This is my melanoma story.
No doubt, I have abused my skin in the sun and the tanning bed through the years. I also have a family history of non-melanoma skin cancers. Like many, having a tan made me feel good. It was nice during the summer months to be tan. My skin is fair, and It took a lot of work, but I was lightly bronzed by the beginning of summer.
I was diagnosed with Melanoma in the fall of 2015. Having Melanoma made 2016 my worst year ever, but it was my best year ever in the same ways. Melanoma touched me in a way that has changed my life forever.
In my efforts to raise awareness about Melanoma, I write updated blog posts about what’s been going on since I was diagnosed. My hope in sharing this journey with you is that you can keep your brother, your aunt, your daughter, your neighbor, or your friend from having to go through this. Most importantly, don’t let the fear of cancer keep you from getting checked out.
I want to create awareness that it is not “just skin cancer.”
Having a mole removed sounds like no big deal until they tell you that you have cancer.
Melanoma is a big deal.
It is cancer, and it will kill you!
You need to know this because I didn’t.
THIS IS WHAT TANNING CAN DO TO YOU!!
I realize that this is mostly a food blog, but I will not apologize for the gory photos above.
I have been incredibly blessed that the skin cancer on my body isn’t worse than it is. Others in this world have suffered far more than I have, and I thank God every day for opening my eyes.
I’ve learned a lot about Melanoma since the fall of 2015, but now my challenge is learning to live as a Melanoma survivor.
Skin checks are so very important. Have you called a dermatologist to schedule yours?
Before you come up with an excuse not to, I want you to know I didn’t think I would get Melanoma either, but I did.
My melanoma story turned out well. So many others aren’t so lucky.
Get checked. It could save your life!
Please protect yourself and the ones you love. There is no safe tan, and no, it isn’t “just a sunburn.”
Here is a Prevention Guideline Handout from SkinCancer.org
Please read it. Learn from it. PREVENT IT!
Thanks for reading this.
