Tag Archive | Melanoma

♥ Gratitude

Since I was diagnosed and treated for Invasive Melanoma 2 1/2 years ago, I have learned so much about this disease. I am grateful everyday that my cancer was caught at an early stage, but I do recognize the fact that there is a chance that it could come back or that I could develop more Melanomas. I am never out of the woods nor will I ever be able to say “I am cancer free”. Once you have Melanoma, you will ALWAYS have it for the rest of your life.  Which is why for us Melanoma patients, it is so important to live a more balanced life. Our immune system plays such a HUGE role in fighting the cancer.

When the immune system weakens, Skin Cancers can skyrocket.  Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and other autoimmune diseases like Fibromyalgia (where the body attacks its own organs) also increase the risk of skin cancer. Trying to find balance when my body is SO out of balance has been frustrating to say the least. Between my Fibromyalgia and my Thyroid, I am learning that I have to slow down and take care of myself when I start to feel run down (which is more & more these days). Hopefully sooner rather than later, I will find my happy balance. 

♥ The Waiting Game

Each time I have to wait on a mole biopsy, it seems like an eternity before I get the results back.  I just want to get the results so I can put it behind me and try to enjoy the summer before my next mole mapping which is at the end of August. 

In the meantime, I will be having my oral cancer screening next week Wednesday to check out that spot on the back of my throat.  Since I don’t smoke, do drugs, abuse alcohol, or have any STD’s, I feel pretty confident that I have nothing to worry about.  But (there is always a but) with my Melanoma history and the fact that I’m in the special high risk category, there is a risk of Mucosal Melanoma. 

With my dad having had Mucosal Melanoma of the colon, my risk is automatically raised.

I would never wish cancer on anyone, not even my worst enemy. 

 

 

♥ Be Positive, Think Positive

My dentist is sending me to an Oral Surgeon. The spot on the back of my throat is better but there is still something there. So to be on the safe side, she wants me to be seen by a specialist. Considering my history with cancer, it’s best to error on caution.

To add more fun to my week, my skin cancer doc was able to fit me in for this Friday afternoon to remove the changing mole. It will be my 29th mole removed to date.

I’m doing my best to be positive, think postive, and not say “FUCK IT, I give up”. 

I don’t want to do this anymore, I don’t want to see any more doctors, and I don’t want any more scoop scars from where a damn mole was removed.  I just want this to all stop!!  

♥ My Genetic Testing

Good news, my genetic test for the mutated P16 gene came back.  No mutation…WooHoo!!  At least I have some peace knowing that my babies don ‘t have to worry about being in a high risk group for pancreatic cancer.  They do however, have to worry about Melanoma.  Since I have had 2 primary Melanoma’s, they are automatically put in a high risk group.  Hopefully, with early monitoring they will never have to deal with the ugly monster of Melanoma. 

 

♥ F’ing Moles

I’ve been watching this mole get darker & bigger for the last 6 months. Time to call doc to have her remove and biopsy it.