Hi Friends!
Today I have a very special guest post for you guys.
My beautiful cousin is taking over the blog today to tell you her skin cancer story. Some of you may remember a few weeks ago when both hubby and I went to get skin cancer screenings…
The story below is one of the big reasons why. (The other being the fact that I spent 8 summers working for a landscaping company). Even though I waited longer than I should have after her diagnosis, she was still the main reason I eventually went.
Kristine and I spent a lot of time together when we were younger. Her mom, my aunt, took care of me while my parents were at work when I was little.
As we got older, my cousins used to come visit us with my grandparents every summer. I have a lot of great memories from those summers and most of them involve time spent at the pool. Even though we’re cousins, Kristine and I are about as far apart as you can get on the skin tone spectrum. I am darker skinned and tan very easily. She is extremely fair-skinned and burns very easily.
Please read her story…and then go schedule yourself a screening if you haven’t been recently.
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Hi everyone!
I’m Kristine, and I’m lovely Lindsay’s cousin. I’m 29 years old and I live in Minnesota. This is my skin cancer story.
From the time I was a kid, I knew I was at a higher risk for skin cancer than most people I knew. I have fair skin, freckles, green eyes, and reddish/blonde hair. I sunburn easily, although there were plenty of times in my youth that I allowed myself to burn, because it eventually turned to tan. I figured a few days of lobster-esque red was worth it for a few days of a somewhat golden hue (although it was accompanied with highly attractive peeling skin and burn/tan lines).
As I moved into my twenties, I started becoming a bit more conscious of my skin, and spent more time thinking about sun protection when I was outside. However, it still wasn’t a big part of my life. In October 2009 I was a bridesmaid in one of my best friend’s weddings. Our dresses were strapless, and as I was fitted for my dress I noticed a large freckle on my right shoulder looked a bit bigger and darker than I remembered. I didn’t think much of it. After the wedding, I noticed the freckle jumped out in several pictures. While I was pretty sure it hadn’t always looked the way it did, I couldn’t remember for sure.
In order to be able to compare, I dug out my wedding photos, taken two years earlier. I had worn a strapless gown for my wedding, and hoped there would be an image of me that would show that freckle on my right shoulder. Sure enough, I had a few pictures of it, and realized that on my wedding day, the freckle was lighter, smaller, and more symmetrical than it was now. I knew that I needed to take action.
Over the next few days I did some research. I looked at images of skin cancer and perused the Mayo Clinic site for signs and symptoms- click here to see them. This is embarrassing to admit now, but another reason I had blown off my freckle for a while is when people write of skin cancer, they talk about moles that change shape. I figured a freckle was in a whole other category as I believed moles were only spots on your skin that were raised. Well, turns out, most all of my “freckles” are flat moles, and the one on my shoulder was exactly that.
I researched dermatologists in my area, and vetoed establishments that only promoted the cosmetic side of dermatology (skin peels, laser treatments, etc.) and instead selected a clinic that specifically touted their work with skin cancer. At my first appointment, my dermatologist did a full body check. When we got to my shoulder, she agreed the spot was a concern. They numbed the area with novocain and used a small razor to scoop it out. The scoop was sent to the lab to be biopsied.
A few days later I got a call from my dermatologist. My ‘scoop’ was malignant, and it was the most serious kind of skin cancer; melanoma. The good news, however, is the cancer was still on the surface. To treat it, I would need to come in as soon as possible for a surgical procedure to remove several millimeters of skin in all directions and depths close to the spot to ensure all the cancer was removed. I went in a few days later for the procedure. After about 45 minutes, they had removed the skin they wanted. That skin was biopsied, and luckily, it confirmed that all the cancer had been removed from my body.
Since then, I have had 3 other suspicious-looking scoops taken out of my body. One on my back, one on my arm, and one on my thigh. My arm and thigh checked out fine, but my back was considered extremely abnormal, and very likely pre-cancerous. For that reason, we performed the same surgical procedure on that spot as was done on my shoulder.
My dermatologist stressed to me that I should tell all my family and friends of my experience. Although I was at a higher risk due to my physical characteristics, she noted that skin cancer affects all skin types and genders, and is becoming increasingly common in youth. My story prompted several of my family members, friends, and coworkers to visit a dermatologist for the first time. Most all had to have something biopsied, and most all came back just fine. However, several of them had spots deemed precancerous, and one of my male friends had a melanoma discovered and removed. The friend with the melanoma and most of the others who had spots removed have much darker features than I do and tan easily.
I now wear sunscreen every day, and reapply multiple times when I’m outside. I have purchased sunglasses that offer UV protection, and dress appropriately when spending time outside. I make a point to stay in the shade, and I wear hats to keep my head protected. Even when it’s freezing cold in the winter in Minnesota, I still wear sunscreen as even though the sun doesn’t feel hot, its rays are just as powerful as a 90 degree summer day. For the first year after my melanoma I visited my dermatologist every 3 months. We then switched to 6 months. Now, I will go annually for the rest of my life.
