Skin Cancer Post TX

Just back from my GP--to check on a weird mole-like thing that grew on my neck just after TX stopped (last shot 6 weeeks ago).

She's sure it's not melanoma (whew) but is pretty sure that it's basal (sp?) cell carcinoma (though could be squamous cell carcinoma).  I asked if it could have been triggered by TX and she said "probably".

I was just starting to feel good about completing TX and recovery and now this.  I know it could be worse (melanoma, etc.) but I feel completely bummed.  I'm now waiting on results of the skin biopsy and my PCR results.

I know that lots of you have post TX skin issues.  Has this or anything similar happened to anyone else???

[NYgirl]

I don't know why it would be because of treatment but I had an atypical basal cell carcinoma years ago and they said it was because of a sunburn I had many years ago - that they do not show up for many years.

I think that that is probably more likely ... since you only went through tx recently right?

[Algernon]

According to the National Cancer Institute (I'm already doing the search...), immunosuppressive therapy can trigger skin cancers.

[NYgirl]

Yeah but wouldn't it take TIME for them to develop?  I am SURE hoping that it's NOT from tx cause being predisposed to malignant cancers...it's not going to make me happy.

I had a tiny tiny bump on my back that they kept misdiagnosing..saying it was eczema (cause I itched it alot I guess and it was yucky). Then the doc realized what it was and laserd it. Then it came back and he laser'd it again. then it came back worse...finally after going to a THIRD doc she said my God this is ATYPICAL it's not growing UP it's growing DOWN.

So I thought she was going to cut me the size of a quarter and now I have a seven inch scar on my back that took 88 stitches to close.

I REALLY don't want to get anymore of them EVER.  I keep thinking of what if that was on my face.....

Get it off of you ASAP so that you don't end up in the same boat as me.  It was so UNFAIR I tell you...I do NOT want it to happen to you.

[FlGuy]

Good thing you have expereince in dealing with the unknown, the undefined and the unsure. If I recall, you are in your 40's, live in Texas, female and are out-doorsey.  All those things make you a prime candidate for skin disorders.  My wife and kids are regulars at a dermo, mostly due to her fears of skin disorders as a result of outdoor Florida hobbies, sports and activities. Most new spots that develope are almost always without danger and the doc takes care of them with a blast of N.  I hope that your current worry passes easily and without further action.  But you are wise to keep an eye on new stuff that appears.
A few years ago my wife said 'I don't like that thing on your face' and sent me off to see Dr. Nitrogen who was unimpressed with the blemish on my face and hit the spot with the N. It faded then returned to it's prior appearance in a year.  Forward abot a year...and in to see the GI after the inital test showed hcv.  The first thing the doc said was 'you have liver damage' and said 'see that spot on your cheek, it's spider nevi and is indicative of liver damage'.  Thing is Algae, wait till all the results are in before you worry.  Enjoy your summer and the upcoming pcr results - school starts before you know it.

[way]

Since I began tx I'm starting to get these really long (3") hairs that grow where there isn't usually any hair! One of them was curly and course like a pubic hair growing out of my side. One was in the eyebrow...these seem to grow overnight. I saw one on the inside of my arm last night and was looking at it and sort of trying to stretch it out to see how long it was and it stretched and sort of snapped--not like a hair but a piece of elastic. It made me think "Morgellans" and thats a scary thought!!!

[bobbyullc]

sorry to hear you problems post tx. you went in hoping for recovery and got other problems.

i am 5 weeks post tx and have severe immune problems, skin problems that i hope will get better but seem to be lingering far to long. i do worry abut what may come next(skin cancer?).if i had known of all this i would have thought longer about tx at that time. i was prepared to give 48 weeks out of my life lingering on the couch in a fog but hoped it would end there. i was stage 3-3 and felt i had to treat. no one ever mentioned all the sides after tx. good luck and be greatful it was not malignant.
i just seen a survey on line asking if i had certain sides and the list was long and scary. they knew up front about sides but never told me.
i do not want to scare anyone who NEEDS to treat now but to let you know there is a chance these things may happen.

bobby

[cuteus]

interferon is a tx used in melanoma, so I think we are safe in that area.  as for basal and squamous cancers, so many things seem to trigger them... my father says is the sun in his country, but given that his brother got it also, I would think there is a genetic factor involved. These cancers do not metastize, like melanoma does.  It is contained in the area and might grow larger. If you google interferon and melanoma, you will see the tx used for those cases.

