Scared in case it’s cancer

Hi, about 6 weeks ago my daughter scratched my nose and made it bleed. It all appeared to heal and was fine. Then at the start of the month I got a big pimple there. I left it alone and waited for it to go. It didn't and I got impatient so decided to squeeze it (I know, I know!) But when I examined it, it didn't seem like a normal spot. I booked it to the doctors and was told it matches some of the criteria of squamous skin cancer. I was given an urgent referral (my appointment is tomorrow) but have been Googling (yeah, I know) and I'm petrified. I've had lots of sunburns when I was growing up - sun cream wasn't that high on my parents agenda, more, Chuck a t shirt on to cover up once I was bright red! Ive got fair skin and blue eyes. I've got lots of freckles, I'm worried some of them could be cancerous, plus a new smooth shiny patch on my thumb knuckle that's developed since my appointment. I'm so scared it will be cancer and be a bad prognosis. I have 4 children and I'm petrified I'm going to die and leave them, or have surgery on my face that will leave them scared of me (vain I know). I don't know what I'm after really, sorry for the huge off load.

  • Hi, I'm in a completely different situation to you, but I needed to reply! I too am waiting for an appointment and am googling and am worrying. 
    I only joined yesterday and I sort of offloaded too. 
    My thoughts are this... it's ok to rant/offload. It's ok to be scared. It's ok to not have any idea what to do next. and it's ok to google (even though we really know it's going to harm us rather than help!)

    This is what this is for. We can talk, we can virtually hug and we can find people to talk to x

    Your appointment tomorrow will hopefully answer some of what you need. Hugs hugs for it xx

  • Hi,

    I can understand how anxious will be, especially as it's come out of the blue. Firstly, don't Google as the information given is out of date and not helpful. If you feel the need to get information, use only the trusted websites, this CRUk one, Macmilland and the British Association of Dermatologists website are very helpful.

    Squamous skin cancer is a non melanoma skin cancer - it is very curable and only spreads if it has been left a long time (years) without treatment. As you have sought medical help very quickly the chance of spread is almost zero. It will leave a small scar but the plastic surgeons are very good at their job when doing facial surgery so it will hardly be noticeable in time.

    As most skin cancers are caused by UV damage, it makes sense to take more care now when in the sun. If you have any other problem areas you want checking - ask the consultant at your appointment - hopefully they can put your mind at rest. Just keep an eye on any sun damaged areas of your skin from now on & seek medical help if you find something that worries you. Meanwhile - you are not going to die from this so take heart. Good luck with your appointment and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)