I never thought I’d revisit that topic, honestly. Until last week’s semiannual exam.
A few weeks ago I was sitting in a conference session. The speaker mentioned being a Melanoma survivor.
Survivor?
That caught my attention, because it had never even crossed my mind. I have had a malignant melanoma removed. It didn’t seem like a big deal to me, really.
My doctor has sometimes examined me with consternation. Concerned that I didn’t seem to be taking it seriously enough.
A survivor to me seems more relevant to my aunt who has fought breast cancer. To rescue workers who brave danger to save lives. Not to me. Someone who sat in a chair while a doctor cut a 1 ½ inch line between my eyes and successfully removed the offending cells.
Melanoma can be fatal and is no joke.
Skin cancer caught in the beginning stages offers a 97% chance (that is almost 100%!) of survival.
Once mine was removed, I let go of that issue. I go back every six months for a thorough (and I do mean complete) examination. I’ve had biopsies of other areas and will likely continue to do so.
But I am not afraid. And I don’t want you to be either.
What does Melanoma look like?
Melanoma is serious. It can be deadly. But even more important? With preventative care and regular exams, it is often treatable. In my case, persistence paid off until I found a doctor who took my concern seriously.
Mine was only Stage 1. Thankfully.
Melanoma can look a change in an existing mole, or a new and unusual formation. Learns about the ABCDE of unusual moles to watch for here.
It should come naturally to me, to insert the word “survivor”, when I think of melanoma. I do take this very seriously; my own biological father was not a survivor. I know what it can mean to be flippant.
That is why I go, and I want you to as well. Please.
That is the true reason I share these makeup-free, reality check pictures in this very vulnerable and public forum. I care about you.
My dermatologist’s office did a skin scan to see what was under the layers. Each layer showed potential sun damage effects that are coming my way. I didn’t have to find out, but I am glad I did.
Turns out those years of being a pale skin teen slathering on baby oil was a really, really dumb idea.
Facing the facts helps fight the fear. You know what you are dealing with.
Melanoma doesn’t have to own you. It is the unknown that stalks us in the night, that makes us sweat with nerves in the parking lot before we go in for our appointments.
Do body checks. Click here for a visual chart to self-exam between doctor checks. Wear sunscreen every day. Get the information you need to deal with what is in your control.
Don’t live in fear of melanoma. Give it healthy respect, but not control of your emotions.
Great success story.
Great advice, Christa, that we all should take seriously.
Thanks for sharing.
Grateful you are OK!