Updates.

Out

Need to change out the Christmas mat on the front porch (not to mention take down the interior decorations). A bit distracted with some deadlines + a general malaise this past week.

This afternoon I headed back to the dermatologist for some additional work on my moles. Two of the three that were taken out last time came back atypical (one moderate + one severe) and needed additional margins removed around the initial spot. While we were there (Chris came along to have some of his questions answered and see the process) she decided to remove three more on my back as well.

According to the American Cancer Society, "Although most moles never turn into a melanoma, some do. Researchers have found some DNA changes that transform benign nevus (mole) cells into melanoma cells. But it is still not known exactly why some moles become cancerous or why having many moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles increases your risk of developing melanoma."

Basically I am all about having them removed if they look the least bit suspicious. Especially after having one come back as melanoma in-situ (on the surface of my skin) in August. A back full of scars sounds pretty good to me.

Another thing that sounds good to me? Living for today and not worrying about what comes next.

Another gentle reminder: make an appointment to get your own skin checked.

Completely enjoying reading all your words for 2008. I will compile one big list and post it here next week.

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112 thoughts

  1. leslie says…
    01/02/2008

    ali. oh, i hope everything works out okay for you. better than okay! thanks for the reminder. my mother is going through the same thing as you. a very real reminder for me as well. also ... the words. i have kidnapped your idea. for my own blog. love this whole concept. leslie.

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  2. Laura says…
    01/02/2008

    Keeping you & your guys in my prayers. My husband has several moles that he is convinced "are fine." I want proof. I'll be on him about going to the Dr. even more now!
    Big hugs!!
    Laura

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  3. margaret says…
    01/02/2008

    Ali, good for you for sharing your experiences at the dermatologist's office. (I thought the self-portrait was interesting, as well!) After my youth seeking the incredible tan, at 40 I went through radiation therapy to keep my eyelid after a basal cell was removed. I can't encouraged people enough. DON'T just live for today; take care of yourself today for tomorrow.
    On a happier note, I have chosen LIFE as my word for 2008. MY life, WILD life (lots of birds and critters here in Florida), ETERNAL life. Treasure LIFE.

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  4. Lisa says…
    01/02/2008

    Ali, Glad to hear you are taking care of yourself. I do hope that all will be well. I had gone to the Dermatologist once and she like freaked out and insisted that I had a certain mole removed right away. It really scared me!! Turns out it was fine.
    Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you.
    Lisa

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  5. alexandra says…
    01/02/2008

    Hi Ali,
    I am about to embark on the whole mole inspection process. Not looking forward to it (I have a few weird ones) but your prompting is making me feel more proactive about it. My dermatologist is not shy with what he removes but I'm thinking the way you are - a back full of scars is not such a bad thing.
    Sorry you are having to go through all of this but happy that you are handling it and getting proper treatment.
    Best wishes and healthy, healing vibes coming across the miles to you.
    P.S. So nice that Chris went with you - he rocks!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. ms ellie says…
    01/02/2008

    Thanks for the "365" photo suggestion. I have successfully completed Day 2!
    Hoping I can carry it through.
    Photographed my husband at the airport today leaving for a trip. Just an everyday event documented for the project!
    Thanks also for the skin care advice. Us moms need to take better care of ourselves!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. AOlsen says…
    01/02/2008

    Hi Ali,
    There was a show recently on Oprah with Dr. Oz that talked about moles and melanoma and to get these checked out. I have many moles on my body several on my back. A few seem a bit suspicious. Your post a few weeks ago was a sign to me to make that call and have them checked out. I contacted my doctor to look into it. Tomorrow I'll call to make the appointment. Thanks for the reminder!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Debbie L. says…
    01/02/2008

    I'm sorry you are going through this. My prayers are with you and your family!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Karla says…
    01/02/2008

    Wow Ali...thanks so much for sharing with all of us. We have been touched with cancer in our family recently and it's nice to get support. You and your family are in my prayers,
    -Karla

