It's been a long while since I've written. Being at home has definitely been a whirlwind adventure! I have had my ups and downs these past 4 months. It actually is a lot of work readjusting to things back home. Catching up with family and friends. Getting reaquainted with all the favorite things I missed so dearly (in my case Cheez Whiz, all the clothes and shoes I couldn't afford to take in my luggage, etc.) I feel like nothing has changed in a way, but so much actually has. It's been pretty sad not finding a good job. Having to move back into my parent's basement after having my own sweet apartment- well that takes getting used to too. I'm actually living in London (ONTARIO- for all of those who are thinking England...) with my cousin for now, which has been nice. Every weekend has consisted pretty much of heading out of town- to Port Perry or Windsor. Busy busy!!
I will now get to the point of this post...I want to start by saying I've been giving this a lot of thought the last week or so. I don't want pity for having written about this. It's the teacher in me coming out and if I can help one person by posting it, then I feel I've done alright. It's educational and well, since I can't get a teaching job, I guess I'll start doing it on my own! ....
I have recently been diagnosed with Melanoma - aka skin cancer. The reason I'm writing about this is because if it wasn't for my persistance, I would still be in the dark about it and who knows how much longer it would have grown for! I had a funny little spot on my shin (where in most cases with women that's where it starts- common there and also on the back, men it's mostly the back). I brought it to the attention of my doctor who said it didn't look like anything to be concerned about, but if I felt more comfortable she would take what they call a punch of it (a piece). I had this gut feeling that she should just do it- thank goodness. She continued to reassure me that she was positive it was nothing after she had taken it and had to put in a little stitch. She was more concerned that I would be left with a scar where she had to take the piece. Thank goodness though! She called a week later to tell me the news. Malignant Melanoma. Now, as I previously stated, I don't want pity. I wasn't even sure it was anyone else's business. I asked my good friend if I should even write this. I'm still a bit torn on the subject but figured what could it hurt? I'm 27, relatively healthy. Who would have thought?! If you ever have a concern about something that doesn't feel right, ASK YOUR DOCTOR and be PERSISTANT! I wouldn't have considered myself to be a person who loved the sun. Ya I like a tan. Tanned in booths throughout University. Not all the time. Apparently enough though. I guess throughout all this I'm trying to stay positive (thanks to great support of my loving family and friends). I am getting a relatively big piece (toonie sized) of my shin taken out. I still need to see a specialist and will forever now be monitored for anything else (which I have other concerns but have to wait to talk to someone else). It's frustrating. Scary. All the above. As the title of this post states though, this is my public service announcement. I want everyone I know to pass it on- never be afraid to insist on something you're not comfortable with to your doctor. If they blow you off, see someone else. Check for any irregular spots on your body. There are tests you can do (change in size, irregular borders, color, etc.) I always lived with the mentality that so many other people do - "Won't happen to me!" Well this time it did. Thank goodness though I was smart enough to follow through with my instincts! Always trust yourself.