[NYgirl]

Welcome to the werewolf club!  A good pair of tweezers is CRUCIAL while on treatment that's for sure! I couldn't find mine one day and started to cry...I mean tx hasn't made me cry but the tweezers - yup!

Its enough to make us crazy!

Bobby - you can't make yourself crazy thinking about all the "what ifs" of the world.....because the "what ifs" also apply to if you DONT decide to treat.  Trying to what if...now THAT makes me CRAZY out of my mind! So I figure trust the doctors and the advice in here.  If you ever really looked at the "what ifs" of every medication you've taken (even aspirin)...you'd wonder how any of us are alive at all!  :)

Chill and enjoy SVR! :)

[Califia]

I'll leave the learned disputation with your doctor to others.   Just wanted to say that I am so terribly sorry you're going through this grief, which is truly the last thing you need right now.  I know we're all hoping for the very best possible outcome. Just try to keep those beneficial regimes going that contribute to detox.  All best to you.

[Mister beagle bailey]

I have the skin tags too.  Mine started about 10 years ago and my doc sid it happens as we age.  Some in time fell off on their own.  Yuck!

Beagle

[bobbyullc]

i do not live in "what if's" cause i HAD to tx at this time. i only wish i was informed of possible problems up front. it was like the first shot when i woke up shaking so bad i could not walk. if i knew this may happen i would have been prepared and not as scared as i was.

how was the vacation? lucky!

ps. there is a history of immune sides from riba/peg so i would not totally rule it out.

bobby

[NYgirl]

I lived in whatif land when I was first diagnosed BAD which is why I mentionned it. It literally drove me CRAZY until I found this forum and it took a LOT of the load off.

I try not to think of the possibilities now.  Since the interferon killed my thyroid I have become REALLY aware of potential long term side effects - but I want this disease OUT OUT OUT darn spot...so I try my best to shove the what ifs back into the back of my brain.

But every time I reach for my Synthroid...they try to creep back in.


Thank God for the Paxill I'm on it helped slow them down a lot.

But they still try to come back anyways :)

[Kalio1]

We are ultimately in charge of our own medical care which makes it very difficult on the patient but it is what it is. Too many "ifs" to warn us of all possible outcomes I suppose. When we are diagnosed, how are we supposed to know what questions to ask? But we are supposed to know even though they have a "duty to inform" they decide what we need to know and don't need to know. It seems like common sense the doctor should warn us of all outcomes but it is so subjective they just can't and if they give a worst case scenario and detail all the "what ifs" then the patient is totally freaked out. Maybe talk to the doc and tell him, hey, you didn't mention to me that any of this could happen before I started this treatment and see what his response is. It's frustrating because opinions on possible outcome scenarios differ from one doctor to the next.
Is your skin problem getting any better? I sure hope so.

[bobbyullc]

i do not dispute this,i do feel all should be given all the info to plug into the equation before deciding to treat or wait. my dr spent 3 mins. and asked if i had any questions (he is the same one who let a patient treat 12 weeks longer than needed). thank GOD for this forum or i would still be i the dark.
again in my case with a stage 3 - 3 i would choose tx again.

my skin problems are a little better but if i go out i turn beet red and my eylids get so burned they swell almost shut.

ya all have a good day
bobby

[Mister beagle bailey]

The doc also said if I want they can burn them off durning an office visit.  They are very easy to get rid of, if you want.

Beagle:)

[NYgirl]

Hey you with the high hemo.   :)

When do you get your pcr? I'm dying to say I told you so in fact I've got so many of them saved up...some might pop out now.

[Mister beagle bailey]

Hey you with the low hemo, LOL  Finally I get you !!!  We keep missing each other.  Sorry about your HGB dropping to 9.0.  Are you going to up the procrit or take it 2X's a week?  How have you been doing?  You have an appointment with Dr J next month, right?

