Prayers requested for skin screening

[hamsterjill]

I am a real weenie about medical things. It stems from a childhood trauma.

I have to have a full body exam today at the dermatologist's office, and I have some suspicious things on my skin. I would very much appreciate prayers to get me through the appointment, and that I have the strength necessary to deal with any issues.

I know there are so many people who deal with so much worse. My prayers for anyone here who may be dealing with medical issues. May God hold you and keep you, and heal you!

[SheltieLover]

1. Good vibes on the way to you, Jill!

[hamsterjill]

5. Thank you so much, Sheltie!

Means a lot.

[SheltieLover]

9. I had one of those screenings a few yrs ago

Dr said "I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm 95% sure it's cancer."

I told him "no it's not. I am rarely out imthe sun with skin exposed."

I was right.

So don't freak out if they say something dumb.

[Irish_Dem]

2. Derms are used to seeing patients who are nervous.

You might start chatting with the MD or NP doing the exam.
I get twice a year skin exams (and have done so for over 30 years)
and I have learned most of them love to chat during exams.

They get bored looking at skin all day long!
But if you don't want to chat, they will respect that too.

The chatting will distract you. Tell them about your kids, grandkids, pets.
Whatever you want. Ask them about themselves as well if you want.

2. Usually if they need to remove anything it is a separate appointment.
If they offer to remove a spot today, I would let them do it to get it done and over with.

They might freeze something today if they think that is appropriate.

3. I think Derms are the nicest medical specialty.
Always very nice and low key.

4. By the way, it is all done in a very respectful way.
You have a paper gown on and they just look at your body in sections.

[godsentme]

3. Perfect description by Irish Dem

I've been going twice a year for 3 years. Irish Dem described my experience perfectly. I've had a tiny basal cell carcinoma removed. Since then, I go 2 times a year for screening. My dermatologist is funny and chatty. I hope you find relief in knowing you're taking care of yourself.

[Irish_Dem]

4. I just accompanied a friend who had some stuff removed from her hand.

This was a new Dermatologist who was so funny, I told him he should be a stand up comedian.

But he is superb at his day job, so I guess he will have to do his comedy routine in the medical office.
Yes he and the nurse love to chat, like all the other Derms.

My friend was freaking out about the visit, but the Derm and I chatted and laughed, the procedue
was done before she knew it.

So I had to go with her to get the stitches removed too!

[hamsterjill]

8. You are a good friend for going with her.

I'm sure it made things easier for her.

[Irish_Dem]

10. She was nervous about the visit.

But I am used to getting checked twice a year, for decades, and having things removed.
It was no problem at all for me.

Yes it did help her a lot.

I will be with you in spirit Hamster.

Let me know how the visit goes.

[hamsterjill]

7. Thank you.

And good for you for taking care of yourself. I've neglected to do a full body exam before today although I've been in and had specific concerns biopsied before.

I will be going for regular exams after this. Yes, there is a certain "lift" when you know you are doing something proactive. I will reward myself with a special meal once it's over.

Appreciate it!

[hamsterjill]

6. Thank you for the insight.

I've had things frozen off and had biopsies done before. I've never done the "full body" thing until today. I've been careless by putting it off, and my advice to anyone reading this would be to DO IT!!!!

I'm not so much worried about showing it all (LOL!). I'm old and wrinkled and proud of it! I worry about needles and them finding something.

Thank you again for the insight and advice. I will definitely be chatting.

[2naSalit]

11. On it!

[hamsterjill]

12. Thank you!

n/t