patrick reif Posted July 8, 2014 Report Share Posted July 8, 2014 My wife was diagnosed with stage one melanoma. She had the surgery to remove the tumor yester day. The cancer on her cheek was the size of half a pencil erasure, but the hole they cut on her cheek was the size of a quarter. All totaled, she walked out with 30 stitches to sew her back up. For melanoma the base line for further tests is anything beyond 1mm thick. Elaine's was 1.1mm thick. We'll be heading to Wake Forest Medical Center the end of this month to have the surrounding lymph gland removed and tested to ensure the cancer hadn't impacted her lymphatic system. Skin cancer is no joke, but lymphatic cancer is deadly. We all spend a lot of time out in the sun chasing our passion. Please wear protective clothing and sunscreen. This is a very serious thing but it's avoidable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Here's wishing all the best for a full recovery. A poignant message to us all, well made. Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anglinarcher Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 Patrick, So many of us are older and grew up in the sun. I grew up on the farm, and fishing and hunting; sun screen was never used. Most of the sun screens they had did not even work well. I got what my doctor called Anomalous cells on my nose. Short for what he called pre-melanoma. Big scar, scared me to death. Now I don't go outside with out an SPF 50 sun screen, but I will always wonder if 50 years in the sun without it can be corrected now. I feel for your wife, and please let her know our prayers are with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Best wishes for your wife Patrick. Also good advice concerning the sunscreen. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassrecord Posted July 19, 2014 Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 Wife and I wish you both well. We've both had pre-cancerous places removed so we share your sun screen advice. Good luck! John 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nugene Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 Wife and I wish you both well. We've both had pre-cancerous places removed so we share your sun screen advice. Good luck! John I WISH YOUR WIFE MY BEST.......NUGENE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhahn427 Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 Skin cancer is no joke ......... But it sounds like they got it early ....... Good luck and best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted October 22, 2014 Report Share Posted October 22, 2014 I hope your wife is doing well. Thanks for the reminder, most of us fish a lot and never really comprehend on how bad the sun is for your skin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don-Art Posted October 24, 2014 Report Share Posted October 24, 2014 Patrick, I know first hand, my mother passed away from Melanoma in 2008. I make my annual visit to a dermatologist and wear a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen when I am outside. My Mother lived her entire life in Minnesota. So Melanoma does not have any geographical preference. I might look like a old-timer in the wide brimmed hat. But I really don't care, because I know what the consequences can be for lack of sun protection. I will keep you and your wife in my thoughts and prayers. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrubs Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 I wear Glacier Glove sun gloves they work well. Ebay has em for about twenty bucks. bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...