Pale and clear

I was trying to come up with some catchy quote about skin, but I could only think of Silence of the Lambs (CREEPY) and so you get pale and clear…

I am already so pale, although I normally am this time of year, so that part isn’t that strange.  The strange part is knowing that I won’t be any less pale without using some spray or rub on something or other for the rest of my life.  It sounds so absurd to be upset about not being tan when I should just be thankful I am alive (I AM, I swear!), but for the first 35 years of my life, it’s been all about being tan and looking “healthy”.  Pale is the new tan? Bah.  I’ve always felt better, felt like I looked better, and had more confidence when I was tan. I guess I’ll have to find that particular ego boost elsewhere.

All this babbling to say that I saw the dermatologist today for my full body scan.  {short aside: Doesn’t full body scan sound like it should be way cooler than 2 doctors looking you over from head to toe? Shouldn’t there be bright lights and machines and photos or something?!)

The resident looked me over first – poor kid looked freaking exhausted and sort of scared; I found out his wife is having their second baby in 2 weeks, too! No wonder he had circles the size of dinner plates under his eyes!  I don’t mind the residents. U of M is a teaching hospital, and I’ve had good experiences.  This young doctor knew his stuff, but was a little rushed, so I hope he can pull out of that.

The attending came in after – she was soft spoken and very nice – good bedside manner but not too soft, if you know what I mean.  She looked me over, too (which was good, because seriously, I think the resident missed a few spots here and there! hehe).  Before she left, she leaned down, looked in my eyes and said “You look great. Nothing suspicious or worrisome at all.”  I finally released the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.  {She also told me that the good news about my scars being so thick is that people who heal that way tend to look younger longer as they age. hehe}

So.

All clear.

Back in 3 months to see the oncologist and 6 months to see her again.  In the meantime, I have to keep an eye on my skin, wear sunscreen and report any issues, not matter how small or insignificant I think they may be.

I can handle that.

Tagged as: all clear, cancer sucks, melanoma