Be aware!

May 2, 2010 · 2 comments

Around here, the sun is finally making a regular appearance (well, except for today which is cloudy and rainy…) and people are starting to spend more time outside.  In the past 2 days, I’ve overheard no less than 5 people talking about how they got burned or got a nice start on their tan recently. A year ago, I would have been right there with them, pulling up my pant legs and sleeves to make more of my self accessible to the sun’s warming rays; lifting my face and closing my eyes in peace.

Not anymore.

As you probably already know, I was diagnosed with melanoma on July 13, 2009.  (You can catch up with the whole story here ).  I now have to make a concentrated effort to keep out of the sun I once adored, and make sure I’m slathered with sunscreen when I’m in it. I’ve had a hard time, honestly, with the sunscreen.  I’m using a lotion with some built in, but I know it’s not enough.  I am still on the search for the perfect sunscreen – one that I can wear year round without smelling like the beach or being greasy like a piece of (pale) bacon.

But even though it’s a pain in the ass to have to remember to put on sunscreen (hey, it takes awhile to break 30+ years of habit of not wearing it, yo!), I will.  My scars and still partially numb leg, plus the fun insta-swelling I get sometimes (lymphedema) is a constant reminder that I would like to avoid further surgery and live a long, cancer-free life.

So do yourself (and me) a favor and get yourself checked out.  If you aren’t sure if something on your body looks right or wrong, please go to your doctor / dermatologist and get it checked out.  Don’t think it won’t happen to you, because it can.

Skincancer.org is a fabulous resource – lots of great articles and information available there.  Throughout the month, I’ll be posting skin cancer related information here, so please stop back by. Also, if you’ve been affected by skin cancer in any way and want to share your story, I’d love to publish you on my other website (Defying Melanoma), so please email me or leave a comment.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

flutter May 2, 2010 at 7:56 pm

So sorry you had to learn these things first hand. SO glad you’re here to tell the story

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SeriousMom May 2, 2010 at 10:33 pm

Thanks for the heads up! I was moved by your ordeal, and I will recommend your site to my sun-worshipping friends .
.-= SeriousMom´s last [bit of blogging genius] ..Fuck isn’t a bad word. =-.

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