Hi Kittybo, 

A warm welcome to Cancer Chat. It sounds like it's been a really difficult time for you and I wanted to let you know about the information we have on our website on merkel cell carcinoma. The worst seems to be behind you now after everything you've been through, the two operations and 25 sessions of radiotherapy. It's good that they are monitoring things though and you are having regular check ups. 

Don't pay attention to what these people are saying - none of this is your fault and they should not be making comments like this. So simply ignore them if you can. As many people on our forum will have experienced, some people can be a bit tactless and say things when they really don't know what they're talking about. Focus on the people - and they exist too - who mean well and who are there for you showing understanding and making you feel better.

Sometimes it's through going through scary health issues like this that we get to see who is having a positive impact on our lives and making us feel supported and loved and who we can simply ignore and you don't need to invest too much of your precious time on these negative people. 

I will now let others members of our community come and say hello and share their story with you. It helps to talk to others here who truly understand how you are feeling and how others may have made you feel. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Kittybo it’s odd isn’t it. I too have skin cancer, bcc on my nose. I’ve had to tell a few people at work that I’m not going to be around for while as I’ve got an operation on my nose to remove skin cancer. Most people have been very kind but the odd few have decided to give me ‘advice’ on how I should be wearing sun cream everyday day and did I know that I could by SPF face cream and makeup. Yes, yes I do know that and yes I do wear that and no, I’ve never been on a sunbed or purposefully sunbathed. I really shouldn’t have to explain myself to them and nor should you. I’ve decided to use my energy on myself and not worry about what others think. There is definitely a feeling of shame and guilt that is attached to a skin cancer diagnosis. I just wanted to let you know that you’re not alone.