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Basal Cell Carcinoma

br70
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Hi, 

Have just joined after getting a diagnosis of a BCC on the top left of my forehead by letter last week after a small biopsy for a 2mm spot/ulcer that was taking ages to close (had for around 3 months). I have found these forums a bit of a comfort so far as did what I'm sure most have done initially and looked at Google and seen horrendous photos and went in to quite a dark place. 

I have been referred to a plastic surgeon and am unsure if that is because on the face they are the best people to do small/less visible scars or because they think it needs more reconstructive work but I'm lying awake every night hoping its not the latter and a simple quick removal. As embarrassing as it is to admit I literally spent three hours looking in to a magnifying mirror at every little pore/spot on my face and surrounding areas and after seeing some of the photos of removal of nose ones and am literally a complete wreck and just stressing what if get one there after and can't snap out of it especially as I think back now to couple of times getting sunburnt when younger etc. I know IF I did get any there may be other treatments anyway such as creams, photodynamic therapy etc but just can't seem to think rationally at the minute :( 

Parents
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    Hi,

    Sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with BCC.  I have just had one removed from my nose and, like you, when I first found out, I found myself looking at all the most serious case scenarios on Google and imagining the worst. I can also relate to looking at every spot, pimple and mark, questioning whether it is new, has changed or could be another BCC - I think that is probably quite a normal reaction to something like this and will probably go on for some time.  I can only say, from my experience, that the whole thing was nowhere near as bad as I had imagined it would be and 6 weeks on, the scar is healing well.  For me, the waiting and imagining what it would be like afterwards was the worst bit of it all.  I hope that you can get some reassurance at your next appointment and, as you've probably worked out, google is not that helpful in these situations so probably best to avoid it if you can.  Best of luck.

  • Offline in reply to JR21

    I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to send that as whilst I am sorry to hear you have had the same diagnosis, it is a real comfort to hear from someone who had the same fears, does the same constant checking and also went in to dark places thanks to Google before your surgery but that it wasn't anywhere near as bad as you anticipated or thought it would be and truly hope it is the same for me also. Really glad to hear you are healing well and in a better place now and good luck with your continued recovery and would be nice to hear from you from time to time as to how you are progressing/healing.

     

     

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  • Offline in reply to JR21

    I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to send that as whilst I am sorry to hear you have had the same diagnosis, it is a real comfort to hear from someone who had the same fears, does the same constant checking and also went in to dark places thanks to Google before your surgery but that it wasn't anywhere near as bad as you anticipated or thought it would be and truly hope it is the same for me also. Really glad to hear you are healing well and in a better place now and good luck with your continued recovery and would be nice to hear from you from time to time as to how you are progressing/healing.

     

     

Children
  • Offline in reply to br70

    I also found these forums really helpful in the time between diagnosis and surgery so I am glad that you are feeling reassured. There are so many people going through some really difficult situations but will take the time to reassure you and even just reading about other people's experiences can be helpful when trying to process everything.

    Best of luck.

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