Mass removed from Biden's chest last month is cancerous

[mrsukyankee]

Thanks for the reminder, just booked in my appointment. It's been since before the pandemic.

[Velar Fricative]

Mar 7, 2023 12:13:32 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Mar 6, 2023 11:10:41 GMT -5 Vespasia said:

I'm going to use this thread to vent about something.

I had my first skin check a few months ago at the large medical institution where I work. Both my father and my sister have had skin cancer but I honestly don't know if it was basal cell or melanoma. Both were easily removed with no long term issues so I assume the former. 

I saw a resident and an attending, both of whom seemed mildly surprised that I was there. They downplayed my risk and essentially made me feel like I was wasting their time. They also said they didn't have a follow up protocol for someone as low risk as me and that I should come back in 3-5 years. 

I'm still annoyed about it and regret not providing feedback via the post-visit survey. I'm going to mention it to my PCP when I see her next month and will absolutely go elsewhere next time! 

They definitely should not have made you feel shitty, although I will say I had a similar experience. I have a darker complexion and very few moles, and the doctor was just like, you’re good, you don’t have to come back unless something new/unusual pops up. My family has also had basal cell on both sides, although it doesn’t seem like that’s considered the same risk as a family history of melanoma (you should find out which type of cancer it was, if you can.)

My husband, FWIW, has stage 3 melanoma so I’m not insensitive to the risk of skin cancer AT ALL. But it’s also true that some people are just lower risk for it, the same way we have different screening guidelines for all cancers. I went to a top academic medical center, the same one treating my husband, so I trust they’re not steering me wrong.

That whole novel aside … You should always feel empowered to get a second opinion!

First, I'm so sorry to hear about your H's diagnosis and I hope his treatment is going well!

You're definitely right about risk, but let's say you told your doc "You know, I know I have low risk but I'd really feel better getting an annual check, especially in light of my husband's own cancer diagnosis." If they dismiss that, that would be terrible. An annual skin check should never be an unreasonable ask!