Beagle

[NYgirl]

Yup I'm 2x'ing it again (well for the first two weeks I'm gonna do every 3rd day).  I'm just so exhausted all this heat aint helping. But all the bosses are out at a big conference so nobody is here at work and it's got good A/C so I thought about it and came in...better here than at home with no A/C and 100 right?

I go to Dr. J on 8/5 so it's getting close.  My current doc said that there is no way he's not going to tell me 72 weeks = to get ready for it now.

Half the time my doc doesn't remember who I am (he's like go back on the epogen and I said uh...you never took me OFF of it) so I'll be glad to have Dr. J take all of the problems/sides etc and decide.  

As long as nobody tries to cut my meds...they'll be ok.

The sad thing is I was supposed to be done on 8/18 and now I'd have to go until FEBRUARY.  72 weeks is just so LONG.


So how are you feeling? What's your hemo? ;)  Do you feel like you are doing much better now that you are off the meds...are they clearing out yet?

Talk about brave man oh man with all your problems you just kept on going...and you made it.

That was a good post today. I missed all the drama but am so sad to see that 52 got zonked in it all. That really bites bit time.  A great person.

[cuteus]

With these two medications, can we really, realistically expect the drs to be able to tell us everything that can happen with them?  That is why I always insist in getting the inserts with all my meds, not the patient information one, the product info. That tells of all things encountered during the trials, and from that we can guess what might happen to us.  I must have read those inserts until I memorized each one of those side effects. Remember pkolo's advise a while back?
Then you get to the fine print that says that they are printing anything reported, whether it had anything to do with the meds or not. The new sides that just pop up with some people would be hard to determine until enough people develop the same. I wonder if drs get patients complaining that he told them of all the things that could go wrong, scaring them to death and for it was for nothing?
If people can call the FDA with sides our pets go through with their prescriptions, we could take the time to call with our symptoms. Does anyone know the number?

[Mister beagle bailey]

I know it was sad to see 52tele go, I'm still hopeful52 will be back.  With you doing procrit every 3 days your hgb will be up in no time.  Wow, you see drJ in 3 weeks already, I can still remember finding the phone # for you on a buried thread.
I'm now 4 weeks post tx and by the second week started to feel great.  I was down to 145lbs and now I'm 162 lbs already, need to start watching what I'm eating. ;)LOL  I can go in the sun, no problem, my hair is growing and people are teling me I look normal like before I started tx.  Been done we the procrit 2 weeks now and my last hgb was 11.5 and I'll bet it's 12.5 or higher now.

Beagle :)

[Dale_Ray]

It's obviously part of our treatment. My eyebrows, eyelashes and hair on my arms and legs has gone crazy and it started at around week 24. I am at week 34 now. See ya in the funny papers. Dale

[can-do-man]

We disagree on this beagle, when 52 tele used a screen name that was close to someone else and caused all hell to break loose then admit it. Would you like someone making your name to make it look like you and causing trouble? As a matter of fact would anyone here like that?

52tele
07/14/2006
C46  . I've got to take a break from here. Instead of looking at the clock to see what time it is , were all worried about how the clock is built. Its crazy. This is not who we are. This forum is not broken . Why are we trying to fix it. Why are we even worried about it? I'm personally spending way to much time here.

I hope I come back later down the road. I'll keep an eye on the forum to see how you all are.

I love ya all like pancakes
BTW , I was spacedick4 :)

[Forseegood]

what are skin tags? I have these little tiny things, barely visable, that are little pieces of skin, tiny really, that are jutting out from the layer< I have two of them, and though no one can see them besides me really, I think they are kinda weird..so you tie a piece of dental floss around them? boy, the things you learn every day...I'll try it, now let's see if I can get the thing to hold still...gotta get extra thin floss...

[can-do-man]

About 3 months ago space was being his rude self. Then everything got quite. Well then a thread appeared that was titled spacedick4 and it was a very nasty thread to the women here. Most here though it was the other space and all hell broke loose again and med-help zapped it.

Like i said above to you i don't think you or anybody else would have liked it. Then 3 months later he brings it back up and admits to it. The thread was as rude if not ruder then the other. I would not want my named changed and things like he said used as me. And i don't think anyone here would. Remember when that happened to another member? Nobody was begging or wanting him back.

