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
Small victories I have been afraid to be outside more than a few minutes since my latest skin issue—February 2022. As of Monday I restarted my “commute” (walk) to work. 10 miles...Reactions 0 reactions Comments13 repliesCoping
Self compassion The other night I made a big blunder, and then today I just said, you are doing the best you can. Keep walking and do not criticize your actions right...Reactions 0 reactions Comments11 repliesCoping
Routine Skin Exams: Should They Be Recommended for the General Public?It recently occurred to me that I have gone for a routine physical examination on a yearly basis my entire life, or forty-seven years. As a child, I saw a... By Ashley Maddox4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Losing Control Do you ever feel like you have lost control of your life to skin cancer? I had an appointment scheduled at MD Anderson for end of October. I was totally...Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 repliesCoping
My Dermatologist's Recommendations and My Attempts to Embrace ThemMy most recent skin cancer issue was in February 2022. It was not the first time I had a run-in with skin cancer. My dermatologist treated the situation through excision... By Ashley Maddox4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Vitamin D I assume most if not all of us are maintaining limited sun exposure. Has your doctor asked you to take a Vitamin D supplement?...Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 repliesDiet & NutritionSide Effects
Be Your Best Skin Cancer Advocate: Tips for Effectively AdvocatingWhen I was younger and more naïve, I used to go to the doctor like I was riding in the passenger seat of a car. Basically, I was just along... By Ashley Maddox4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
What Skin Cancer Has Taken from MeMy maternal grandfather had a real love for horses. When I was a child, he bought a few Tennessee Walking Horses and kept them at his farm. They were stunningly... By Ashley Maddox4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
The Importance of the Messages We HearOver the course of my life, I have heard people comment that the messages you allow yourself to hear have a great impact on you. The concept always seemed a... By Ashley Maddox5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
Regaining ControlWe all want to feel like we are in control of our own lives, and I am certainly no exception. In fact, it is so important to me to maintain... By Ashley Maddox3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Planning for skin protection I’ve decided that properly protecting my skin takes a lot of preparation and planning. I went to the indoor pool last week, and I presumably washed all my sunscreen off...Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 repliesPreventionRecurrenceTips & Advice
Do you have battle scars? Do you have visible skin cancer scars? If so, how does that make you feel? Are you self-conscious? Has anyone asked? I have scars on my bottom lip from 4...Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 repliesCoping
Loose lips I was leaving work recently, and I was covered from head to toe in the 100 degree heat. I could see the woman next to me eyeing me, and then...Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 repliesCoping
Are you gun shy? My most recent skin issue was just 3 months ago. I feel like when I go to the doctor or dentist recently I’m unusually nervous. When I saw the dentist...Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 repliesCoping
Support system Having a support system is very important. For each person, that is made up of different individuals. I am single, and I get a lot of support from my church...Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 repliesFriends & FamilyCoping
The sun is not the issue? Has anyone told you that sun exposure is not the cause of your skin cancer? Recently, a friend sent me a video from an alleged doctor who stated the sun...Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 repliesFriends & Family
Bedside Manner In my opinion, it is critical for a doctor I’m working with to have good bedside manner. I’m looking for a positive, upbeat doctor. Sure, I need to know the...Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 repliesHealthcare Team
Second opinion? A few months ago I was seeing a dermatologist that was very young, and he seemed overwhelmed by my biopsy results. I picked up on his stress, and it caused...Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 replies
