The New Year’s Resolution I want you to keep…
January. Every year around this time, people start thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions – sometimes (just sometimes) we stick to them, motivated by the concept of ‘new year new you’, hoping to make a fresh start or stop bad habits, but mostly, we start our resolutions with the best of intentions only to find our focus drifts by the time February begins. Most resolutions are an idle promise, a ‘should do’, a ‘might do’ or a ‘would be nice to’. We may want to do something, intend to do so, but inevitably, life gets in the way.
However this year there is one resolution I want everyone to keep. Before you roll your eyes and think we’ve heard this all before – It’s not what you may think. It’s not one of the obvious cliches – not about fitting back into your pre maternity jeans, or adding more fruit & veg to your diet (although let’s face it either of those would be good) – The resolution I want you to do is to check your skin. Regularly. It might just save your life.
This month I learnt that a mole on my back is a melenoma in situ. This essentially is where cancer cells are sitting on the very top layer of my skin; and thankfully haven’t had chance to spread beneath the surface. It’s skin cancer at its most treatable; requiring wider excision surgery to remove an area around the existing site, ensuring that no stray cells have the opportunity to spread elsewhere.
I am not a sun worshiper. I never really have been except for a few European holidays in my early twenties. I have never used a sunbed. I rarely sunbathe (two kids put pay to that!) I always wear sunscreen and I rarely burn. I do however have fair skin and a large number of moles; especially on my back and torso.
A few months ago I noticed a mole on my back has started to itch and immediately was a little concerned. The mole looked big – had it always been big??? I couldn’t remember – it was on my back – not something I get the opportunity to look at often! I came to the conclusion it was my running top rubbing against it – causing friction and irritating the area, but decided to go the docs just in case.
Due to its size (10mm +) and the fact it hit some of the concerning factors for melenoma my doctor referred me to a dermatologist.
To cut a long story short, the dermatologist advised it needed to be removed – and that the results would be sent off for testing. My mole was removed under local anaesthetic just before Christmas, with a number go stitches required due to its size.
The two week wait was brutal. I googled lots (never ever google) and convinced myself it was going to be bad. I didn’t sleep, I catastrophised, and Im not ashamed to say I was bloody well scared. I lost my mum to cancer, and the thought of having it when my girls are so young made me feel sick to my stomach.
On Thursday just gone I had confirmation of melenoma in situ. As bizarre as this sounds I was actually relieved. Relieved it was nothing worse, that the cancer couldn’t have spread, and that despite needing a further operation, I had caught it early.
I’m now however very paranoid about my other moles. I have many, any of which may also be melenoma or melenoma in situ. I am waiting further skin checks but until I know the diagnosis I will obviously be fearful of what may come back.
What’s even scarier for me however is that I have no idea how long it had been there, how long it may have taken to change, to spread deeper, to enter my bloodstream or lymph nodes. I have no idea what would’ve happened if I’d missed it, ignored it or like many, simply buried my head in the sand.
So my New Years resolution, as random as it may seem is to check my skin. To photograph my moles monthly and track for any changes. To be aware of what my moles look like: so I can notice if anything looks different: to track changes so I can be aware of them as soon as possible.
If you are like me and have a large number of moles; particularly if you can’t see them yourself – I urge you to do the same. Get your partner to look, take pictures and keep a record. If one looks odd, has changed, or is something appears that you don’t think you had before PLEASE just go to get it checked at the docs. Ten minutes out of your day and it might just save your life.
I know a few blogging friends have booked in with the GP after hearing my news and although I hate the thought of causing anyone worry and concern, if I can raise a bit of awareness at least, then my work here is done!
Lucy x
