This is a rather personal post, but I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer recently and I want to spread awareness. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1/3 of people diagnosed with this most deadly form of skin cancer are women in their child bearing years. How many of you are in that category? I would assume quite a few. It’s me! I’m 32 and just had my 3rd child just 3 months ago.
It’s been a bit of a bumpy ride this month as I had a biopsy, the wait of finding out if it was melanoma, the wait to see my doctor to find out my stage, and the wait for my surgery to remove the margins around the cancerous spot. I have the earliest stage which is good news. I won’t need to have my lymph nodes checked because it was only .035 mm deep (the longer one goes without discovering melanoma, the deeper it grows, eventually finding it’s way into the lymphatic system). I made a vlog to share my story. I would appreciate your prayers. I do have my surgery to remove 1 cm of margins around the site on my chest on Monday, July 29. I’m nervous, but it’s a procedure that can be done in the office so it hopefully won’t be too uncomfortable. I’ll have a 1 in. scar, but it’s completely worth it. It could be so much worse. I’m very thankful it was caught early and give it to God to heal me completely.
Wear sunscreen! Put sunscreen on your kids! Know the ABCDe’s of melanoma.
I appreciate your prayers and thank you in advance for crying out to the Lord with me for my health. My favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5 & 6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. I know that God’s plans for my life are perfect. I might not understand right now why I’m going through this little cancer scare, but I do know that God can use it for His glory. If you don’t have a personal relationship with God, I’d encourage you to listen to this link : The 10 minute Gospel. It’s a great summary of my faith.
Ginny, thank you so much for sharing your story and this information. I’ve been obsessively checking my body since you told us about this. 🙂 praying for you, Simple sister.
That’s good. lol. Sorry to freak you out, but know all those freckles girl! Thanks for your prayers.
My father has been battling skin cancer and melanoma for over 15 years. These last few years have been the hardest though. A year and a half ago he had a stroke and he had melanoma surgery on his head a few months later. Then four months after my father had the stroke and a month after the melanoma surgery my mother had the first of two aortic aneurysm dissections in less than 6 months. Four months after she was discharged from the rehab section of the hospital my father had another melanoma surgery.
We are very fair skinned family. We all go for dermatological check-ups every year.
I wish you all the best.
Awe Maureen, thanks for sharing your story. It seems like when one thing fails in older people, it can all snowball. I just prayed for you and your family. I know how stressful this was for me and it was only a few weeks of my life. I can’t imagine what you are going through with both your parents having health issues. It really makes you appreciate good health.
I hope and pray that you have some less bumpy days ahead.
I was diagnosed wirh Melanona when I was 21. Even when found at an early stage, it is scary. I will be praying for you!
Angie, I didn’t know this! Did you find it yourself? Thank you for your prayers!