As many of you know, in <January of 2010> I was diagnosed with Melanoma. Since that time, I've learned a great deal about myself, and about skin cancer in general. I've become a bit of a skin cancer pro, which leads me to my next sentence. Not only have I become a pro, I'm trying to become pro-active in doing what I can to raise awareness about skin cancer. For reasons I don't quite understand skin cancer sits very low on the awareness list. I'm thinking that because other cancers take more lives, skin cancer is not really a priority until it happens to you. I also believe that the general populace is NOT ready to give up their sun kissed skin. In spite of everything we know about Melanoma, Basil Cell Carcinoma and skin cancer in general, people still type, or say, things like:
- I feel asleep in the sun.
- I accidentally got sun burned.
- I forgot to wear sun screen.
- I was on vacation.
- I was working on my tan.
- Silly me, it was cloudy outside.
- I'm not really sun burned. This is how I get tan.
- I had one too many beers and spaced out.
- It was a nude beach, I had no choice.
- I didn't know that sun screen washes off in the water.
Does all of that sound familiar? Thought so. I've used a few of them myself in, what seems to be, a different lifetime. Every excuse I have ever thrown out there seems so stupid now. I mean really, the idea that skin cancer couldn't happen to me was a special kind of stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Did I mention Stupid?
Before I digress let me get back on point, and I do have a point. I want you. I want your family. I want your friends. I want your help. So what exactly is it that I want? I want everyone who reads this post both here, and out in cyberspace, to assist me in sharing the real life experiences that I've been posting on a public Face Book page. That's right. I've taken my skin cancer public - photos, videos and all. Every treatment, every surgery, all of it. It's all out there on the Face Book page with my sole intent being to raise awareness with nothing more than my willingness to be candid and open about my experiences thus far. It's a brave new world we live in. Time for a brave new way of doing things. I'm not sponsoring anything nor am I selling anything.
The page on Face Book is a test run for me. If it looks as if I can actually make a difference, on a human to human level on a bigger scale, I'll be taking The Lovely Wife dot com out of her parking spot and using it in way that benefits those who need help, or wish to be keep informed about such an important topic by someone who's there, and has been there. But, before I do anything I really need to know that the energy it takes to keep abreast of such a project will not be lost on a society that has become so stuck on their tans they can't bring themselves to like a skin cancer page, listen, or even face the reality of what they're doing to their bodies. For me, time is of the essence.
Now, before you pop over to check out <Skin Cancer. Wage Your War> you need to know that it contains extremely graphic images of skin cancer. So graphic, in fact, that I put an age restriction on the page. The images are not for little eyes, the faint of heart or persons who are easily made queasy by all things graphic. So, please, don't come back here and say I didn't warn you. My response to that will be along the lines of ---> Maybe you shouldn't be speed reading a post that has the word cancer in it. I even put that in bold so you wouldn't miss it <--- Okay. I'm done. You can laugh about that nude beach thing now, I know you've been holding that in. Roar :)
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For those of you on Face Book...
Who have liked my page, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm so thankful that I'll let you keep your 25 points for telling me you've already liked the page. Lol.
And Guys...
Isn't it great to know that in spite of everything I can still write a blog post? Balls of Iron :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW ..Did not check your links but this year I have been very careful in the sun..no laying out in the sun by the pool ..and sunscreen every day
Have a great day and stay well
Hannah
TLW...I have been following you on your facebook page, and you know if you ever need anything from the great white north you only need ask. XoXo Steve
TLW- I am known to my friends as being very obnoxious about getting to wear sunscreen. Living in Florida, I've seen too many people with leather for skin. Thank you for bringing your war to the public. I hopped over to your FB page to like it and hope that others will take this seriously.
I too have endured the Florida Sun. I always wear a hat and now have started carrying an umbrella. Don't forget to watch your eyes. Be well!
I greatly admire you for coming out in public. As a former RN, I know it is your kindness and willingness to share with others that can make the difference. Let me know what I can do for your cause.
Love to you and BB.
Margaret
Thank you for using your experience to help others Billie. xxoo
Well I Had Dr. Hack & Chop play with me about Basal Cell. This was not a game. I am still in the ready, able, and willing zone. For now, I just have chop marks. God bless you and your family.
Billie, this one so speaks to me - and scares the crap out of me, too. Fair skin. Freckles. Mis-spent youth. All of the ingredients. This reminds me that it's time for my annual trip to the dermatologist.
