You Have Been Diagnosed With Melanoma: Now What?

In the summer of 1988, I was attending a pool party at my then-girlfriend’s house in Whitter, California. As I was lounging in the jacuzzi, one of the neighbors (who happened to be a nurse) was gazing at my left forearm and exclaimed, “You have black death!” Talk about a buzz kill! What kind of a party was this? Grab a finger food while you ponder your uncertain future. I was only 24 at the time. I had just graduated from college and then this. I thought she was staring at my arm because she admired my tan.

The party nurse went on to tell me about melanoma, which I had never heard of. I made an appointment with a dermatologist in Pasadena and got the bad news after a biopsy confirmed I indeed had melanoma. More surgery would be required. And my reaction?

WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? AM I GOING TO DIE? LOSE MY HAIR? WHAT ABOUT MY BRIGHT POST-COLLEGE FUTURE? WILL MY GIRLFRIEND DUMP ME?

I wish I knew then what I know now because I really knew nothing about melanoma and didn’t know anyone who knew anything about it. There was no Internet. My encyclopedia had nothing on the topic. I was in the dark. I was kind of scared because cancer was not a word you want to hear and I thought, as a young twenty-something, that I was invincible.

Skin cancer prevention and treatment has come a long way

Things have changed since 1988 in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. In short, we have better diagnostic tools. We have a litany of treatments that did not exist back in the day. We have a better understanding of how to prevent the disease. Melanoma is still deadly for many, sadly. Yet, I think we are in a better place.

Here are my thoughts for those diagnosed with melanoma

It IS cancer

Don’t mess around with it. Don’t dismiss it and delay treatment. Go to your appointments and follow up.  Find a good dermatologist and follow their treatment plan. Get a variety of opinions if you can or if you are not satisfied.

Don’t panic

You likely will have options. It is important to find out which stage the skin cancer is in and then develop a plan with your medical team.

Surround yourself with support

I mean people, pets, prayer, hobbies, television, hikes, music, good food, whatever brings you to your happy place. Volunteer and donate your time to focus on good things. Find others who have had the same diagnosis and successful treatment. Get involved on SkinCancer.net.

Live well

Eat healthy, exercise, hydrate. Protect yourself from the sun. Learn as much as you can about all forms of skin cancer. If you have had it once, there may be more to deal with in the future (as has been my case).

Journal

Keep account of your appointments, treatments, and contact information for your medical professionals. Express your feelings. It’s ok to be scared. It is natural, just try not to stay there. Encourage others in their challenges.

In 1988, I was alone.  You are not.