United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Wow Kath sorry to hear that.
I use lots of sunblock, but only the ones that are mainly zinc oxide, the chemicals in the others can be dangerous. Here's one that's really common-and dodgy-check list on right for other names it's listed on the label as. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingred ... n&¬hanks=1
There is also a list available from that page for safe sunblocks. And make sure you do spend just a little time in the sun without a block, early or late when it's not so dangerous, because otherwise you can get vitamin D deficiency, and us oldies need our vit D for our bones! If you're fairskinned it doesn't take long to get enough, 15 mins or so I think, but the darker you are the longer you need to be in the sun to get enough. This is a big enough problem down here where the sun is much more dangerous (no ozone layer) so people start wearing a block from first thing that we get reminded to let ourselves and our kids have morning sun to get that vit D.
Hope you're feeling better soon Kath, take care
Jen NZ

I had the rest of the lesion removed two days ago.
At first the doctor's nurse said they would remove the rest Oct. 20th...
I was so upset because my arm hurt so much ( crazy nerve signals). I felt as if my whole arm was one big open sore and just did not know what to do. I could not see this entire thing finally healing and then having to go through all the sore arm nerve over reaction to the needles and being cut again.
Then I decided to call and ask to speak to the doctor.
He called me back and remembered I had a unique condition... hmmm. He told me to come in at 5 that night and he would remove the rest.

I went to his office and dummy me let the nurse numb the site... I am all bruised now around the site. The doctor took off the rest and now it's the size of a dime. Not bad and not as sore as the first time... But my muscle is now swollen and the non allergic tape is getting to this fair skin of mine. Unfortunately as I shaved my legs in the morning I discovered another small on on my right leg and now one on the left side. The doctor said it was not a big deal and he would remove them when I come back Oct. 20th... Well, it's a big deal to me to see more!

The funny part of this whole deal is... I NEVER SAT IN THE SUN!!! I'm a redhead ( faded but you can still tell it's red). I was not allowed to play in the sun as a child and when I went to the beach as a teenager and young adult.... I WORE LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS AND SLACK....
All year long I wear 45 on my face ( without paba) and all summer long I wear 45 on exposed areas... Man am I ticked off that I was so careful and still get this.

Vit D is very important because they are making a connection to it and MS... but who know... My daughter was always out doors and she has MS... so I'm not sure.
But it's important for the kids bones. When I was young they did not have sun blocks and if I played outside I would get sunburned... sometimes walking in winter months I would get sunburned on my face...

I just read about was some moisturizing lotions causing this type of skin cancer... I use one of the ones listed as possible cause of these type of cancer lesion because I have such dry skin...

I have not made a decision about waiting to go to the dermatologist in Oct or going to an Oncology dermatologist sooner. I am toying with the idea of seeking another opinion because I have more of the same. This is the first time I've had a problem like this with my skin. Over the years my doctors were telling me how they can tell I was careful about the sun... UGH...
Not whining just annoyed that it had to start on my bpi arm....

Jenny thanks for all the information I will check out those sites. My grand-kids are darker skinned than I am and my daughter and daughter in law are so good about sunscreens but who knows what chemicals are in all of them. It's funny you should mention bone density, I have the bone density of a young adult... ha ha ha. So I got a letter telling me I was high risk for cancer. They think if your bone density is high at my age (68) that I must produce estrogen and therefore at risk. My Gynecologist said that was a reach on their part and not to worry.

Kath robpi/adult

Kath,
My vote is a 2nd opinion with an ONCOLOGIST!! don't take anymore short cuts, your body stuff requires Specialists when things crop up

HUGS,
Carolyn J

I am going to an oncologist on Sept 9.
Some how with a few more on my right leg... I don't think it's wise to wait until Oct 20. This is suppose to be a mild type of skin cancer but it's squamous cell.

It's amazing all the lesions are on my robpi side...
Hmmm just anything weird thing.

Since this grows rapidly I don't understand the doctor telling me to wait until Oct 20th to take it off.
When I called the oncologist they made room for me next week... Amazing.

Kath robpi/adult

Yippee! Your Oncologist's Office sounds like a good one since they wasted no time geting you in next week. I am waiting to hear the report...Has anyone else had cancer show up on your BPI side? This is interesting to get on top of, for sure.

My thoughts & prayers are with you,Kath.
HUGS,
Carolyn J

I just got the results on my leg and it's squamous cell and I have to go in for Mohs surgery Oct 21.

Now for the best part. I called and the first dermatologist said come in and he would take off the rest of the cancer... But he did not send it out to be tested.... so how does he know he got it all...

He did not get it! This last biopsy on my leg was nothing on a scale of 1 to 10 it was a minus 1... However, my arm just started to calm down and heal and on a pain scale from one to ten it was a 20. I tried to explain that pain issues were different on that arm and healing was different. Boy am I ticked off because now I feel compelled to have another biopsy on my right arm to make sure he got it all.... ugh!

I'm just so ticked off at the lack of information out there for those of us who have to deal with non bpi doctors and their lack of information and knowledge about bpi. They have no idea as to how pain affects us on that arm... grrrrrr steam is coming out my ears.

Kath robpi/adult

Oh Kath, that sucks!

I hope that the MD did get it all and you won't have to go through this again!

Ohhhh Kath,
Of all things, you do not need more pain!!

You are in my prayers.

HUGS,
Carolyn J