Sunday, April 15, 2012

{scary words}

Let me start at the beginning. A couple of months ago I noticed a funny looking mole on my left leg. I kept convincing myself that it was nothing but I wanted to be safe and have it checked anyway. I called the dermatologist and made an appointment but they couldn't get me in for like a month. Actually at one point, I thought about canceling my appointment because I didn't want to pay to go to the dermatologist {stupid, I know}.

I went in on a Tuesday and the dermatologist took off two places "just to be safe". The spots were sent off to the lab to be tested. In 2 weeks I would either get a phone call {bad news} or a letter in the mail {good news}. This past Thursday I got the dreaded phone call. I was at work so I checked my phone and had a missed call and voicemail. When I listened to it, I knew it was going to be bad news. I immediately broke down right there at school. Everyone tried to console me saying not to freak. {thank goodness I have an amazing husband who calmed my nerves a bit}. Dale and I went in the next day {Friday}. The results: MELANOMA. WHAT?!?! SKIN CANCER?? I'm 23 years old! I can't have melanoma! Thank goodness I caught it when I did because it hasn't spread anywhere else.

When I heard these words first, I was mad. Then I knew that I had to praise God because even though I got terrible news, I am VERY thankful that it had not spread anywhere else. It will be easy to take care of. I go in for surgery in two weeks to have layers cut out and tested to make sure they got it all.

Needless to say, I am forever DONE with the tanning bed. From now on I have to get checked every 3 months for the next year and if I'm cleared after that I have to go every 6 months for the rest.of.my.life. I was also advised to wear sunscreen every single day. Face, arms and legs. Today I bought 50 SPF for face and body AND makeup with SPF. I can go out in the sun but I can't "lay out" anymore. Coming from a person who was obsessed with being BROWN this will be hard but so worth it. I'm terrified!

I was very hesitant to blog about this in the first place but my hope is that someone who does still tan will listen and stop going. I knew thought it would be me! I'm 23. I did this to myself and I regret it so much!

2 comments:

  1. First of all, let me say that I'm so glad they caught this early!! And that you went ahead and made yourself GO to the dr. Never underestimate your gut feelings....deep down you probably knew something was up. I'm so thankful you are going to be ok. Now second - can you please convince Ana to NOT tan for the wedding? Those tanning beds scare me! I bet you can convince her. You are the 2nd person in one month's time I know that has been diagnosed with melanoma. Scary stuff. Hey - pale is good!!! Right?

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    1. Thank you Mrs. Marchman! I appreciate it! I talked to her the other day and I am trying my best to convince her to get a spray!!! She told me the story about your neighbor! Scary stuff!

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