Today is a big day: not only is it St Patrick’s Day (top o’ the mornin’ to ye!), but I have finally made time for a Molescan.
I Must Confess: it has been so long since I went for a molescan, that the clinic no longer had my details on file.
Ooops.
It truly doesn’t feel that long ago! But when I think back, I remember getting my molescan and having a biopsy done on my nose. I was working in the library at the time, and was embarrassed by the stitches on my face.
Fortunately it turned out to be “nothing”. But as I worked in the library from 2003 to 2005, I can now estimate that it was probably 10 years ago.
I knew I needed to be checked, but it had kind of slidden to the bottom of my (never-ending) “to do” list. I honestly didn’t realise it had been so long.
But then the hubster went and had a molescan, concerned about a scar that seemed to be getting bigger and angrier. He was promptly diagnosed with a BCC (basal cell carcinoma) on his shoulder – on the site of a previous biopsy which had been given the all clear! Needless to say he had it removed and now has a 10cm long scar.
It was the wake-up call I needed. If he with his lovely olive Mediterranean skin, can get skin cancer – how much more at risk must I be, with my fair Anglo-Saxon colouring?
Ideally, we should all be checking our own skin every 3 months, and make time for a molescan as soon as possible if we notice any unusual lumps or bumps such as moles that have changed size or colour, sores that won’t heal, etc. And it’s definitely worthwhile to make time for a molescan every couple of years, especially once you’re over forty.
Obviously, I’d let time get away from me – you don’t have to slap me around the head for being so slack! Believe me, I’m doing it to myself. Fingers crossed, all will be well.
Now it’s your turn to confess: is it time for a molescan?! When was the last time YOU had one?
Confessing all with Kirsty from My Home Truths.
I had one about 18 months ago. I’m not a moley person as such but I have had a deep skin cancer lasered out of my face. Part of living in Australia I think!
I have a molescreen every 6 mths as about 7 years ago I was diagnosed with a melanoma on the top of my left leg. It was a what I call a beauty spot that I had had for years, that my Sister saw as getting bigger and darker (something I didn’t notice cos I saw it every day!!) I was lucky to have caught it in time but could have been fatal – was a category4!!! Since then I have been having my molescreens religiously although thankfully the melanoma has been a one off for me but still keep everything checked. Can’t be too safe especially after a huge scare like a melanoma!!! I urge everyone to have a molescreen regularly, especially in the heat and sun of Queensland.
This is something I should definitely do as I am very fair skinned and a natural redhead. Ugh. Hope your scan results are all clear. xo
Do you know, I’ve never actually had one. Hubby is in the high risk group and has them yearly. I will be making the appointment this week!
It’s been probably a year since my last scan check, longer than I thought now I think about it. Given my Grandmother passed away from melanoma only a couple of years ago I am quite fanatical about noting any changes on myself or my family and getting immediately to the doctor for him to check it out.
I had one a few months ago, however, the guy was very quick and I felt a little uncomfy about the whole thing. I am vigilant though because if it’s preventable I want to be able to do so! Good luck! That is one big scar and stitches 🙁
It’s a 10cm long scar, from a spot that was smaller than a 5c piece – they took a lot out!
I have my checkups regularly because I had a nasty BCC removed from my nose several years ago. Also my hubby has fair skin and has had a lot BCC’s over the years which his Skin Specialist cuts out. Hence he has a very scarred body! It’s definitely something we all should be mindful of.
My stepmum is from Scotland and has had so many skin cancers cut out of her face, that she actually had to have a plastic surgeon fix her nose! They did a great job, you really can’t tell.
My GP used to be a dermatologist so I book in to get my moles looked at from head to toe. I had a biopsy on a small lump at the back of my leg but it turned out to be nothing. Hope they don’t find anything sinister during your scan. x
I am a veteran of skin cancer checks. I have had two BCCs taken off my face and one pre-melanoma taken from my back. I have 6 monthly checks and am always on the lookout for changes. As we are all fair (my son especially so with his albinism) we are very conscious of making sure we are sun-safe and aware of changes. Glad you went back Janet x
Oh goodness, I’ve never had a molescan! I’m olive but I’m very freckly so I probably should organise one!
Oh dear…I must confess I have never had a full molescan…. eekk..
Any that I am worried about I usually just get my doctor to check them when I go, so far so good!
Am glad you and hubster are looking after yourselves and getting that done!