Multiple basal cells
At 30 years old I had my first basal cell on my nose. 15 years later, another on the tip of the nose. fast forward 30 years, and got one more on the side of the nose. This one recurred 3 years later and had skin graft on it. Now I have 3 more on the nose, two by the lip, one on the head, back and leg. Seems like they’re coming on fast now. Does anyone have any insight as to if this is likely to just keep going at this rate?
Hi
. That must be overwhelming. Unfortunately, basal cell carcinoma can become more frequent with age because of the cumulative effect of sun exposure. Hopefully, it's peaking now and, once the current spots are treated, you'll be done. What does your doctor say? I hope you get some input from others in the community who have been through this. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member) Thanks you for your input, Lori. That makes sense about the cumulative effect. I’m quite surprised about the additional ones on my nose recently, since I’ve worn a visor and sunscreen every time I’m outside for the last 50 years. Although I wasn’t aware until a few months ago that one needs to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
I’m really confused about how to lead my life now, as I’m avoiding going outside other than to go shopping. My doctor hasn’t commented. Yes, I hope others come forward to comment if they are/have been experiencing the same thing.
I could go golfing, but the group I’m with all go mid-day. Same with hiking, pickle ball, paddling, and lunches on the patio. so am coming to the realization that doing that stuff with these groups is all in my past.I hope you don't feel you have to give up the activities you love. I have a friend who gets allergic reactions from sun exposure. She covers her body in cool, UPF clothing and wears sun hats even when it's cloudy. She also applies suncreen recommended by her dermatologist to her face and hands. Somehow, she manages to make sun protection look cool! She has the best hat collection! Personally, I would err on the side of caution with sunscreen and apply it ever 90 minutes instead of every two hours. Please try to get your doctor to have a conversation about sun protection. That is a critical part of treatment and something your doctor should address. - Lori (Team Member) hi there! I have also been having multiple bcc’s showing up in the last few years. My first one on my eyebrow appeared 20 years ago and now I am getting the regularly. The skin cancer clinic I go to for treatment have told me that this will most likely continue for the rest of my life. Not something I look forward to. I tried the FU cream but had a bad reaction to it. I believe the instructions were not good about how to use it. I may attempt it again but on a much smaller area this time and go from there.
I’m feeling a little less “special” these days. I raised the subject with my friends, and I think everyone’s had at least one basal cell. Some have had melanoma. I did mention reapplying sunscreen every two hours to my dermatologist and she said the reason they do that is because people never put enough on, so the association feels if they tell them to keep putting it on, we will eventually get full coverage. I love to hear what other dermatologist say
