Generally our life is very positive and upbeat, but after facing a very emotional past few weeks, I am finally on the downside of stress mountain. I couldn't decide if, and if so, how, I would be able to write this post. I feel the need to share in case I'm able to help anyone who is questioning whether it's worth a doctors visit - guess what, IT IS.
I am, genetically, a very mole-y person, from my head to my toes, so I take regular trips to my dermatologist to get them checked & (if needed) removed. A few weeks back, I went in for my annual visit and got some life-changing news - I have melanoma. I thought, "what, me? NO WAY! It's not possible! I wear sunscreen & hats, and regularly get my skin checked!" It's one of those things you never truly think will happen to you, until it does. Luckily, my tumor, located on my upper right arm, was considered Stage One Melanoma in situ, meaning it was localized and only on the top layer of the epidermis. In my case, it was caught very early, and after a long talk with my dermatologist, we decided to have it removed quickly before any chance of it spreading. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT - without early detection and removal, the cancerous cells can spread quickly, first to your lymph nodes, and then anywhere in your body - IF YOU (yes you!) have any irregular spots or moles that have gotten bigger, GET THEM CHECKED.
I found out about my tumor on Friday & very quickly got scheduled to see my surgeon the following Monday - I didn't want to take any chances!
My weekend was full of research (which is never a good idea when you don't know EXACTLY what you're researching), lots of tears, and even more stress - to say it was an emotional rollercoaster would be putting it lightly, and I couldn't have gotten through it without the support of my family and friends. My mind was racing with all of the possibilities of what could happen, what if the doctors got it wrong... you name it, I thought it.
On Monday, I went to the Surgical Dermatology Center and, not so patiently, waited to get my procedure over with. My surgeon, Dr. Douglas Fife (who was amazing!), explained the whole process before getting started, which eased my mind and helped me to relax. He performed a MOHs surgery, also known as chemosurgery, to remove all of the tumor and then some, to make sure there is no cancerous tissue left without taking too much of my normal & healthy skin. After the P.A. stitched me up, I had a large incision (almost 5 inches long), and nearly 70 stitches! Several hours later, I left the office feeling much lighter but very exhausted, and most of all, thankful I caught it early enough to avoid any further treatment (no hematologists or oncologists needed, phew!).
The recovery has been slow, seeing as I'm right-handed, and not able to use my arm normally, but it's getting there. I've had to avoid the gym and any other use of my arm that puts too much stress on it, which could cause my incision to come back open - I guess it's time to hire a maid ;)
On Monday, I went in for my follow up and to get my stitches removed - I've also started on a round of antibiotics to keep my incision from infection. It has been quite the journey, but not nearly as long as it could have been, because of early detection - I really can't stress this enough!
The success rate of this specific procedure is around 98%, which, statistically, is very good - but now, knowing that I am susceptible to melanoma, my risk for reoccurrence jumped from 1% to 10%. Also, I have to get quarterly check-ups with my dermatologist to do a full body scan, and regularly check my spots to keep any others from forming into the same type of tumor.
Every night I am thankful to have another healthy day ahead of me. I can't thank God enough for the relentless nagging from my Mom and Grandma to "GET THAT SPOT CHECKED!", but shhhhh, don't tell them I said that! I am thankful for early detection, great doctors, and a strong support system to help me through my emotional time of need, without any of them, I couldn't be sitting here today.
So if you, especially if you are fair skinned and mole-y (like me!), have any spots or moles that don't look quite right, take a trip to your dermatologist and GET THEM CHECKED, it really could save your life.
I am, genetically, a very mole-y person, from my head to my toes, so I take regular trips to my dermatologist to get them checked & (if needed) removed. A few weeks back, I went in for my annual visit and got some life-changing news - I have melanoma. I thought, "what, me? NO WAY! It's not possible! I wear sunscreen & hats, and regularly get my skin checked!" It's one of those things you never truly think will happen to you, until it does. Luckily, my tumor, located on my upper right arm, was considered Stage One Melanoma in situ, meaning it was localized and only on the top layer of the epidermis. In my case, it was caught very early, and after a long talk with my dermatologist, we decided to have it removed quickly before any chance of it spreading. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT - without early detection and removal, the cancerous cells can spread quickly, first to your lymph nodes, and then anywhere in your body - IF YOU (yes you!) have any irregular spots or moles that have gotten bigger, GET THEM CHECKED.
I found out about my tumor on Friday & very quickly got scheduled to see my surgeon the following Monday - I didn't want to take any chances!
My weekend was full of research (which is never a good idea when you don't know EXACTLY what you're researching), lots of tears, and even more stress - to say it was an emotional rollercoaster would be putting it lightly, and I couldn't have gotten through it without the support of my family and friends. My mind was racing with all of the possibilities of what could happen, what if the doctors got it wrong... you name it, I thought it.
On Monday, I went to the Surgical Dermatology Center and, not so patiently, waited to get my procedure over with. My surgeon, Dr. Douglas Fife (who was amazing!), explained the whole process before getting started, which eased my mind and helped me to relax. He performed a MOHs surgery, also known as chemosurgery, to remove all of the tumor and then some, to make sure there is no cancerous tissue left without taking too much of my normal & healthy skin. After the P.A. stitched me up, I had a large incision (almost 5 inches long), and nearly 70 stitches! Several hours later, I left the office feeling much lighter but very exhausted, and most of all, thankful I caught it early enough to avoid any further treatment (no hematologists or oncologists needed, phew!).
The recovery has been slow, seeing as I'm right-handed, and not able to use my arm normally, but it's getting there. I've had to avoid the gym and any other use of my arm that puts too much stress on it, which could cause my incision to come back open - I guess it's time to hire a maid ;)
On Monday, I went in for my follow up and to get my stitches removed - I've also started on a round of antibiotics to keep my incision from infection. It has been quite the journey, but not nearly as long as it could have been, because of early detection - I really can't stress this enough!
The success rate of this specific procedure is around 98%, which, statistically, is very good - but now, knowing that I am susceptible to melanoma, my risk for reoccurrence jumped from 1% to 10%. Also, I have to get quarterly check-ups with my dermatologist to do a full body scan, and regularly check my spots to keep any others from forming into the same type of tumor.
Every night I am thankful to have another healthy day ahead of me. I can't thank God enough for the relentless nagging from my Mom and Grandma to "GET THAT SPOT CHECKED!", but shhhhh, don't tell them I said that! I am thankful for early detection, great doctors, and a strong support system to help me through my emotional time of need, without any of them, I couldn't be sitting here today.
So if you, especially if you are fair skinned and mole-y (like me!), have any spots or moles that don't look quite right, take a trip to your dermatologist and GET THEM CHECKED, it really could save your life.
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