Barbara's Love Continues

Today I went in for my annual dermatology exam and skin cancer check.

I haven't had one in five years.

I am in a fairly risky category. Though we have had no melanoma in our family, we are all fair (which leave us at greater risk) and my mom had a lot of skin cancer that required reconstructive surgery.

I checked out fine. Barbara's struggle with melanoma is what got me back to the doctor.

As I sat on the exam table in my lovely paper gown, I read the skin cancer pamphlet the medical assistant had placed in my hands as she left to retrieve the doctor. As I remembered, melanoma (the 'bad cancer) is typically seen as unevenly pigmented , dark, asymetrical patches.

I remember Barbara related by email that her leisions looked like clear blisters. That had confused me.

After my exam and receiving my clean bill of health I ran this by the doctor. I told him about Barbara and the clear blisters. He stopped for a minute and looked at me quietly.

Then he told me that what she had is a very rare form of skin cancer. Most melanoma looks like that in my pamphlet. He said of course, to look for anything irregular, but melanoma usually has pigment.

He also said to do full body checks on myself, even where the sun does not reach my skin.

I encourage everyone to do the same, even if you are not fair and have no history of skin cancer in your family.

Also the pamphlet said that 80% of sun damage is done before the age of 18. Keep that sunscreen on your little ones!

Barbara's life continues to help others. You can read more about her in my earlier entry: Remembering Barbara

There is a link in that entry to her journal at Caring Bridge.

Thank you, Barbara for getting me back to the dermatologist. Your love continues. God Bless you and your lovely family and please pray for us. We miss you.