I’m 37 and found a weird scabby looking spot on my chest which was squamous cell carcinoma. It’s good to get checked out even if you think you’re “young”! My dad just died of brain cancer this year, so I had them cut this out - I don’t have room for cancer on my body. And now I have a scar to show for it.
I went to a plastic surgeon to talk about getting liposuction 12 years ago and he circled a mole and told me to get it looked at so I did. The dermatologist thought it was nothing but was concerned about 2 other moles. It turned out those 2 were fine but the one I went in for was melanoma. Thank God it was caught early. I have had annual checks ever since. This year I had a spot on my lower shin that had been getting crusty and bleeding after I banged it on a wheelbarrow. I had asked about this spot many times before because I would sometimes irritate it when shaving my legs. I thought it was scar tissue from one of the other moles that was removed. My dermatologist changed and the new one wanted to biopsy it this past March and it turned out to be Basal Cell Carcinoma. Due to the place on my shin and how difficult that area is to heal they did MOHS surgery. If you have a mole or spot on your body that doesn't look right have it looked at. Push to have it biopsied. It could save your life.
The timing of this is clearly sending me a message. My grandma, grandpa, dad, and sister have all had many skin cancer spots removed, and I’ve been avoiding the dermatologist for my whole adult life. I’m not sure if I’ve been too scared to really know if I got their unfortunate genes, or if I’m just stubborn (probably both). But, as it happens, my PCM finally convinced me back in Jan that it was time, and my first appointment is tomorrow. I’ve got a lot of moles that aren’t normal, a lot of skin tags, and a couple of warts that cropped up this year (I used to have them in middle school but haven’t had any since). It’s clearly my time to get checked, but I’m still nervous.
I so appreciate your honesty in sharing that you’re going through similar things. It gives me a little extra strength and positivity that even if something is found, it’s going to be okay. Thank you for always being real and giving us the good and the bad so we can feel a connection no matter what’s going on in our lives. And bless the timing gods for you putting this letter out right when I needed it ❤️
It's okay to be nervous--but it's always better to know. You can't step into your power until you accept "what is," and after your appointment, you'll know. Sending you positive energy. XO
First, this is not news anyone wants to receive. Also, I'm so glad it falls into the mild / treatable category. And as always, I appreciate your perspective on these hard things. Especially - "Do I think these things happened for a reason? I do not. Accident happens. Bad shit happens. Cancer happens. There is only a reason if you choose to assign it one." Thiiiiiiiisssssss!! I don't bemoan anyone the belief that everything happens for a reason, just like I don't bemoan anyone a religious belief or other ideas one finds helpful to move through life. That said, after experiencing a lot of bad shit, this is not been something I could get behind, something that felt authentic to me or my experiences and I've been distinctly in the minority and told as much with the silence I receive and stares I receive when discussing it. I think because of my experiences people have assumed I would lean on this idea and I think it is much the opposite. You've helped me put my thoughts into words around this and feel less alone in it. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Meaghan. As you said, I'd never try to dictate anyone else's experience, and if assigning reason brings you comfort, I'm happy for that. But it'd be great if other people also didn't attempt to dictate mine (or yours, or anyone else's). XO
So sorry, no fun. I had Melanoma at 22 and have had 2 basals and what feels like a million moles removed (sometimes go back for a deeper round) but thankfully normal. So welcome to the club! Every time one has come back “not normal” I get this overwhelming sense of guilt. I shouldn’t even be in the sun, I should have been more careful, I should be covered head to toe at all times, shoulda shoulda shoulda. But as you saw on skin cancer.org, the damage was mostly done at a young age. So don’t blame yourself, just be vigilant going forward. Lots of sunscreen (assuming you’re like me and need sun and water in my life and total sun avoidance is a no-go). Most importantly, go to your Derm regularly and point out any changes, even if you can’t put in word what has changed or how. Sometimes things just look different and that means it’s getting cut off 🤣. I go twice a year because of my history, and just assume I’m getting something removed every time. Helps me mentally. Thank you for sharing your story!!
Thanks so much for sharing. I go in tomorrow for the remainder of the removal and I'll be asking a million questions while he has me there--and will certainly be upping my self-checks and my visits.
Whoa! Melanoma at 22?! I hope that is FIRMLY in your rearview mirror. I’m grateful for the technology that gets these spots identified and removed.
My mom did the topical chemo on her chest as a proactive treatment for future areas, but after two weeks of being in extraordinary pain, she tapped out. My aforementioned tanning bed time makes me want to consider this approach...
Ugh, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, even if this is the *best* version of cancer to be dealing with. And, thank you for sharing, because I will indeed make that dermatology appointment I've been putting off since pre-pandemic. 😬
You feel like a friend so it does hit me in my heart to read about your last few weeks. I am glad everyone and everything is on the mend and has a plan. I am sorry you are going through this. It is a lot. I hope your message helps more people get checked regularly. I have been doing my yearly dermatologist check yearly for almost a decade (I’m 47). I have some family history of skin cancer, and I usually schedule it at the end of the year so I’ve hit my deductible. (Insurance is also a blessing, if also a PITA. And should be universal, but that’s a different post and rant.)
Thanks so much, Jessica. I dropped my car off for repairs this morning (it took FOREVER to get the estimate, then get the parts ordered) and I just kept saying to the repair tech, "It could have been so much worse." XO
The Universe saved the easy one for last. Yay!!! I spent WAY too much time in tanning beds and have had multiple basal removed. In 2020, minutes before the pandemic, I had squamous removed from my nose with a skin graft from my cheek. That was a gut punch. If you’re only now getting a spot, that’s awesome. My dad has been in the sun his whole life and has had zero spots. My mom, on the other hand, has spots frozen off all the damn time for YEARS. Genetics is fun. 🤷🏻♀️ I seem to trend more in my dad’s direction, skin-wise, but I’m more cautious about my face these days. You will probably end up with some actinic keratosis spots on your chest. Of all the places that are aging fast from the sun, my chest has borne the brunt. No cancer there yet, though!
Meanwhile, I just talked to my mailman last week and he has stage 4 melanoma! And his wife died in February, falling down the stairs and breaking her neck. God help him, whatever his 3rd thing is. #Perspective
Oh god, that's just awful. I wasn't a huge tanning bed person, and I'm Portuguese so I rarely burned as a kid, but I also wasn't good about sunscreen basically ever (until a few years ago, when product innovations started making it much easier). I'm definitely going to keep it up.
Genetics are certainly in your favor on this one! I need to tell you about my conversation with Magdalena about being “the favorite of the Universe.” Suffice it to say, I rejected the notion immediately... and then had a think on it. I made myself take a few minutes to feel through why I would reject being called the favorite of the universe, and then looked around and said to myself, “Woman, if you are not the favorite of the Universe, who the hell is? And what is your definition of “favorite?”
YES! I mean, in the moment, on the phone, all I heard was CANCER. And I feel like you'd be remiss to take any cancer lightly. I'm lucky that this form is both common and easy to treat, but it was a brush with something scary.
I’m 37 and found a weird scabby looking spot on my chest which was squamous cell carcinoma. It’s good to get checked out even if you think you’re “young”! My dad just died of brain cancer this year, so I had them cut this out - I don’t have room for cancer on my body. And now I have a scar to show for it.
I'm so sorry for your loss--and yes, any cancer is cause for concern and should be taken seriously. XO
Hugs, Bridget!
I went to a plastic surgeon to talk about getting liposuction 12 years ago and he circled a mole and told me to get it looked at so I did. The dermatologist thought it was nothing but was concerned about 2 other moles. It turned out those 2 were fine but the one I went in for was melanoma. Thank God it was caught early. I have had annual checks ever since. This year I had a spot on my lower shin that had been getting crusty and bleeding after I banged it on a wheelbarrow. I had asked about this spot many times before because I would sometimes irritate it when shaving my legs. I thought it was scar tissue from one of the other moles that was removed. My dermatologist changed and the new one wanted to biopsy it this past March and it turned out to be Basal Cell Carcinoma. Due to the place on my shin and how difficult that area is to heal they did MOHS surgery. If you have a mole or spot on your body that doesn't look right have it looked at. Push to have it biopsied. It could save your life.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Margi. I agree--advocate for yourself, and trust your instincts.
The timing of this is clearly sending me a message. My grandma, grandpa, dad, and sister have all had many skin cancer spots removed, and I’ve been avoiding the dermatologist for my whole adult life. I’m not sure if I’ve been too scared to really know if I got their unfortunate genes, or if I’m just stubborn (probably both). But, as it happens, my PCM finally convinced me back in Jan that it was time, and my first appointment is tomorrow. I’ve got a lot of moles that aren’t normal, a lot of skin tags, and a couple of warts that cropped up this year (I used to have them in middle school but haven’t had any since). It’s clearly my time to get checked, but I’m still nervous.
