Basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer)

Two days ago, I had basal cells removed from my face.

That was the second time in the same spot. The first time, about 10 years ago, they simply lanced it and then tested to be sure it was truly basal cell. What I didn't know at the time was that they should have tested on-site, then lanced more until it was gone. Apparently that doctor was a quack or just didn't care.

On this go around, they had to take off 3 layers. The doctor said it was pretty deep and was working it's way into the fat -- probably because the deeper parts of it hadn't been removed the first time.

So... why am I posting this here in the Surveying forum? Because I'm quite certain this stems from my working in the field in Southern California for the first 8 years of my surveying career. That was in the late 80's / early 90's and I rarely wore any kind of protection, nor did I use sun block (dumb). Most of those years, even in the winter, I was in the sun constantly. It's amazing that this is the only instance of skin cancer (so far).

My lack of good choices then is now biting me in the butt today. I figured it was worth talking about here in case any of you young'ns aren't using sun block.

Also, it could have been worse. About 10 years ago, I was shaving with a traditional razor, and I cut that spot -- it wouldn't stop bleeding, so my wife rushed me to ER. They cauterized it and said it looked like skin cancer. The rest is history.

Take care of yourselves. I'm very lucky that it's not much worse.