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Joyce says…
    01/02/2008

    Hope all is ok with your moles.
    My word for the year is Journey. This is the first time in 10 years all my kids will be at school-eek! So its a journey back to me!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. busyizzie says…
    01/02/2008

    great photo your dog looks quite fun. Love the perspective of the photo. Good luck with the dermatologist appointment.
    I've also been inspired to try a one little word. I sent my mom the link to last year's post because I thought it might help her move forward this year since her divorce is almost finalized after 43 years of marriage. She decided to select the word RISK.
    I've thought and thought about my word. I finally narrowed it down to BELIEVE.
    Thanks for the continued inspiration.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Stacy/CA says…
    01/02/2008

    I just wanted to give you a big cyber hug. I have a "connect-the-scars" back myself, after having my melanoma removed in 2004. I go for my yearly appointment on Friday, and like you, would rather have all the questionable ones removed rather than have them "go bad" later on.
    Wishing you good health in 2008!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Shannon Dean says…
    01/02/2008

    Ali, you are in our thoughts.. its all good you'll be fine and better than ever!
    and my word is CALM time to get over my anxiety!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Laura Reaux says…
    01/02/2008

    Ali, I would give you a hug if I could. I'm praying for you and thinking of you. It's so sweet of you to keep us posted.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Gillian says…
    01/02/2008

    Sound advice! Getting things checked out is always a simple way to keep yourself healthy.
    My word for 2008 is 'harmonize'... I wanted to go with organize (since I need to organize much more than I do now!) but that sounded harsh.... harmonize makes me think about getting everything to just the right level for ME... not too organized, not too sloppy... just perfect.. harmony.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Susan Hessler says…
    01/02/2008

    Ok, after a day's reflection I've changed my word to BREATHE. My word was overwhelming me, and I think I need to step back and just take a deep breath for 2008.
    thanks again, Susan

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Janine says…
    01/02/2008

    Well done, you really can afford to take chances with anything this serious, no matter where in the world you live that sun can be nasty !
    My word for this year is to be HAPPY to love and enjoy the little things and to not get so bogged down in the big things. To take time, to laugh more and to smile.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Janine says…
    01/02/2008

    Oh man I am tired sorry I meant to say ....you CANT afford to take chances, sorry I had a baby brain moment LOL.....:)

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Sharon says…
    01/02/2008

    My Dad had a chunk of his lip cut off when we were kids. He is still around to play with his grandchildren. Skin cancer is nothing to muck around with.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. erin yamabe says…
    01/02/2008

    ali,
    i'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. thank you for the gentle reminder. cancer has taken many family members, i know better.
    peace.
    erin

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Paola Norman says…
    01/02/2008

    Dear Ali, wow, you really are a pillar of inspiration and strength. I love what you say about "living for today" that makes so much sense, yet is not always easy to do..
    I keep you in my thoughts and prayers always..you are amazing just being you!
    Peace to you always.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. hedwig says…
    01/02/2008

    Dear Ali,
    I hope and pray the best for the mole thing! I have enjoyed your christmas project enormously. Gave me new inspiration to make a yearbook of my family and the things we have been doing in 2007. A warm embrace from a cold Holland, Hedwig

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. hedwig says…
    01/02/2008

    Dear Ali,
    I hope and pray the best for the mole thing! I have enjoyed your christmas project enormously. Gave me new inspiration to make a yearbook of my family and the things we have been doing in 2007. A warm embrace from a cold Holland, Hedwig

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Sue says…
    01/02/2008

    Oh so agree, Ali. Live for today, for who knows what is around the corner. Feeling a bit blah myself this week and can't shake a general "low" feeling. And that's despite my getting a great start on de-cluttering our home (my main resolution for 2008). Need to constantly remind myself to stop worrying about what comes next. Be grateful (my word for this year) for what I have. Thanks once again for being such a great inspiration. (And I'll be making an appointment to have my many moles checked as soon as possible.)

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  25. Paulette Sarsfield says…
    01/02/2008

    Hubbie has a Dr's appt next week, not related to moles but NOW I will remind him to have them checked... Thanks Ali & by the way, your Christmas mat looks great ( if only we didn't live in the land of mud & snow LOL!!!!)

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