A Reality Check -- Skin Cancer

[prefers shiners]

Yesterday, 3/4, my dermatologist removed a skin cancer from my hand. It was what they call a "Squamous Cell Carcinoma" ....he had to really dig a big chunk out of my hand to make sure he got it all....11 stitches.....it is not the worst kind you can have but it can take you down.....he said this came from many previous years of not using any sun screen.....in recent years I have been trying to use it often....when I can remember to put it on.....once I get on the water I don't want to stop fishing (reminds me of Bobfish) to do it so I started putting the sunscreen on at home before I left (Didi taught me that).....folks, I am not posting this to draw attention to myself, but to issue a warning to all those out there like me who do not worry about the danger....you know, when you cut yourself with a knife, there is an immediate wound that you can relate the action with the consequence.......with skin cancer, it can take years before you see the consequences of not using sun screen.....I will be OK....the doctor said the worst kind is Melanoma and I do not have that.....make yearly checkups with your dermatologist see him immediately if you find something not normal.....I am posting 2 pictures....I hope they are not to gross for anyone but they may wake someone up (like me) to start taking this disease seriously.....sometimes it takes a picture to have a "reality check"...now, lets go jerk some slabs.....