Much to my surprise, I recently was diagnosed with melanoma. Fortunately, I was suspicious of a skin spot, and showed it to a dermatologist. He shrugged and said, “probably not,” but cut it off for a biopsy. A week later he called and told me to see a surgeon ASAP. I now am scheduled for minor surgery and further biopsy. The prognosis is, “Don’t worry about it.”
Then a friend from high school shared this video with me, and told me that he’s been inspired by my post to see a dermatologist to check out his spots.
What you don’t know can kill you. Had I ignored the spot, I might have lived another decade before it killed me.
I knew a fellow who had a mole burned off, a couple of times, before someone bothered to biopsy it. By then, they gave him 6 months. But he was an athletic individual who wouldn’t quit, and lived five years. But those last couple of years were hardly living, in terms of quality of life.
Dan: Terrific advice. Thank you for sharing the video. And good luck to you in totally getting rid of the cancer. Glad to hear your doctor is confident that you will be successful.
Dan, all best to you for a speedy and complete recovery!
My father had melanoma, quick and continous treatment, and survived.
I have had multiple surgeries on my back to remove and biopsy moles and other blemishes, some of which were basal cell carcinoma (like Reagan had!). I am that red headed, light skinned kid everybody called "spot" or "pinky" growing up when there was no sun block.
Thanks for the message, I've heard it, again, and will pass it along!
Here's a follow-up about my surgery: Melanoma: Know More.
Feel better, dude! Cool stitches and will leave scar; "I got it in a knife fight in a bar in the Dry Tortugas!"