We've got the makings of another beautiful day ahead here in KY.
I had some VERY minor outpatient surgery to remove 3 Dysplastic Nevi (atypical moles)
about 8 days ago. The results came in and they were benign. I'm very blessed to say the least.
They were "atypical" which means I am at an increased risk for Melanoma, so
I'll be getting a full body check every 6 months, and most likely having a body
scan as well, done before the years end.
I am very fair skinned, even though I am of Italian decent. I have many
freckles and Nevi (moles) I have a highly concentrated amount on my
back and arms. I have always been somewhat aware of my moles and
I have one in particular that is MUCH larger than the average mole.
I have my husband glance at it at least once a month to make sure its
still "normal". I found that I had one on my chest that just looked a little
odd, and I made an appt just to have it checked. Better safe than sorry.. right?
It took over 2 months to get in (new patient). I had no idea she would take
3 biopsy's that morning. She didn't seem overly alarmed, so I stayed calm
knowing that she sees these types of things every day. She didn't remove
the one on my back.. the one that I watch every month, she felt it was
ok for now. That will require a real surgery. Probably after my next check.
PLEASE be aware of your skin. Have someone you know and trust to
LOOK at your skin. Head to toe. Note anything weird, new or odd.
I don't want to scare anyone. I just want everyone that reads this to take a
few minutes to access yourself and those you love. If caught early, its
totally curable. If you detect something that just doesn't seem right, have
it checked. If your wrong.. then GREAT! Whew.. what a relief. If your
right and its weird.. then it will be removed.. and THAT'S an even bigger
relief!
I am SO glad I went in for a full body check. I feel like I am
more in control now. Oh.. and don't forget your sunscreen. Even if you plan to only be out
for a short time, wear it anyway. Oh.. and the babies and kiddo's too!
From what I've read, we get a lot of our skin damage during our youth.
Although its NEVER too late to start protecting your skin.
Here are a couple of my favorites.
I do use Bare Minerals foundation powder on my face.
It has an SPF of 15.
I use Eucerin Sensitive skin Everyday Protection face lotion on my neck and chest area.
Its SPF 30.
For everywhere else, I like Coppertone Oil Free SPF 50 Broad spectrum.
I tend to be quite private on my blog. I live a real life like ya'll do. I just
tend to share less than some. I felt compelled to write about this today.
Everything written is from my own personal experience and are my own
personal preferences.
I still plan to get out and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of the sun. I'll
just be more diligent about protecting myself while doing so. Oh.. and
I need a good hat!
3 comments:
I've heard that if you have at least two severe burns before your 20s (I think), you are at the highest risk of developing skin cancer. I've had more than I can count on my two hands. My back used to be so pretty and clear but after a severe burn in Puerto Rico on my spring break in 98, I am covered in freckles. I use sunscreen more than I used to but not like I know I should.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I too was a huge tanner in my high school years....years ago. I also have a ton of freckles and they love to come out in the sun. I have only had one mole removed from my chest area and not because I was concerned, but my doc at the time had just had one removed and so he insisted and removed it right there in the office with stitches after. It was benign! You can never be to safe for sure!
Just saw my dermatologist last week. I've been dealing with basil cell carcinoma for a long time. I'm glad that you are pro active as far as sun care goes. Keep reapplying the sunscreen during the day. That's were I usually mess up. But EVERY morning I apply sunscreen, whether I plan to be outside or not. Take care and I'm glad to hear the results were benign.
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