Listen up, ladies. It's time for a visit to your friendly, neighborhood dermatologist.
About two months ago, I realized that a funny little spot on my shoulder was not going away. I went to see my dermatologist, and he informed me that I had a basal cell carcinoma and needed to have it removed. For those of you wondering, yes, that is a type of skin cancer. While it is a pretty harmless type, it's a little unusual at my young (ha!) age of 28.
So, I had my shoulder sliced up and a big chunk of skin removed. Fast forward one-and-a-half months. I'm standing in our bathroom peering into the mirror at another spot on my shoulder. "This looks kinda like my carcinoma," I say absentmindedly to my husband, as I point at the bump that is less than an inch away from the long, red scar of my last surgery. "Hmmmm..." is the response from his corner of the bathroom.
The next day I'm on the phone, scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist here in Wichita. Today as I sat in that office and showed her my shoulder, I have to admit that I was pretty prepared for what she was going to say. She didn't say with absolute certainty that it was another carcinoma, but she said, "I'm afraid that might be another basal cell." She took a biopsy and will let me know soon.
Not much concern to me. She said even though I'm young, I'm a poster child for sun damage (fair skin, strawberry-blonde hair, tons of freckles), so it's really not much to worry about. I just need to "lather on the sunscreen."
So why the heck am I writing this, then? I WANT YOU ALL TO GO SEE YOUR DERMATOLOGIST AND HAVE YOUR SKIN CHECKED. I'm 28 years old and this could be my second skin cancer in two months. I never would've thought it would happen, so you probably don't either! GO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST!!! PLEASE!
Once you see your dermatologist, send me a note letting me know you're in the clear, and I'll make sure you don't have to go see the Principal.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
I have another WHAT?!
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5 comments:
It is interesting that you posted this because I was just telling someone the other day (fair skin, red hair, freckles) that she really needs to wear sunscreen EVERY DAY. I speak as someone who knows since I get sunburned through the car window on my drive home!
All it takes is one bad burn, people!
I'm glad you went and got checked. I get checked every year and I totally advocate being pro active!
I really should get checked. Sorry, Kel, for the news...but I'm glad it's not too big of a concern.
Hey Kelly, sorry to hear about that, you may not beleive it but the catcher on my softball team had a problem like yours. She just turned 17 a week ago, and she had to get these things on her legs removed because it could have been cancerous.
Moab, its pretty hot and sunny here, plus tanning doesn't equal something good. talk to u later.
Kelly,
I cannot believe that. Thanks for sharing and helping me get motivated to have my skin checked. I will keep you in my prayers (of course). Keep us posted!.
Give Sophie some extra loving for me!
Ash
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