[can-do-man]

Just read the bottom line on post c24 on this thread

[cajunlady]

Mr. BB.  

I am doing just fine.  My best girlfriend (you know that partner in crime kind of friend)LOL, is arriving in California on Thursday.  This is the friend that I mentioned awhile back that has MS.  I've not seen her in 5 years, so it is going to be a wonderful 2 weeks. I have decided to throw my yearly tropical party while she is in.  I am having a roasted pig done up for me. Also, Crawfish etoufee with rice, also and crawfish corn soup and many, many side dishes. I am now in the teens with my shots, 19 left to go.  I have had some really good weekends lately. I have been out in the yard alot and the only thing I find that bothers me is the heat, more than the sun/sunburn.  The heat exhaust me very quickly.  Found that out when I played my own cabanna person myself with the pool and patio.

Can do man:  

How is it going. I keep thinking of you and Strator, racing down the Las Vegas strip in your cars, with girls hanging all over.  My place of course would be the hood orniment.  Short, Sassy and Dynamite.  Hope life is going well for you these days.  Keep coming in and posting now and again.  Wouldn't want to loose your humor here.

Dale Ray:

How are you, and how are things going for you on tx these days.  Hope better than the beginning.

BeamishBoy:

I have thought about you alot lately.  I am planning my yearly tropical party.  Roasted Pig, Crawfish Etouffee, Crawfish Corn Soup, many, many more types of food.  I am having my girlfriend bring in 1 lb packages of tails. How is tx treating you these days.  Hope all is well.

Cajun

[Mister beagle bailey]

Yes, I do remember what happened 3 months ago and I didn't know that tele52 owned up to it.  Now I'm pi*sed for sticking up for someone who did that.  Sorry, I had know idea as I said before, I didn't see that thread on 7/14.  
I'm really sorry about this and now most on here who didn't catch the post will not know.

Thanks for setting me straight my friend.

Beagle

[Califia]

<a href=http://www.fda.gov/cder/aers/default.htm>Adverse Event Reporting System</a>

Here's a portal into the FDA reporting process.  (Good suggestion, Cuteus.)

[can-do-man]

This thread

Q: What is your advice based on? - jmjm530: 07/14/2006

Post C46

[Mister beagle bailey]

That's great your friend is coming and that party sounds great (Ilove roast pork).  Wow, 19 shots to go and your feeling better, that is great news.  They say it takes a few months for the meds to leave the body, but I started to feel better 2 weeks post tx.  It's something to look forward to when your done with tx.

Beagle:)

[Mister beagle bailey]

Thanks, I'll read it now.  

Beagle

[can-do-man]

Hope all is well with you. Your friend gets here i HOPE you behave yourself.:)

[cajunlady]

Will try to be good, but, if you look up in the sky and see two wild and crazy girls swinging and dancing in that cage.  That would be us.  She is definetly my partner in crime and probably always will be.  Just thought that when we grew old together it would be in the same town down the street from each other; instead of 1300 miles aways from each other.  But we can still do some damage with all those miles. LOL

cajun

[cajunlady]

I can not wait until I am done and I sure hope things stay on track as they have so far.  I really don't know if I would want to extend this any longer than 48 wks.  How about the hair.  is yours growing back yet.  I can't stand my hair.  I miss my long hair.  With my hair what is not falling out, is turning white, solid white.  Sad thing is I can not color my hair on tx, that would just make it more dried and fried.  I do have quite a selection of hats, in many colors and styles.

Nice to know you started feeling normal again after 2 wks post.  Very up beat info for me.

How is the wife and are you guys still trying to move.  Hope things are going well with that.

Cajun

[cuteus]

anyone interested, bookmark that link califia posted. if you truly feel strongly about the post tx issues, make your voice heard.
thank you califia.

perhaps we could try and fine tune what post tx side effects could be? It is pretty obvious that things that develop while on tx, and remain post tx, would count. But what about 'iffy' things that came on while on tx. went away after some time post tx, and months later are felt again? that seems to be an aggravation of existing symptoms during tx, that cleared post tx, and reappeared months later. Does the 'aggravation' constitute post tx effects per sae?
What is the criteria, or is there any, anywhere?

