My Dermatologist Is Going To Be My BFF
It's still May so it's still Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month. It seems like it's been going on forever. It kind of has for me.
I found this nasty mole on my upper back in February. I was diagnosed with Melanoma in March. I had surgery to remove it in April. In May, I've been dealing with follow-ups and the after effects of it all. Seems like a lot of shit for a little less than a Stage One thingy....and we're far from done.
A few weeks ago I was still having some pain from the Melanoma surgery. I went to see my primary care Doc and asked why there was so much discomfort over a simple procedure. He said there was nothing simple about it. They not only had to cut out the Cancer...yes I said Cancer...they had to cut out the surrounding areas to make sure nothing had spread. Well, that explanation got me over the survivor's guilt. He also said I was about to have a very up close and personal relationship with my dermatologist. OY!
Yesterday I met with the skin doctor....hmmm not a bad band name. He checked out my back and said everything was going a-ok ...so far. I hate that so far bullshit.
We're meeting again on June 11 for one more follow-up and a body check. That date is my birthday and having a body search would be a nice present if it was done by his hot nurse. No such luck.
He then said we'll be meeting every other month for the rest of 2015. August. October. December. Sigh! Five meeting this year. That's more than i see my children. Not to mention that this will take away time from my busy life style of watching Family Feud and Law & Order reruns.
So what's the point of all of this? It's a public service announcement. Do the following things and you have a good chance to avoid this: a. Use sunscreen b. Wear a hat c. Keep out of tanning beds d. Do monthly body checks e. See your dermatologist regularly. Maybe not five times a year but you can figure that out.
I hope this story scares you at least a little. If not here's something scarier...my Melanoma was less than Stage One. Imagine what Stage Three or Four must be like.
Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month has a few days left. Remember Melanoma Monday? Live it!
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