I encourage everyone to perform a skin evaluation. Look at your body and take note of places where you have moles. Follow the ABCDE’s to know if you should consider getting checked (click here learn what these are here). It’s also good to familiarize yourself with any spots so even if they aren’t a concern now, it will be easier to tell in the future if there are any changes on your body. In my case, my husband has helped me take photos of my arms, legs, back, etc. so we can have a physical reminder of how my skin looks at certain times.
When in doubt; get it checked out. The Skin Cancer Foundation of America has an active newsletter and Facebook page that also offers helpful tips, and their website gives lots of great information.
Just remember that having darker features or tanning easily does not make you immune to skin cancer. Everyone should protect themselves with sunscreen, and take the time to check their body for areas of concern.
Skin cancer is 100 percent treatable, as long as it’s caught early enough.
Thanks for reading! If anyone has questions, I’d be happy to try to answer them. Stay sun safe out there!
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So there you have it, friends. I URGE YOU, BEG YOU, PLEAD WITH YOU to go get a skin cancer screening if you haven’t already. Tell your friends and family…take them with you! Even though both my screening and my hubby’s came back perfectly normal with no cause for concern, I will never regret going!
If you’re still not convinced, go read Alyssa’s story over at Life of Blyss. CLICK HERE. Read about her recovery from surgery HERE.
Let’s chat:
Have you ever had a skin cancer screening? Do you get them regularly?
–Lindsay–
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Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Kristine! It is so easy to think we’re too young to get cancer and that we’re invincible. Not so!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
I went for my first skin cancer check this summer. YOu better believe itz a regular thing for me now!
Sarah says
Wow, incredible story. Thank you for taking the time to share, and thank you Lindsay for having her post.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Thanks for sharing! It’s amazing to me that some people still use baby oil while out in the sun. We put oil on things that are about to be roasted…why would you do that to your skin?
Mariella Lombardi says
It’s really great that you guys shared this with us. I was very stressed about my many moles when I was a teenager. I only had one darker sport removed and it wasn’t a dangerous one. I have a few others that I constantly observe for shape changes, and so far so good. I will consider going to the dermatologist more often though, considering all the things you told us.
Paula Kiger says
Thank you for sharing your story! You did a great job of explaining everything and communicating the necessity of checking things out. Having grown up in Florida many of us are cavalier about time in the sun. This is a great reminder to take precautions!
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food says
I work in a dermatologist’s office, so I know the importance of getting screened! Even if you notice something that may not seem to be an issue, it is so important to have it checked because it’s better to catch it before it turns into something worse!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I tanned indoors for almost 10 years until I finally quit this past summer (woohoo!). I’m scheduled for my first cancer screening in November and super nervous. I’m proud that I quit though and am trying to be proactive!
Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run says
I so need to do this….sigh. I’ll get an appt. set soon. Hold me to it?
PS: So glad you went, were clear, and that Kristine is healthy and cancer free!
Ashleigh says
Thanks for sharing your story! I actually just went for a screening this year since both my mom and grandmother had skin cancer. The doctor did several scoops and one came back pre-cancerous. They were able to remove all of it! But I will definitely be going every year now.
Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness says
Thank you so much for sharing your story! What a fantastic post and great way to raise awareness! I will admit I’m not always as careful as I should be in the sun and this is a great reminder why it is so important to use caution!
Sarah says
Thanks for sharing. I have been honestly spooked after living in Australia for 2 years with a higher ozone exposure and also being outside diving more than most in the sun. I went to my doctor for a yearly check up and asked her to look over all my skin. She did a quick glance and told me I was fine and there were no troubling signs. It seemed like such a simple test – just a glance over. Should I have asked for something more thorough or is that really all there is to it?
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
I need to schedule a screening. I’ve been meaning to for a while!
Carissa says
Thanks for this post. It’s so important to remember the little things like screenings that can save our lives!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
Thanks for sharing your story Kristine. I know that importance of screening and sunscreen but am so not vigilant about it and I totally dismiss it as something that I don’t worry about, even though I’m religious about applying sunscreen on my kids. I know – total hypocrite. Thanks for the reminder about the importance of this issue. I think that so many of us (i.e. me) dismiss it when it needs to be taken seriously.
Kristin @ My Mission Impossible says
So glad to hear that you’re okay! Thanks for sharing…I actually have it on my to-do list to make an appt. because my parents just went and I figured it wouldn’t hurt!
jobo says
What a good post, I am so glad she is ok, and what a way to pay it forward. Inform, inform, inform. Thank you for sharing this!
