Thursday, October 1, 2009

Got Sunscreen??? - Update

I wanted to give you all an update since this post...

My dermatologist performed another excision to my foot in an effort to ensure there are no further 'rogue cells" floating around the original melanoma.

I am typing with my laptop in my lap with foot elevated as I have been for ~ 24 hours now... Unfortunately, your foot does not have much extra skin, so the excision and the attempt to pull the skin together is rather uncomfortable!

I'll keep you posted on the next test results!!

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I'll preface this post by stating that it IS a PSA (Public Service Announcement) ~ But PLEASE keep reading!

Four and a half years ago I lost my Mom to skin cancer (melanoma).
Her diagnosis came very late in the disease process; but we were blessed with four years before she left.


During the time Mom was being treated we as a family became very well educated in the disease, treatments and cancer as a whole. We know now WHAT melanoma is...

This past week I learned that I too have skin cancer; something I have feared since losing Mom. First generations of melanoma patients have a 50% chance of having it too. My dermatologist was my Mom's as well and she too is amazed at the irony that my lesion was also on my left foot; just like Mom's...

I WAS a sun worshiper; loved being tan and when I could not see the sun spent much too much time in tanning beds. D'Oh!!!

My prognosis is GREAT; I caught it very, very early. I am a fanatic about checking myself!!! I will have another 'surgery' this week to excise additional tissue to be tested.

Bottom line my friends is this... Be smart about your skin and your body ~ Wear sunscreen for goodness sake!! and check yourself often and see a dermatologist if you have concerns.

Let me be your informant if you are not informed!


6 comments:

A Refocused Life said...

So sorry you are having to be an example for the rest of us who love the sun. I do hope your diagnosis is in the earliest stage. I have seen the magazine pictures, but still can't say that I would recognize something suspicious...I'm always looking, though. Thanks for sharing.

A New England Girl said...

Oh my goodness! I am sorry to hear about this all, but SO thankful you caught this early. Please keep us updated on how things go. I also appreciate you taking the time to hammer this very important point home. I am incredibly fair skinned and have always stayed out of the sun. It is the running joke that my skin color is more like a transparent layer than anything human... I have always lectured friends on the importance, although they - like you - are mainly sun worshippers. I hope everyone stays smart about this stuff!!

Keeping you in my thoughts. xoxo.

Amanda Lynn said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I am glad to hear you caught it early.

Vicki said...

Oh Leslee! I'm so glad you caught it early. It's because of your mom that I go to the dermie every year and get a full skin exam. You guys have made me so aware and I'm so thankful!

Thinking of you and sending the very best of good vibes your way!! xoxo

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A Refocused Life said...

Thanks for the update...I've been wondering about you.