I think that any research of post tx issues would have to include the health status before tx. I can't see medical research done any other way. Part of the  Scientific method? We might have to be prepared to answer specifics of pre tx conditions. My memory is vague sometimes, I might need a hypnotist to get details. I do remember that pains and fatigue lead me to tx.

can do man; I thought that post to be confusing, the owning up. If he was that poster, spaced***4, that comment was even ruder than spacecoast's, and I do remember mentioning that I did not think it was space c writing it. are you saying 52 wrote that horrible thread? that was worse than spacecoast!

[can-do-man]

I had long forgot about that thread until then. I thought that spacedick4 thread was as rude to women here as i've seen. If i didn't do it i sure wouldn't say i did.

Q: What is your advice based on? - jmjm530: 07/14/2006  post c46

Then he could have backed out of it when he openened a thread

Explaination 52 tele 7-15 2006

But didn't, Im just shocked all these people are begging him back. Bet he's getting a good laugh at these people. As we both know he's here reading it.

[cajunlady]

Thanks for clearing that up.  I did not get to read the threads but, shame shame on tele.  To me that would be no different if someone stole my identity and ruined me.  Has the same face value, just in a different way.  At first, I did think it was space causing trouble again.  Well my apoligies on that.  I see your point and I totally agree.  Why do some people in this world just have to be mean and rude most of the time. I sometimes don't get some of society. I don't understand why people think it is so hard to be nice.  I am the kind of person that will give you the shirt off my back, and share not hide the last little bit of food that was left.
I don't understand what made most of society the way it is today, call me old fashion, but I liked when people said thank you, your welcome, yes sir, no sir.  It's the MANNERS that have fallen by the way side.  SAD BUT TRUE

Anyway, hope all is well with you.  Can't wait to swing in my cage again, I have that itch.

Cajun

[Morgaina]

from the firstpost from spacedick, I started thinking MPD (multple personality disorder) When Tele pulled out same time as coast showed up I have been thinking the same again. I wasn't going to post it because people around here dont need more things to be down about. We cant help him, IF thats the picture, just remember the behavior rules and dont let this out-of control individual hurt any of you, he's driven by things we'll never understand. Thank God!!

[Kalio1]

That happened to me, someone using my ame but putting a 2 after it and went aroud stirring the pot. It really was not pleasant.

[can-do-man]

You were the one i was talking about. I found 52telle in the Archives and when he first posted. It was after the spaced**k4 post. So HOW would he know as that thread was zapped within hours? Makes you wonder what other names he's here under.

[scooz]

Squamous cell cancer will spread to other parts of the body if not taken care of.look it up..Have had both.and probably will always be treated for both on face..being immunosuppresed from the liver transplant..Must see the dermatologist every 6 months to have them frozen or cut out..I just completed 3 wks of the chemo cream I call it..Because the freezing was not working any longer..Basal can get pretty nasty too,If not taking care of.Wife has a nasty scar from that above her eyebrow..

[Pdilly]

Gosh with all the hair troubles maybe its a good thing I am starting this in September.  By the time I quite it will be Spring.  Thats what I need is hair popping up in strange places. Maybe I can cover some up with a sweater.

Hope you are feeling pretty good today.

[Pdilly]

I had no idea about all that.  I  guess I was new and it went right on over my head. Now that makes me upset that he played us so.

[honey11]

My mom would get skin tags and said she hated the way they looked and yes,,,,they can be burned off but that is costly each time you decide to do it.  A nurse told her to get a piece of thread or dental floss and tie tightly around it and leave.  It kills the blood supply and will turn black and fall off on its own.

[Mister beagle bailey]

Now I'm really confused, what did happen while I was gone?  Tele52 was using someone else's name????

Can do, please explain, I'm really lost now.  I wasn't on this week end so I really don't know what happened except what I was told.

Beagle

[Mister beagle bailey]

That was great detective work on can do's part, now who's the beagle with the nose. LOL

Thanks can do !

Beagle