I start my treatment in 13 days. Frankly, I'm dreading it, but I've been so busy with other things that I've managed to file it away and not think about it too much. Perhaps I've even been a little cavalier about it.
Until tonight.
A friend of my brothers went to the Doctor less than a year ago for a mole that "looked funny". In the 10 months since, he's had surgery, intravenous chemotherapy at least once, been diagnosed with melanoma and was told to get his affairs in order - quickly. The latest chemo treatment he's on may give him an additional month, but he now has mets in 4 major organs and without current treatment - has a few weeks at best. Under 45 with two kids, a wife, and a 2 week life expectancy. About the same time I have before I start my treatment - very short.
Suddenly, walking around looking like I've had a run in with severe poison ivy, a bad sunburn, combined with some blistering/pain/itching, other chemo side affects doesn't sound so bad. Worrying what reactions other people will have towards my appearance seems silly.
Nothing like mortality to put things in perspective.
And here I was, thinking I'd get a good nights sleep tonight!!
So this Thanksgiving, I think I'm most thankful that:
- so far, I appear to be on top of things
- I didn't allow vanity get in the way and procrastinate further on this
If you haven't done so in a while, check your body, or if you have "40's eyesight" have someone check it for you... especially your back or other parts you may not have seen in a while. Take note of anything unusual, especially moles or other raised areas that are new, irregularly shaped, feel scaly, bleed easily or are "funny colored" - and get them checked by a Doctor.
oh honey, I had no idea!
ReplyDeleteOur friend, Sharon had skin cancer as well, (a different tyep than yours) and had surgery a few weeks ago to remove the quarter-sized spot. The surgery eneded up being rather more of a big deal than she thought it would be, but it turned out well in the end.
I'm glad you have better perspective (that's good for all us) but don't scare yourself.
Do you know that I've had three cancers? One of them was supposed to kill me within the year - that was gosh - I think 15 years ago now. My truest advice is - keep positive. It helps more than the treatments I think. (But don't skimp on those either.)
xoxoxoxo
Thanks Kit!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to keep positive and have a sense of humor about the whole thing. Not easy when you see some of the photos out there, which is why I wanted to start this blog. So many people wander into this treatment having no idea what to expect - and getting through to the Dr. is next to impossible on the phone.
xxx