Updates.
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.
Ali-
Thank you for the post...I had a melanoma (0.25mm) removed from my back this September...result a lovely, 4 in scar (due to the second reincision to make sure the margins were clear)...the result was no cancer cells found in the reincision...but left with a lovely scar...I still go to the Mommy and Me Swim classes...and if someone asks about the scar, I tell them what it was...and to be sure to have anything that fits the ABCs (asymmetrical border, (dark) color)of skin cancer checked...sometimes I feel like I'm the only mom out there with this...so thanks for letting me know how many of us out there are vigilant...I also had one removed 7 years ago that turned out to be something called a Spitz Novum (looks like melanoma but isn't) on my leg...these things can be benign but troublesome...my word for 2008 is "blessed."...
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Hey Ali. Thanks for sharing your experience about having moles checked. Will definitely take your advice and get them checked out.
I just received your latest book for Christmas and absolutely adore it! I, like others, have been totally inspired by your pages! You are so creative and talented! Thank you. :)
My word for 2008 is SMILE. Need to do a little more of that this year. Thanks for all of your beautiful works of "life-art."
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Hey Ali. Thanks for sharing your experience about having moles checked. Will definitely take your advice and get them checked out.
I just received your latest book for Christmas and absolutely adore it! I, like others, have been totally inspired by your pages! You are so creative and talented! Thank you. :)
My word for 2008 is SMILE. Need to do a little more of that this year. Thanks for all of your beautiful works of "life-art."
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My mom had a malignant melanoma removed from her neck when she was eight months pregnant 21 years ago. She was told if they wouldn't have caught it when they did she would have been dead within months. I applaud you writing about this on your blog because there are SO MANY people out there who don't have their moles checked when they should! I have been going yearly since I was fourteen years old and will continue to do so my entire life.
Thanks for the post and I pray everything will be OK with yours.
Meghan
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My word for the year is "Abundance"
I pray all goes well with the moles. :)
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Good for you! I'm a melanoma survivor, and my arms look like swiss cheese. :-)
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I just wanted to say I love this picture and how your dog is right there next to you. Such a sweet photo.
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Ali, just wanted to post that my chosen word this year is ...'real'. See... by posting I am now accountable... ;-) Hope they got everything regarding your moles. hugs
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I couldn't agree more about the living for today. My word for this year LIVE.
I have been there before with the moles. I am for getting them all off if possible. I much prefer the scars. Good Luck to you.
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This is a great reminder! I had an area removed last month on my back that turned out to be a tumor formed from atypical cells (2 different types). Hearing the "T" kind of freaked me out! I'm just so glad I went with my instincts and had it checked out. So... thanks for the reminder!
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Ali, I am right there with you on the moles. Had my skin checked at the end of November for the first time and there was one very dark mole that my dermatologist didn't like the looks of. She removed it and did a biopsy. Well, mine came back as an atypical Spitz Nevus which is normally found in 4 year olds (I'm in my 40's)! My dermatologist had a whole team of doctors at Univ. of Pennsylvania look at it and they had never seen this before. It was benign but I had to go back right after Christmas to have more of the area around it removed just be be sure. I get my stitches out this Wednesday. Good luck with everything!
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Hi ALi!
I am another one who will be having a large mole removed in front of my ear in a couple of weeks. I hope it comes back ok. My Mom had melanoma so I want to be proactive and make sure I am healthy. I totally agree about the scars being a heck of a lot better than the alternative!
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