May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Amanda here - I share my story as a reminder to get to know your skin so that you'll notice if something new appears or changes. A friendly reminder to practice safe sun. Please take a few moments to visit The Skin Cancer Foundation website and learn about the most dangerous form of skin cancer, Melanoma.
It’s been 10 years since I first noticed the “mark” in question.
It was just a small dark dot that I happened to spot when I was getting out of the shower. It looked like the tip of a black Sharpie marker. A few months later I took notice of it again, at this point it was a larger dark dot that now had a brown rim around it. The dark center had a faded brown rim that almost looked smeared. By now, it was the size of a pencil eraser. I showed a friend and continued to show her every couple of weeks. I wondered if it was changing or if it was all in my head. It was just a weird “mark” on my breast. I didn’t want to overreact, but I also didn’t want to ignore that this “mark” was changing and that it wasn’t there before.
To make a long story short… I brought it up during a gynecological appointment and was immediately referred to a dermatologist who biopsied it. Two weeks later, I received a phone call and was told I had Melanoma and would be referred to a surgical oncologist. When I was told I had Melanoma, I didn’t even know what that was. I knew enough about skin cancer to know that if something on your body changes, it’s something to keep track of. I had no idea how serious Melanoma was and definitely didn’t know it was the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Soon after that phone call, I underwent a sentinel lymph node biopsy and wide excision of the area where my primary melanoma was found. It was unpleasant. It was scary. It was painful. It was a whole lot more than I ever imagined. I’ll share the details with anyone that wants to know, but I’ll keep it short here.
When I tell this story back now, it loses a lot of the intensity of the moment. There was so much time spent worrying in between appointments.
Waiting for test results. Weeks between procedures where I had absolutely no idea what I was facing.
I hope sharing my experience puts this on your radar. To know what Melanoma is. To know that Skin Cancer is serious. I essentially caught this myself. I knew something wasn’t right because this was a new mole and it was changing. My hope is that sharing my experience will encourage you to take inventory on your body, get to know your body, and know it enough so that you’ll notice if something changes. If you notice something suspicious on your skin, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Don’t wait.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, having five or more sunburns can double your risk of developing melanoma.
Melanoma has changed everything about the way I spend time outdoors and I am crazy about sunscreen. I often feel sick if I spend too much time in the sun, so I limit my time outdoors during peak sun hours. I take extra steps to make sure I’m prepared to protect myself and my family in the sun. We are that family with plenty of sunscreen to share with everyone.
Since my initial surgery, I see my dermatologist every 3-6 months. I have had many scares and procedures done since my first surgeries. So many I’ve lost count. For a 6 month span a few years back, there was even worry that the Melanoma had spread to my brain. I went for brain MRI’s regularly. I live in a constant awareness (worry) … that I won’t catch it in time, if there’s a next time.
The early signs of Melanoma are often referring to as the ABCDE’s of Melanoma. Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, Evolving over time. This is a good guide to familiarize with from American Academy of Dermatology Association.
For those who live in Northeast Pennsylvania - if you or someone you know is facing a cancer diagnosis, please know there is a welcoming, supportive environment open to you at Candy's Place, a cancer wellness center in Forty Fort. My melanoma journey led me to being part of a melanoma support group there for years and serving on the Board of Directors. There are a number of wellness services available to those with cancer in NEPA.
Please practice safe sun. Get to know your skin. Share this with someone who might need a friendly nudge to go get checked. XO-Amanda
Hear Amanda weekday afternoons on 98.5 KRZ
"When I was told I had Melanoma, I didn't even know what that was."