Billie, my favorite uncle passed awaymuch too young from skin cancer. I've since never been one who said impossible not me. Thanks for sharing your story and helping to make others aware. I'm on my way over to check out your FB page.
I don't know TLW, if someone had shown me those photos when I was 7 perhaps my excuse wouldn't be 'I didn't know better". I haven't been sunburned in over 20 years, but that doesn't mean the damage isn't done.
Makes me remember to pack the sunscreen. I wish you the best and thank you for the courage and heart to help others and save some lives. More information is great so bring it on and God Bless you!
TLW - you are certainly my inspiration, although I have made some mistakes like you pointed out in your blog, I have been a lot more careful, more so after reading your journey. So you already helped me by realizing the consequences. You are my hero :)
TLW
I have tremendous admiration for what you are doing. Cancer is not pleasant in any way, shape or form, nor should the discussions about be so either. A does of reality is a good thing. Not unlike what we see a little of with regard to cigarette smoking. I've lost 3 members of my family to cancer in the last 2 1/2 months (not skin cancer) and it scares the heck out of me.
Jeff
TLW - Because of your FB posts, I was able to get my husband to the dermatologist today for a suspicious mole on his back. They removed it and and sent it out for a biopsy. They also gave him a full body exam. Thank you for going public with this. I know you are a private person and this isn't easy, but we listened to you and took action. I hope others do, too.
I would say... more like titanium balls... or... platinum balls, but whatever, you do have 'em! I hope this helps others. I have never liked the sun, I try to stay out of it at all costs. It doesn't like me. But I need to be more vigilant.
It takes big cojones to be so real so often. Brava my dear! Please keep doing it!
Great post TLW. I am glad you are here on AR and continue to mix it up!
Billie, so on the mark. I have been following your story as you well know and I identify with so very much of what you say. I fried myself as a youngster, as a 20 year old and as a 30 and 40 year old...although, I'm only 39. I, as well as you, are a perfect candidate for this horrible disease. Due to your postings I have been regularly checking myself although I'm still not totally sure what to look for.
I admire and commend your straight forwardness and candor with this fight and I believe you will win.
I love you TLW as many of us do. I include you in my daily prayers and you are a part of our lives even with you living in a different state.
Thank you for posting this...
Everyone should read it.
:-)
Deb
I love that you are sharing your journey. :)
btw, my fb like didn't work. :(
TLW - There cannot be enough awareness, I am really surprised that there is not more being done in the form of advertisement. Thank you for sharng.
TLW,
Thank you for writing about this.
I know you are making a difference!
Praying for you!
Lucky :)
TLW, it is so important to share your experience & graphic exposure especially with the younger generation that tans on beds incessantly & don't understand the risks...all the more power to you for what you give forth...best to you!
Thanks for sharing your story and warning. We're a big sunscreen family, but skin cancer is still something we think about. Great to catch your blog!
TLW-you are an inspiration in many ways and thanks for not sugar coating the truth about skin cancer.
Your amazing courage and honesty is so admirable! All my best wishes for a healthy and happy future!
Thanks for your "balls of iron" and for sharing your story to help others. Like everyone else, I tortured my skin in my youth!
TLW..good to read your post. Your post was an inspiration to many on not to do things.
I love a rainy night too. Please keep shouting out your cause, I echo it constantly. Thank you TLW!
TLW - you are such an amazing, strong woman! Sorry to hear about the recent bad news, but I know you are fierce and can beat this! I abused my skin in my youth, but saw the light several years ago and have switched to nothing but spray tans now. Thanks for putting yourself out there! You are helping so many people!
If I had seen those photos when I was a kid it very well may have made a difference. Maybe.
I'm here Guys...
Just trying to figure out what I want to say, aside from sniff sniff, damn allergies :)
TLW...ROAR!
Love to hear you roar with such an important message in such a meaningful and dedicated way. I'm forwarding your blog right now to my 2 kids who are out of town at the beach.... I was forceful in my instruction to them that they wear sunblock but perhaps seeing your words they will pay extra attention and avoid a lot of hurt. Thank you for your bravery, strength and purposeful words.
TLW,
Thank you soooo much for spreading the word! As you know from our facebook interaction, I believe it is a tremendously important cause. It takes an amazing amount of courage to face cancer....and an even more amazing amount of courage and strength to do what you do so well...reach out and help others.
