My Melanoma Experience
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanoma can also form in your eyes and, rarely, inside your body, such as in your nose or throat.
The exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds increases your risk of developing melanoma. Limiting your exposure to UV radiation can help reduce your risk of melanoma.
The exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds increases your risk of developing melanoma. Limiting your exposure to UV radiation can help reduce your risk of melanoma.
The following images may be disturbing to some viewers.
In late March 2021 I noticed a new mole on my left cheek. I didn't think much about it, but was keeping an eye on it. Finally decided in early May that I should have it looked at so I made an appt with my dermatologist in Fridley. The earliest I could get in was July 1. After a few weeks I saw my primary care doctor who was able to get me in to see a dermatology nurse practitioner right away. The nurse practitioner removed the mole and sent it in for testing. I got a call the next day - I had Melanoma and they were referring me to a general surgeon. That wasn't going to work for me so I called Mayo clinic and had my results sent to them. They were able to get me in rather quickly and said they would be performing a Mohs procedure to be sure all the Melanoma was removed.
see Mohs procedure info here
see Mohs procedure info here
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With a Melanoma confirmation, the surgeons need to remove a 2+ centimeter radius around the mole. Thankfully with the Mohs procedure, they only needed to remove the top layer of skin to be sure they had it all. I'm cancer free! Side note - Mayo has a Dermatology photographer that takes images throughout the procedure and at the surgeon's request. 27 stitches on top with equally as many if not more underneath. Yes, a little bit of plastic surgery because the area of skin removed was so large. Home again, resting a lot and not feeling like eating or doing much. Enjoyed a lot of shakes and smoothies. My favorite line at this point is - "Bar fight! You should have seen the other chick!" Day 2 post surgery and my eye swelled shut for 36+ hours. That is such a strange feeling. Thankfully only my left eye, as they warned me that my right eye could swell shut as well. One week post surgery. Swelling has finally decreased. I had to keep it covered at all times with vaseline and telfa, then covered that with cover-all. This cover all the best! It adheres to your skin, yet doesn't leave it sticky feeling or hurt when removing like a bandaid does. Best place to buy it is Amazon! 
6 weeks post surgery. It's healing really well! I still have to cover it when I'll be out in the sun to reduce the potential for scarring. Please, please, please wear sunblock when outdoors. Life is good. |
