Don’t Keep Your Melanoma Diagnosis a SecretI’ve never been great about sharing any personal aspects of my life, regardless of who I’m speaking with. I tend to keep...reactions10comments
The Importance of Self-ChecksWhen starting with a new dermatologist for your skin cancer, self-checks and self advocacy are important. ...reactionscomments
6-Month Follow-Up AppointmentsIn February 2021, I received a call from my general dermatologist informing me that I was being diagnosed with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)...reactionscomments
The Unpredictability of Squamous Cell CarcinomaI’ve had skin cancer since 1995. Early on, my skin cancer seemed pretty predictable-- every couple of years, I’d be in my...reactions8comments
New Diagnosis, New Treatment, Same Old AnxietyI recently had my 6-month checkup with my dermatologist. While I’m happy that it seems that I’m getting new, suspicious areas at...reactionscomments
Surviving DivorceIn April 2022, my then-husband and I decided to separate after 12 years of marriage. While it was more my decision than...reactions2comments
The Last Chapter in Topical Medications Story: The Follow-up VisitOnce upon a time, I used topical chemotherapy and, long story short, I had no idea what I was doing. You may...reactions28comments
Outdoor Exercise Tips for Skin Cancer SurvivorsGrowing up I played every sport imaginable, which meant a lot of outdoor exercise as a kid. Throughout high school and college...reactions8comments
Biopsy and Results: An Interview Part 2One of the many wonderful things about the community is that we can find things in common between our stories. In part...reactionscomments
Efudex Results: Great or Gross?I want you to think about the last time you wore something new and got a compliment. It felt nice, didn’t it?...reactionscomments
Efudex: No Time Like the Present?Efudex is one of the great mysteries of my life. I say that in all seriousness. The more I’ve used it, the...reactions10comments
Efudex Users Like YouNew experiences usually bring about a case of the jitters. When it comes to our health, however, new and uncomfortable experiences, treatment...reactionscomments
You're Having Mohs Surgery? Advice For A Friend“Guess who has a basal cell carcinoma?” my friend texted me last week. I was surprised and scared for her, and I...reactions22comments
The Emotional Impact of Skin CancerSkin cancer effects go far deeper than any scars. For most people dealing with the diagnosis, every day brings new struggles with...reactions7comments
My Melanoma Nightmare Part Two: A Hole in My HeadAfter learning my diagnosis, I met with my dermatologist who explained that melanoma is staged by thickness. My tumor measured 2.05mm, or...reactions1comment
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...reactions2comments
How to Protect Your Skin Without Melting in Hot WeatherEveryone knows it’s been a very hot summer, and with temperatures this high, I would like nothing better than to dress for...reactions1comment
You Can Lead Them to Sunscreen, but You Can’t Make Them Use ItSo, you have tried your darnedest. You have given it everything you have. You’ve preached until you are blue in the face...reactions3comments
The Waiting GameDay 1: I perform a self check and I notice something suspicious. I call my doctor and the earliest I can be...reactions13comments
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...reactions6comments