Dear 16 Year Old Me.
An important message worth taking 5 minutes to watch and 5 seconds to reblog, email, tweet, whatever. It’s not often that a PSA can really get to me, but this one did tonight.
Thinking of a friend who fought this battle, before I even knew her, and who I admire tremendously. You’re pretty amazing, K.
I know the four readers of my tumblr have already seen this fantastic PSA thanks to Amy; however, I feel it is worth a re-blog if only one other person sees it.
I didn’t expect to respond so emotionally to this PSA as I’m not really an emotional person, but I cried after viewing it. I have had melanoma three times in three places - my leg, back and right breast - and thankfully I am am in full remission (five years!) and healthy. The only side effect I experience is lymphatic drainage issues because most of my lymph nodes were removed during each surgery. I also have a couple of scars. Not a bad prognosis considering at my initial consult the oncologist predicted I probably wouldn’t live because the cancer was so advanced. Thankfully I found an amazing oncologist and nursing staff who made sure we proved that quack wrong.
I know most people don’t think of melanoma is a “big deal” cancer. I would often hear, “oh, it’s only skin cancer - no biggie,” from, apparently very insensitive, people. I’ll show you part of the 10-inch scar on my leg to prove it is a big deal. (That will have to be in another post because I can’t figure out how to upload a picture here. And no one needs to see my back fat or breast so don’t ask. But know that it spreads fast.) I can recount the pain of three surgeries, the effects of several rounds of treatment, the inability to walk for almost a month and relying on someone to carry you everywhere, and the non-stop vomiting, if it educates just one person.
Only one burn predisposes you to a higher risk for melanoma. Pretty amazing, right? And repeated sun exposure - natural and artificial - definitely increases your risk. Genetics also predispose you to melanoma: women in their mid-20s are at high risk, as are people with fair skin, red hair and light blue eyes.
Considering all these risk factors, I fit the profile completely. I spent my entire childhood at the pool. I caddied for five years. My parents are from Ireland and I am probably one of the palest people you will encounter. I have very blue eyes. My hair is naturally reddish.
Though I fit the profile for melanoma, I was not very educated about warning signs. In fact, I probably would not have gotten checked out if my sister didn’t comment on a discolored mole on my leg during TurboKick. And she commented because her sister-in-law has just been diagnosed with melanoma.
It’s so important to understand the warning signs of melanoma and its effects. I can’t stop telling people to visit a dermatologist annually, to check and monitor their moles, to not wait. I was always conscious about sun protection; now I am just plain obnoxious and have no problem telling people what they should use. SPF-laden moisturizers year-round, sunglasses, limited exposure, no tanning beds, cover yourself!, and all the other tips that are listed in the PSA.
I don’t wish my experience on anyone so please remember to be your own advocate and see your doctor if you are concerned.