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says
Thank you so much for sharing this story! My grandfather passed away from melanoma when he was just 33 years old, so we’ve always been big on getting screened every year. I have my appt scheduled for next week! I’m glad that you caught everything early and are doing well 🙂
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
Thank you for sharing yoru story!! I get screened every year! They are always cutting something off, but praise the Lord that nothing has come back abnormal!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Thank you for sharing! My mom has had several cases of skin cancer and several areas of her skin where you can see they took out chunks to ensure the cancer was all removed. We grew up being very careful of sun exposure, including using SPF 65. I always thought it was crazy but as I got older, I really understood the importance.
Allie says
This IS so important, what a great post Kristine! (And thanks for sharing, Lindsay!) I was tested a few years ago and had two moles removed–I still have a fabulous dip-scar on my back, one I will never complain about, since I know it means I was being smart and getting things checked out–nothing serious, thank goodness, but I really should go again for another test, thank you for the reminder about why it’s so important/to get myself to a doc again!
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
Gahhh thank you for sharing this. I scheduled an appt. with my derm next month (the soonest could schedule!) and will have her check me out. I’m fair skinned and freckled, too.
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says
Thank you for sharing your story! This really hits home with me because my dad has melanoma. He recently found out that it turned into stage two melanoma as well. I am always on his case about continuing to get checked. I used to be one of those teenagers that baked in the sun and tanned very easily. Now, I am MUCH more cautious of it because of my dad. I just wish that other people were the same way!
Denise P. says
Thanks for sharing. My mom has had many scares over the years – basal cell carcinoma’s which just get removed in the drs office and that is it. Last year though, one spot turned out to be melanoma. She had to have lymph nodes removed and everything, but it had not spread. (One year later she has breast cancer on the same side though.) Seeing her go through that surgery really woke me up. I’ve always joked that hopefully I take after my Italian fathers skin tone more than hers, but I know the reality is is that I should be much more dilligent about protection.
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says
Thanks so much for posting this! I’m super fair skinned with blue eyes and red hair and I burn so easily. I went to the derm for the first time at 21, which is wayy too late for a first visitt. They took a mole off but it turned out to be completely fine thank God. For the rest of my life I will be going annually. Skin health is so important!
misszippy says
Great message, especially coming from someone as young as you–I think the younger you are, the less likely you think it can happen to you. I have an annual skin check and so far have had two moles removed (both benign). I am a big believer in sunscreen and fight the battles daily with my kids to get them to wear it–it’s so important!
Glad you are ok and thanks for sharing your story!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) says
Thank you for sharing! This story is so important!
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
THANK YOU for spreading the word on skin cancer awareness, ladylove!
Kierston says
Thank you for sharing this with us. this is really important!
[email protected] says
Thank you for sharing your story. Pre-screening for any disease that we can is so important.
Laura says
Great story- and such an important reminder! I have red hair and freckles as well, and try to be very cautious but have often neglected the sunscreen… I needed to read this!
Jenelle says
The title of this post really caught my eye. What a great story and topic to share. Would it be alright if I shared a link to this on my blog? I always try to stress to my husband and friends to wear sunscreen!! A lot of us run and I worry being out in the sun that long can really take a toll on our skin. Thank you for this.
Lindsay says
i would LOVE it if you shared the link! the more people we can spread the word to the better!
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says
I’ve been thinking about getting checked since I real Alyssa’s story. I need to find a good dermatologist in my area ASAP! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Danica @ It's Progression says
I need to do this–my husband and I both do–and find a good dermatologist to see. Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational story!
Pavement Runner says
This post really hit home. I run a lot. I mean a lot and I need to get this checked out. I don’t run in a hat too much and I know that if I continue down this path, it might be very dangerous. Thank you for the post.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
I go every year, sometimes twice. I swear being check has probably saved me and I have the scars to prove it. Thank you for sharing this and spreading the word.
Jasanna says
This is so true! I try to keep a constant watch on myself, because I’m fair and have a million moles. I’ve gotten several removed as a kid, but haven’t been able to go in for a while. It’s about time!!! I also have gotten much more conscious about hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. I used to *try* to get a burn so I’d tan after!
American Cancer Fund says
Thanks for noting our ABC’s of cancer page. You may also want to check out the skin cancer pix we have posted. Please also remember to wear sunscreen 365 days a year. Skin cancer is preventable.
Here is the link:
http://americancancerfund.org/facts-about-cancer/basic-info/skin/skin-cancer-pictures
carolyn says
Love you Kristine!!! Your story was so beautifully written. I remember how scary it was for you. I am thankful each day for you and am lucky to have such a great friend like you.
skin cancer says
II have a scar on my right cheek from a large mole removed when I was three years old. It was itchy and the bumpy red part bled when scratched. Turns out it was Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
Thanks for spreading awareness, my love! It’s so important these days. And my best friend was just diagnosed a few months ago!
xoxo
Lindsay says
i agree. so important!! hope your friend heals quickly!