A Skin Cancer Journey: How Do You Cope?My mother has always been health-conscious, but as a child, I can remember her sitting on the couch eating a whole box of cookies or an entire bag of chips... By Ashley Maddox2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
A Skin Cancer Journey: Life Must Go OnI was first diagnosed with skin cancer in June 2018. Since that time, I have had three recurrences and other skin cancer issues. Most recently, in February 2018, I had... By Ashley Maddox3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What are your victories? Small or large, what is your skin cancer victory? For me, 3 skin exams back, I did not have any biopsies. I’m still holding onto that victory!! How about you...Reactions 0 reactions Comments11 repliesCoping
Skin Cancer: Difficult Reminders From My PastI recently moved out of a 900-square-foot apartment in Downtown Dallas, Texas into a much larger home in the suburbs. In the suburbs, I now have room to spread out... By Ashley Maddox2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
My Daily Dilemma: Another Skin Cancer Recurrence?In June 2018, I had an unusual growth on my lower lip that was eventually diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. I was referred to a plastic surgeon in hopes of... By Ashley Maddox3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
My Initial Skin Cancer Diagnosis: How I FeltI recently met a close friend, Rhonda, for coffee at Starbucks. We had been catching up for a few hours when, somewhat out of the blue, she asked, “How did... By Ashley Maddox2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments21 comments
Protection while driving? When I was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2018, the plastic surgeon told me that I was getting a lot of sun while driving 2 hours a day and...Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 repliesPreventionTips & Advice
Do you try to plan around your skin issues? I bought a house recently, and I caught myself wondering whether the time-in relation to my latest skin check (skin issue?) was good. Honestly, I find myself planning around my...Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 repliesCoping
Hardest part of surgery? No part of skin surgery is good, but what part is hardest for you? For me, it’s the mapping—where they draw out what they are about to cut. It gets...Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 repliesSurgeryTreatment
Skin Cancer: Why Me?I am on a skin cancer journey, and my first run-in with skin cancer was in June 2018. I had squamous cell carcinoma on my bottom lip, and it was... By Ashley Maddox3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Does it ever help you to cry—just get it out? I was at the dermatologist yesterday. 2 abnormal moles. 2 biopsies. Same story 3 months before. I started crying and my doctor said what’s wrong? I said all of this...Reactions 0 reactions Comments17 repliesCopingTips & Advice
Skin Protection vs. Social Pressure Yesterday I met a big crowd for lunch, and they selected an outdoor table right in the middle of the sun. I did not feel it was safe for me...Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 repliesTips & Advice
Helpful Support ResourcesMy cancer journey has felt like a mental, physical, and emotional battle. I am always looking for additional support resources to assist me along the way. On my skin cancer... By Ashley Maddox2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
A Skin Cancer Diagnosis: Walking in DenialI was first diagnosed with skin cancer in June 2018. A that time, I took the ostrich with its head in the sand approach. Basically, I was in denial of... By Ashley Maddox2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments26 comments
Vitamin D and People With Skin Cancer: The Pharmacist's PerspectiveI come from a family of pharmacists. My father, my oldest brother, and my oldest brother’s wife are all pharmacists. I am aware of the key role a pharmacist plays... By Ashley Maddox7 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What was your first sign? What was your first sign that you had a skin issue—that was later determined to be skin cancer? For me, I had a very unusual growth on my bottom lip...Reactions 0 reactions Comments24 repliesDiagnosisSymptoms
UV lamps-nails salons I recently read that nails salons are now using small lamps that give off UV rays. I knew salons had gone away from the harmless dryer types they were using...Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 repliesAwarenessTips & Advice
Skin check tips? I was telling my new dermatologist I struggle with seeing skin changes. She offered that she recommends waiting 30 days between checks. Otherwise, your eyes are not likely to see...Reactions 0 reactions Comments17 repliesPreventionTips & Advice
Does the sex of your dermatologist matter for skin checks? The last two dermatologists I had were men and I’m a woman. I’m scheduled to see a lady tomorrow for a skin check. I did not know it mattered to...Reactions 0 reactions Comments5 repliesHealthcare Team
A Skin Cancer Journey: Walking It Single But Not AloneI recently read that 31% of the adults in the United States say they are single, and the article defined the term single as not married, living with a partner... By Ashley Maddox3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments