So, remember this? Turns out that pesky little mole (the one that I was told was probably fine and we should just keep an eye on it and get it checked out every three months) was a melanoma. Skin cancer. The deadliest form of skin cancer.
I just got the call this afternoon. Funny… today is the day that I can take out my stitches. Now they need to do another surgery to take more skin… just in case. Know what? They can have my skin… just make sure the cancer goes with it!
In light of my very fresh news, here’s how God is so good and so faithful in my life.
- Early detection. We got to it before it got to me!
- God’s nudging. That is the only explanation for me being at the dermatologist in the first place. It was my very first visit.
- Excellent prognosis. Seriously. They are relatively certain that they got the cancer out. The second surgery is to take some skin around the former mole and test it to make sure it is healthy.
- No need to re-prioritize. I’m already home loving on my kids every day. Doing what I love. Except now I have a new excuse to avoid the chores and play with the kids some more, snuggle up for nap time with my 3 year old, read a good book… hehe.
- A prayer warrior posse of family and friends.
- A husband with red hair and fair skin… skin that was checked yearly as he was growing up because his mother dragged him to the dermatologist. I’m thankful for her, too!
And allow me a moment on my brand new soapbox. Go visit your dermatologist. If you don’t have one, find one. Now! You just never know. Really. I’d love for you to report back about your healthy skin after your appointment. Do it!
For more Gratituesday, visit Heavenly Homemakers.
Happy Gratituesday! It’s great to be grateful even when things are hard. Spend as much time as you can with the little ones, it’s amazing how God works things to remind us of what is the most important and precious.
I grew up in Manhattan and attended K-state, so pretty much I’ve been bleeding purple my whole life.
WOW, Amy!!! I’m SO glad you got it taken out early and that the prognosis is so good. I’ll be praying for you that you have no further trouble…and yes, go grab a good book and relax a while!!
Praise God that there was early detection. My husband and I are “regulars” at our dermatologist! I will be praying for you as God leads you through this valley in your life.
I couldn’t agree with you more about visiting the dermatologist. About 2 years ago I went for the first time ever because a friend encouraged me to have a zit-like spot on my face checked out. Turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. Much less frightful than melanoma, but still skin cancer. After treatment, I’m all clear. I’m glad yours was discovered and taken care of quickly. I’ll be praying that the second round comes out nice and clean. Our God is able … to do anything!
Oh, my! Thank God for his nudgeing! I remember when we used to tan at the pool with Crisco lathered on our skin–we were invinceable weren’t we? My prayers are with you!
Hope all goes well for your daughter : D Here is a link that everyone should know about:
http://www.aad.org/
It is for the American Academy of Dermatology. If you visit there, check out the left side bar. You’ll find a spot you can enter your zip code and find out when the next FREE skin cancer screening is in your area. If you leave your email, you’ll get an email notification of when the screenings are in your area. This is FREE – no excuse not to go and get a full body skin cancer check. Even with basal cell, if it is on your face it can be disfiguring, so don’t wait. I had basal cell on my nose and they removed a dime size piece of skin, I had a flap done to close up the area, so I have a faint scar from the top of my nose to the hump of my nose. It’s faint but if I had waited, the more they would have had to remove – the bigger the scar- so don’t wait do it today. You’ve got nothing to lose : D
BevE
I read this after reading today’s post (6/20/12) about sunscreen. It reminded me that I need to schedule a dermatology appointment. I have so many moles it is crazy. The last time I went, they told me to make a diagram showing all my moles. Ummmm…yeah. Not happening. There are just too many of them. Scary times, and I’m so glad everything worked out for you!