your doctor. If your primary physician refuses to refer you to a dermatologist he/she may refer you to a medical oncologist. You may ask the medical oncologist if there is a need for a dermatology referral at this point.