{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!