bioguy

Awesome.  Thanks so much for the suggestions!!  I will look into them. 

Awesome.  Thanks so much for the suggestions!!  I will look into them. 

Awesome.  Thanks so much for the suggestions!!  I will look into them. 

Yes, that is also a possibility that the dermatologist mentioned.  I was a little surprised that he didn't ask a few more questions, or look at it more with the dermatoscope, but he said, in his experience, that it was not that useful.  Either way, the only way to know for sure, is just do a biopsy and find out.  I, like probably many fair-skinned people on here, have never been a sun-bather, and I don't work outside.  I did get a few sunburns as a kid at summer camp that I remember.  However, I never go to the beach or walk around in summer without a shirt – even as a kid.  And I've read that BC and SC carcinoma is usually with regular sun exposure — like on face, ears, etc.  Either way, I'm trying to stay positive and not stress too much until I know the results. 

Yes, that is also a possibility that the dermatologist mentioned.  I was a little surprised that he didn't ask a few more questions, or look at it more with the dermatoscope, but he said, in his experience, that it was not that useful.  Either way, the only way to know for sure, is just do a biopsy and find out.  I, like probably many fair-skinned people on here, have never been a sun-bather, and I don't work outside.  I did get a few sunburns as a kid at summer camp that I remember.  However, I never go to the beach or walk around in summer without a shirt – even as a kid.  And I've read that BC and SC carcinoma is usually with regular sun exposure — like on face, ears, etc.  Either way, I'm trying to stay positive and not stress too much until I know the results. 

Yes, that is also a possibility that the dermatologist mentioned.  I was a little surprised that he didn't ask a few more questions, or look at it more with the dermatoscope, but he said, in his experience, that it was not that useful.  Either way, the only way to know for sure, is just do a biopsy and find out.  I, like probably many fair-skinned people on here, have never been a sun-bather, and I don't work outside.  I did get a few sunburns as a kid at summer camp that I remember.  However, I never go to the beach or walk around in summer without a shirt – even as a kid.  And I've read that BC and SC carcinoma is usually with regular sun exposure — like on face, ears, etc.  Either way, I'm trying to stay positive and not stress too much until I know the results. 

Thanks for all the kind and supportive words everyone.  It really helps!  I just came back from my first trip to the dermatologist and he performed a biopsy.  Hopefully the results will be back by the end of the week he said.  He could tell I was really nervous.  He said it didn't look like melanoma to him, but maybe a carcinoma of some sort, but that the only way to be certain what it is exactly was to have it checked by biopsy — since sometimes (though rarely) melanomas don't have a traditional appearance.  Whatever the results, I have definitely learned my lesson and will be seeing a dermatologist for regular screenings.  Now, I just have to try to be calm and not let my mind run wild between now and the end of the week. 

What do you guys do to get your mind off of it?  I work full time during the day and teach a night class, so I really need my head back in the game.  But, this is weighing heavily on my mind. 

Thanks for all the kind and supportive words everyone.  It really helps!  I just came back from my first trip to the dermatologist and he performed a biopsy.  Hopefully the results will be back by the end of the week he said.  He could tell I was really nervous.  He said it didn't look like melanoma to him, but maybe a carcinoma of some sort, but that the only way to be certain what it is exactly was to have it checked by biopsy — since sometimes (though rarely) melanomas don't have a traditional appearance.  Whatever the results, I have definitely learned my lesson and will be seeing a dermatologist for regular screenings.  Now, I just have to try to be calm and not let my mind run wild between now and the end of the week. 

What do you guys do to get your mind off of it?  I work full time during the day and teach a night class, so I really need my head back in the game.  But, this is weighing heavily on my mind. 

Thanks for all the kind and supportive words everyone.  It really helps!  I just came back from my first trip to the dermatologist and he performed a biopsy.  Hopefully the results will be back by the end of the week he said.  He could tell I was really nervous.  He said it didn't look like melanoma to him, but maybe a carcinoma of some sort, but that the only way to be certain what it is exactly was to have it checked by biopsy — since sometimes (though rarely) melanomas don't have a traditional appearance.  Whatever the results, I have definitely learned my lesson and will be seeing a dermatologist for regular screenings.  Now, I just have to try to be calm and not let my mind run wild between now and the end of the week. 

What do you guys do to get your mind off of it?  I work full time during the day and teach a night class, so I really need my head back in the game.  But, this is weighing heavily on my mind. 

Thanks for the reply, kbc.  Yes, I was able to make an appt to see a dermatologist today.  It will be (sad to say) my very first visit to a dermatologist, despite having very fair skin and lots of moles.  My mom, grandmothers and aunts have all had various moles removed for biopsy in the past.  The 'breathing' part is the hardest.  I will certainly keep you posted and ask for help for the future — whatever the results.  I think I should probably have routine screenings anyway with my family history. 

Thanks for the reply, kbc.  Yes, I was able to make an appt to see a dermatologist today.  It will be (sad to say) my very first visit to a dermatologist, despite having very fair skin and lots of moles.  My mom, grandmothers and aunts have all had various moles removed for biopsy in the past.  The 'breathing' part is the hardest.  I will certainly keep you posted and ask for help for the future — whatever the results.  I think I should probably have routine screenings anyway with my family history. 

Thanks for the reply, kbc.  Yes, I was able to make an appt to see a dermatologist today.  It will be (sad to say) my very first visit to a dermatologist, despite having very fair skin and lots of moles.  My mom, grandmothers and aunts have all had various moles removed for biopsy in the past.  The 'breathing' part is the hardest.  I will certainly keep you posted and ask for help for the future — whatever the results.  I think I should probably have routine screenings anyway with my family history. 

Thanks so much for your response, Janner.  I'm trying to be calm about it, but it sure has me rattled. And you are right about letting my imagination run away with me.  🙁  Thanks for your positive thoughts.  I will keep you posted. 

Thanks so much for your response, Janner.  I'm trying to be calm about it, but it sure has me rattled. And you are right about letting my imagination run away with me.  🙁  Thanks for your positive thoughts.  I will keep you posted. 

Thanks so much for your response, Janner.  I'm trying to be calm about it, but it sure has me rattled. And you are right about letting my imagination run away with me.  🙁  Thanks for your positive thoughts.  I will keep you posted.