Basal Cell Carcinoma?

[twinnyme]

Does anyone know anything about this? I just found out tonight that my twin sister has basal cell carcinoma. Apparently she had a biopsy last Friday because she's had a pimple-like growth on her nose for a few weeks, and she got the call today that she has basal cell carcinoma. From all I've read on the web (and that she told me) it's benign and very treatable. But it is still very scary. Very scary. I think I'm still in shock. And I'm just so scared for her. All I've read (not much so far, just quick search on the web) tells me that it's what 75% of what people with skin cancer have, and that it rarely metastasizes (sp?). But she'll have to have checkups every six months after the removal of it (apparently they'll take off layers of skin one by one; I don't really understand the treatment) and she may have to have a skin graft onto ther nose (to help with scarring).

She is in the sun a lot (lots of skiing) and she said she's had a few burns, but I'm still just so shocked and distraught over this right now. Does anyone have succesful stories to share? Any good web resources for me to read? TIA!

ETA: I did a search but didn't find anything on this topic. If there is, please feel free to merge threads. Thank you.

[Toonces]

I'm sorry for her (and your) scare! Everything you wrote about the research you did and what she told you is right on. Basal cell carcinoma is very common, mostly in older men on their noses and ears (from those things being exposed to a lot of sun). It makes sense that your sister would get it from her skiing/burns. I had melanoma in 2004 when I was pregnant with my DD and they were able to remove it and I'm just fine now. I get checked out every 6 months. There are a couple of skin cancer threads in ES if you want to check those out. HTH! :)

[bookworm]

I understand being scared. It's a good idea to keep following up with dermatologists, but (in my family, so far, knock wood), it has generally just been scraped off (yuck) and that has been the end of it. But each of my parents has had a few spots over the years--regular checkups are important.

[EJH]

I posted to your LJ but just wanted to say you are all in my thoughts!

Erin

[twinnyme]

Thanks, Erin, catgirl1007, and bookworm. I appreciate your responses. I'm feeling somewhat better today - the initial shock has worn off and between your posts and what I've read, and having spoken to my mother (who is a nurse) I feel like this IS very treatable and should be okay. I think it's just hearing the word "carcinoma" that scares me out of my mind. But it does seem like a less severe one. I'm sure my sister is still scared to death, too, but she's an OB and knows medical stuff. I'm going to find out when the procedure is and try to get there for it. I work only part-time so if she does it on a Friday, I can swing it (I'm off Fridays and Mondays). Maybe I can help her out with her two sons when she's recovering.

Just so scary.

[riotgrrl]

my mom has this. she was first diganosed over 2 years ago but lost insurance right after being diganosed and could not get any type of medical insurance even though my dad only makes 30,000 a year. finally they moved to another state in sept and were approved for the states health insurance. she goes in march 2nd to get it taken care of and then 2 weeks later a plastic surgeon will do a skin graft.

i'm sure your sister will be fine. just be there for her because it is a scary process. my mom is constantly worried about it.