I so appreciate your honesty in sharing that you’re going through similar things. It gives me a little extra strength and positivity that even if something is found, it’s going to be okay. Thank you for always being real and giving us the good and the bad so we can feel a connection no matter what’s going on in our lives. And bless the timing gods for you putting this letter out right when I needed it ❤️
It's okay to be nervous--but it's always better to know. You can't step into your power until you accept "what is," and after your appointment, you'll know. Sending you positive energy. XO
First, this is not news anyone wants to receive. Also, I'm so glad it falls into the mild / treatable category. And as always, I appreciate your perspective on these hard things. Especially - "Do I think these things happened for a reason? I do not. Accident happens. Bad shit happens. Cancer happens. There is only a reason if you choose to assign it one." Thiiiiiiiisssssss!! I don't bemoan anyone the belief that everything happens for a reason, just like I don't bemoan anyone a religious belief or other ideas one finds helpful to move through life. That said, after experiencing a lot of bad shit, this is not been something I could get behind, something that felt authentic to me or my experiences and I've been distinctly in the minority and told as much with the silence I receive and stares I receive when discussing it. I think because of my experiences people have assumed I would lean on this idea and I think it is much the opposite. You've helped me put my thoughts into words around this and feel less alone in it. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Meaghan. As you said, I'd never try to dictate anyone else's experience, and if assigning reason brings you comfort, I'm happy for that. But it'd be great if other people also didn't attempt to dictate mine (or yours, or anyone else's). XO
So sorry, no fun. I had Melanoma at 22 and have had 2 basals and what feels like a million moles removed (sometimes go back for a deeper round) but thankfully normal. So welcome to the club! Every time one has come back “not normal” I get this overwhelming sense of guilt. I shouldn’t even be in the sun, I should have been more careful, I should be covered head to toe at all times, shoulda shoulda shoulda. But as you saw on skin cancer.org, the damage was mostly done at a young age. So don’t blame yourself, just be vigilant going forward. Lots of sunscreen (assuming you’re like me and need sun and water in my life and total sun avoidance is a no-go). Most importantly, go to your Derm regularly and point out any changes, even if you can’t put in word what has changed or how. Sometimes things just look different and that means it’s getting cut off 🤣. I go twice a year because of my history, and just assume I’m getting something removed every time. Helps me mentally. Thank you for sharing your story!!
Thanks so much for sharing. I go in tomorrow for the remainder of the removal and I'll be asking a million questions while he has me there--and will certainly be upping my self-checks and my visits.
Whoa! Melanoma at 22?! I hope that is FIRMLY in your rearview mirror. I’m grateful for the technology that gets these spots identified and removed.
My mom did the topical chemo on her chest as a proactive treatment for future areas, but after two weeks of being in extraordinary pain, she tapped out. My aforementioned tanning bed time makes me want to consider this approach...
Thank you for always being human, Melissa.
I immediately booked a visit to the dermatologist. It’s been too long. Also grabbed that product you mentioned. I always trust your recommendations.
Wishing you and Brandon good health and healing.
I'm glad you're going in! It's better to know than not know, I believe. Thanks so much XO
You definitely inspired me to finally schedule that dermatology appointment. Thank you!
I'm so glad to hear that XO
Hi Melissa, I'm sorry this happened. And thank you for sharing. I made a derm appointment for my annual screening immediately after reading this.
I'm glad you're going in! Good luck to you. XO
Ugh, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, even if this is the *best* version of cancer to be dealing with. And, thank you for sharing, because I will indeed make that dermatology appointment I've been putting off since pre-pandemic. 😬
Please do--if only to be assured. XO
Blessings and gratitude.
You feel like a friend so it does hit me in my heart to read about your last few weeks. I am glad everyone and everything is on the mend and has a plan. I am sorry you are going through this. It is a lot. I hope your message helps more people get checked regularly. I have been doing my yearly dermatologist check yearly for almost a decade (I’m 47). I have some family history of skin cancer, and I usually schedule it at the end of the year so I’ve hit my deductible. (Insurance is also a blessing, if also a PITA. And should be universal, but that’s a different post and rant.)
Feel better soon!
Thanks so much, Jessica. I dropped my car off for repairs this morning (it took FOREVER to get the estimate, then get the parts ordered) and I just kept saying to the repair tech, "It could have been so much worse." XO
The Universe saved the easy one for last. Yay!!! I spent WAY too much time in tanning beds and have had multiple basal removed. In 2020, minutes before the pandemic, I had squamous removed from my nose with a skin graft from my cheek. That was a gut punch. If you’re only now getting a spot, that’s awesome. My dad has been in the sun his whole life and has had zero spots. My mom, on the other hand, has spots frozen off all the damn time for YEARS. Genetics is fun. 🤷🏻♀️ I seem to trend more in my dad’s direction, skin-wise, but I’m more cautious about my face these days. You will probably end up with some actinic keratosis spots on your chest. Of all the places that are aging fast from the sun, my chest has borne the brunt. No cancer there yet, though!
Meanwhile, I just talked to my mailman last week and he has stage 4 melanoma! And his wife died in February, falling down the stairs and breaking her neck. God help him, whatever his 3rd thing is. #Perspective
Super glad to hear it’s nothing more. 💜💜💜💜
Oh god, that's just awful. I wasn't a huge tanning bed person, and I'm Portuguese so I rarely burned as a kid, but I also wasn't good about sunscreen basically ever (until a few years ago, when product innovations started making it much easier). I'm definitely going to keep it up.
Genetics are certainly in your favor on this one! I need to tell you about my conversation with Magdalena about being “the favorite of the Universe.” Suffice it to say, I rejected the notion immediately... and then had a think on it. I made myself take a few minutes to feel through why I would reject being called the favorite of the universe, and then looked around and said to myself, “Woman, if you are not the favorite of the Universe, who the hell is? And what is your definition of “favorite?”
YES! I mean, in the moment, on the phone, all I heard was CANCER. And I feel like you'd be remiss to take any cancer lightly. I'm lucky that this form is both common and easy to treat, but it was a brush with something scary.
Thanks Kimia--we are all okay, thank goodness. XO