Sunburn turns deadly: Skin cancer scare provides reason to take cover when outdoors

Every once in awhile we all have episodes in our life where we get an unexpected, loud wake up call.

I am going to share my recent skin cancer journey in hopes it helps others become more vigilant and proactive.

The entire episode began several months ago while I was fishing at San Luis Reservoir in very hot and dry conditions . As usual I was somewhat covered up, but it wasn’t until about halfway through the day that I applied sunscreen. Later that day, I realized that the middle of my lower lip was cracked. I used some chapstick and thought It would be OK.

Two months later, my lip still had not healed. And no matter what I did , and the area was irritated and swollen. I usually heal pretty quickly but the lip just seemed to get worse. it was time to see a doctor.

I just expected the doctor to give me a cream to heal it it but he comes into the exam room and says we need a biopsy — now! The mood in the room changes when he says: “I’m setting up an appointment with one of the top head and neck surgeons in the area to remove the mass behind the middle of your lower lip. I don’t know how much of it they will have to remove but you may need plastic surgery afterwards to keep your lip.“

The procedure is done and two days later I learn the biopsy confirmed I had squamous cell skin cancer. It’s not the worst type of cancer but it’s not good either. If not treated quickly, it can spread to other parts of the body. I was in shock.

I knew about skin cancer, to some degree, but like many, I had spent most all of my life outdoors — as well as on the water, which reflects and intensifies the radiation. I had taken some preventative steps (when it was convenient) but I really hated covering up my face and head. Even though I had guys all around me who had had cancers removed from their head, back, neck, arms etc., it didn’t faze me that much. It was one of those things I kind of ignored.

I had Mohs surgery, where they go in, remove the cancer, then check the tissue to see if they got it all. If not, then it’s back to surgery for another round, until they determine that all of the cancer has been removed.

I went through two rounds of surgery before it was complete. It was a three-hour marathon that I’ll never forget.

In addition, I had to have surgery to reinforce my entire lower lip because tissue behind my lip that supports a normal smile was removed.

It took me about three weeks to return to normal.

The whole experience was one I never want to repeat and I’m sure it’s one you also would want to skip. I could have lost most of my lower lip, or worse.

Skin cancer can be deadly. And a number of people have shared with me their skin cancer experiences. I suggest that if you are not consciously and intentionally doing something to minimize your sun exposure that maybe it’s time to rethink your protocols and protection for when you plan to spend time outdoors.

It was a painful experience that I could have avoided. It’s kind of like playing Russian roulette, but you’re gambling with your life.

Live your best life, and cover up.

Never give up.

Roger George: rogergeorge8@protonmail.com, Rogergeorgeguideservice on Facebook and @StriperWars.

This story was originally published October 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM.