Mr. OWW is a redhead, fair skinned, complete with freckles. Ok, so maybe not so much red in the hair department anymore but you get the picture. He doesn't have to be out in the sun for very long for him to burn.
When he was a child, the dangers of exposing your skin to the sun were not as well known as they are now. He did not use sunscreen (it simply wasn't available). Because of that neglect, he has had to go to the dermatologist at a minimum of twice a year for quite some time. He watches for suspect spots closely, and gets them taken care of immediately. He wears sunscreen every day, and a hat, and limits his time in the direct sun as much as possible.
It is his hope that he can, if not completely avoid, at least minimize problems. Except for a few times, he has come back with clear pathology reports. He has been very lucky, but I suspect is has been because of his diligence in taking extremely good care of his skin.
Please, if you do nothing else for yourself, use sunscreen. On both you and your children, so that you will not have to go through what my husband does on a daily basis.
The following is a letter that Mr. OWW received in the mail yesterday from his doctor.
Date: October 16, 2006
The pathology report on the skin growth removed from your right thigh has returned Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The treatment you received was called electrodesiccation and curettage. This treatment eradicates the skin cancer by repetitive cauterization and curretage (surgical scraping). The cure rate for this type of treatment is very high. I anticipate that you will have no further difficulties at this location. It should be examined within the next 3-6 months to assure appropriate healing and no evidence of recurrence.
I think you for entrusting me with your care.
Sincerely,
Dr. Skinfixer
Wear that sunscreen daily, even if the sun doesn't appear to be shining. And check yourself regularly for anything that doesn't look right. And if by chance you do find something, get yourself to the doctor right away.
Comments
I've had a suspicious spot for a couple of months now but was too busy drinking vodka to take care of it... Thanks for the reminder ; I've just called and got an appointment .
Michele sent me ; have a nice weekend !
Posted by: Just a trumpet player at October 20, 2006 3:12 PM
Yikes, very scarey, especially when I think of my twenties and my quest for the perfect tan...ugh
here via michele today
Posted by: KaraMia at October 20, 2006 3:13 PM
Good warnings!
Michele sent me!
Posted by: Foster Dogs at October 20, 2006 3:33 PM
HI Moogies, scary warning i will remember but sun, what's that, oh something other people get...
Im back *just about* Hint people "BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP" i didn't and when my updated something XP throw a wobbly :| - total reinstall :-S Argh and im finding stuff don't work if this continues - it back in with the old hardware..
Posted by: Gopher at October 20, 2006 3:47 PM
Hello, Michele sent me! Good advice. The sun is a really dangerous dude. Not to be messed with.
Posted by: Uisce at October 20, 2006 3:53 PM
here via michelle
I am fair skin and I have to watch staying out in the sun because I get sun poisoning
I have well the german translation is white cancer but its not real cancer because it wont kill me
Posted by: novy at October 20, 2006 4:21 PM
I've got that fair freckled alabaster skin, too and I've had a basal cell melanoma removed from my forehead and I don't go out in the sun much at all! Thanks for the reminder, hope everything turns out okay.
Posted by: Lisa W. at October 20, 2006 5:04 PM
It's frightening to think how many times I had a terrible sunburn as a kid. A couple of summers ago I had a bad burn on my face. Now even though I love the sun I always wear sunscreen. I wish I could get my hubby to wear it!
Michele sent me!
Posted by: MorahMommy at October 20, 2006 5:19 PM
sunscreen is goo.
And Hiya - Here today via Michele's
rashbre
Posted by: rashbre at October 20, 2006 6:44 PM
i never leave the house without sunscreen on! michele doesn't either!
Posted by: barbie2be at October 20, 2006 7:00 PM
My father has had several non-cancerous spots removed. I also add, don't use tanning beds either. They are more dangerous than the sun.
Here via Michele's.
Have a lovely weekend.
Posted by: Andrea at October 20, 2006 7:36 PM
good for him being so dilligent! that's rare to see in a guy.
Posted by: honestyrain at October 20, 2006 8:17 PM
