Did you make your appointment today??
I went to bed late tonight but checked BOS just one last time and was stunned. I don't know Ray personally but share the same type melanoma cancer but at an earlier stage. I've grown to hate that word. I was diagnosed in 2004. Two surgeries months of recovery and a year of chemotherapy has left it in remission now for six years. I get CT and PET scans along with visits to the dermatologist 2 times a year and will for the rest of my life. Â It can come back. Â When I read that Ray had cancer my first thought was melanoma but did not want to jump to conclusions and hated the idea that it might be. Â After a year of pressing WSmag to run an article on the subject knowing the amount of time we all spend outside, they finally agreed and ran a small story back in an early 2010 summer issue (I'll sight exactly which later today). Â I told Todd it needed to be written because it will save lives. Â One thing about this type of deadly cancer is that no one can tell you when you acquired it. The melinoma specialists at the Moffit Cancer Center in Tamp FL told me that no one can pin point the onset and it could have started when I was a teen. Â We didnt know much of sunblock back then or had ever heard of a dermatologist. Â With that said, the most affective way to prevent this from happening to you is to SEE a dermatologist. Â Â We can start a grass roots movement right here right now. Â It only takes a phone call and about 30mn of your time. Â Â Keep this thread alive and at the top of the list by posting the following words the day you make your appointment: Â "I made my appointment". Â Â If you already see one, post the same words. Â This will make a huge impact on our lives and the lives of our families and friends across our sport and others. Â I'll start. Â "I MADE MY APPOINTMENT" Â Â Thank you.Â
>>> 11.25..a different kettle of fish. <<<
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Who do you make an appointment with?
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A dermatologist or GP?
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 Is there some type of specific procedure you request or do you just indicate that you spend a lot of time in the sun and want them to give you the once over?
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I had skin cancer removed from my nose in my mid-20's, and have made regular trips now for over 20 years. Numerous "funny" looking moles or scaling spots have been removed by freezing or cutting out.
We just had a local Dentist die of skin cancer from his scalp that passed to his brain. it was very fast. He was in his 50's.
My dad at 80 has been a boater almost his whole life. He has darker skin and black hair, and has had numerous cancers removed in the last 5 years, so it isn't just us blonde fair skinned types.
Don't think it just happens to the other guy. Wear a hat and shirt and sunscreen for sun reflecting off the water.
<img src="http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h149/malibuowner/IMG_1344.jpg" border="0" width="426" height="640" /><img src="http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h149/malibuowner/IMG_1344.jpg" border="0" width="1" height="1" />
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Skin cancer is not something to take lightly.
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I spent almost 6 months going through various surgeries to get rid of all my melanoma.
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I was lucky and did not have to have any further treatment but had I let it go I may not be alive.
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This is a pic of the 4th surgery I had on this ear.
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Couldn't find the pictures of the slab of meat the removed from my back
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Also a genetic component to Melanoma risk.
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My dad had one removed from his neck. Caught early and so far no further treatment required.
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At his Dr's recommendation I went to a dermatologist to get checked. The first guy gave me a quick look over, clothes on, and sent me on my way. This didn't seem right so I scheduled to see a diferent Dr.
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She checked me over from head to toe, was very thorough and provided lots of information before the exam. Also recommends a yearly exam and self exams. If you notice any changes in color, border, size then get it checked immediately. Early identification is key.
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Take it seriously. Find a GOOD dermatologist.
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Please watch this and pass it on.
http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/dear_16yearold_me
Or
If you have not read this thread please do.
Thank you.
And if you see anything new or changing on your skin, get in there right away.
Aside: There's actually been some compelling data lately suggesting that extreme under-exposure to sunlight is also very bad for you in other ways, but I don't think anybody reading THIS forum needs to worry about THAT! So get some spray-on sweat-proof sunblock and use it!
Basil Cell Carcinoma might not be as deadly, but can be disfiguring if left too long. I had a small spot on my nose a few years ago that I originally thought was a zit, but it didn't go away. It could have been just a small, easy removal if I had gone to the Derm earlier. Luckily I was sent to the best plastic surgeon in town, most people don't even notice the scars.
Always use sunscreen & wear your wide brimmed hats!
They will also be looking into the true effectiveness of the sprays.
I got my results back a month ago from my CT/PET scan..... All clear (7 years cancer free)
28 years old, and a few to many days on the water and roofing houses without good protection I have had my share of bad burns. Luckily I have been good so far, have the wife check me as often as I can get her to and as a result I have had one bugger that showed up cut out. Right in the middle of a back tattoo but the piece of mind was/is worth the scar even if it is in the middle of my ink.
You guys got me thinking though that I ought to up the game and let someone besides the wife check out my naked freckled self.