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Diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Hi everyone. A few weeks ago my dermatologist noticed a red bump on my chest at my annual skin check. She did a quick biopsy, which in turn showed to be SCC but in situ, and on the top layer of skin. I went last week for excision, and was told in the discharge instructions that a letter would be sent if no further treatment needed, a phone call if more was required. So of course I miss a phone call this afternoon, Friday of course! and need to wait until Monday. Naturally I have assumed the worst, and am a bit freaked out. I'm hoping given the initial dx that perhaps they did not get it all and need to widen the margins. Has anyone had similar experiences? A bit of history too. I was treated for hodgkins lymphoma almost 20 years ago, with radiation to my chest. I had DCIS as a result of that 6 years ago, with a bilateral mastectomy. So I am no stranger to cancer. And all cancer treatment is toxic. The price of saving my life at age 43 is now catching up to me years later. I'm just a bit wigged out that I was left a message this afternoon with no hint as to what it might be. How worried should I be? Thanks so much for any guidance you can give. I have found that forums are the absolute best in patient to patient support!

  1. Sandy, thank you telling us what you are going through. I can understand why you might be concerned because you were not given any information. I have also had this experience and what I learned from it was to not let a lack of information be the cause of worry. There could be many reasons why no message was left. I have tried to live the "we will cross that bridge when we come to it" mantra when it comes to my health, my career, my kids and other relationships. I like to "pre" worry about things and find that most of the time they were nothing to be concerned about. The unknown was the hardest part and that's the part that you are in. My only suggestion is deal with issues that are actual issues. Hope this helps. Keep us updated and enjoy your weekend as best as you can. Scott skincancer.net team member

    1. Thank you, Scott! Intellectually I know this, but its so dang hard. I always think the worst as there is no place to go but up. I'm hopeful that since the initial dx was favorable that nothing horrible is lurking, but I can't change that either. Again thanks for the pep talk, most appreciated!

      1. You are welcome. All the best to you. Scott skincancer.net team member

    2. ...I am so sorry you missed that call. I know exactly what kind of conclusions your mind can jump to when that happens--how frustrating!


      Let's think positively and say that if it had been urgent, they would have continued to try to reach you through the evening. I have had calls after hours from my dermatologist's office when there was a need to schedule surgery the following week.


      As Scott said, there could be many reasons for the call. With your history, your doctor could very well have wanted to reassure you by phone rather than make you wait on a letter. (Waiting on a letter creates anxiety for me as well.)


      We are wishing you all the best. We are here for you any time!
      April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator

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