TLW ~ You know how grateful I am that you have waged your war with cancer on facebook. For those of you who don't know back when she posted her back photos I happened to show my husband who has a Big spot on his back and other places for years. I been trying to get him into the doctors about it for some time. Her posting did the trick. We ease him into it and now he is being treated. YES she is saving someones husband, son, friend by showing what she has gone through.
Thank you Billi from the bottom of my heart! ((((((((((hugs))))))))))) I will always be grateful to YOU!
ps you should see a doctor about those allergies of yours :O)
WOW! Cheers to you for sharing AND caring!
June, I got chills reading your response! TLW - you rock star!!! You truly are saving lives!
Have a FANTASTIC day!!!!!
TLW, You make a difference just by being you... but I digress. I'm glad you're putting yourself out there and helping a cause. As you already know, both of my parents had/have skin cancer. My mom is the worst and had the basal cell on her face, too. All those years of fishing. And I remember back then, nobody used sunscreen. In fact we sunbathed in OIL! So this is definitely a cause near and dear to my heart as well. YOU GO GIRL! Hugs...
You're an animal and I love hearing you ROAR!!! xoxo
Liked your page (but really loved it) TLW. You are a pillar of strength and someone to be admired. Thank you for sharing...(and I don't even get 25 points already maxed out today :) ).
Proud of you Hun. I know I don't say that enough. So.....proudx25 :)
Well, like everyone else, I'm incredibly proud of you--what else can I say! You're doing what most people would never think to do--save lives! Have I told you that I just ADORE you?!
xoxo
We had a good friend that was diagnosed a few years ago with skin cancer and I agree that it wasn't something that she ever thought about. I'm glad you are doing a public post about this as it is important, very important!
TLW - thanks for sharing your journey and making a difference.
This is important, people, pay attention! Thank you for posting this, Billie! I've shared the link on my FB page so my friends get checked. Everyone should.
TLW- This is a huge issue and you are a superwoman for sharing your story and educating others. There is no excuse for sunscreen not to be a daily part of someone's life - especially with all that we know now...
This is so important - thanks for sharing. As a fair skinned, blue-eyed redhead I go to the dermatologist every 6 months for a check. I've had some things removed, so far so good - knock on wood. When I was a kid there was no sunscreen like there is now & I had some bad burns. Now, I don't go outside without my sunscreen on. My kids think I'm nuts but hopefully I can prevent them from having this problem. Off to FB to give the page a like.
TLW, you are absolutely awesome! Your sharing and bringing awareness to this will save many. Good job and yes! I Love "LIKE" your FB page as well. :)
Wow. I just liked the FB page and looked at the photos. I actually was at the dermatologist today getting a mole looked at. I had a few removed in my early 20's. I grew up worshiping the sun and now I am paying for it! Thanks for being so open and helping so many!
TLW- Ok, so how many nude beaches did you have to go to:) LOL.
This is such a positive and wonderful way to pay it forward and to raise awareness and to do something positive with what many people would just end up sulking at home over. How wonderful TLW, No wonder we all love you so much. Katerina
Wow, TLW you are an inspiration. I remember being a teenager in Florida we used to sit in the sun and use baby oil to get even more sun and some people even used tin foil to reflect the rays to get the maximum amount of sun possible. We are all wondering now what the heck we were thinking. The decision to share your experiences I see has already helped several Active Rainers and now that you have launched Facebook page you will reach many many more. Cheers to you and your wonderful mission!
TLW...you truly are an inspiration to us all! Following you on Facebook has been a real eyeopener....I am nto one who has ever truly worn suncreen...and I have the freckles all over my back to show it!!! I lost a good realtor friend to melanoma a couple of years ago but until reading your posts i don't think I really made the connection! God bless you on your mission!!! You are converting me!!!
Keep spreading the word--as you know, the number of skin cancer cases is growing at a rapid rate. I'm a blue eyed blonde with fair skin and one episode of skin cancer to date. I'm not trying to go "Hollywood" when I don my big hat and dark shades--I swear it is the doctor's orders!
TLW...
The truth can save lives. Reality can save lives
God bless you for doing this. If just one person can avoid the pain and suffering as a result of this, it would be a blessing!
This is great information and hopefully it will save several from falling asleep in the sun without protection.
This is really the only cancer that I fear. And it's too late now, the damage is done. I ived in the sun with deep tans from 18-29. I'm shocked by all of the people killing themselves in tanning beds !
I'll admit...I'm not sure I can go there...but I do admire your desire to make a difference and you will. As a teen....I can remember pouring Baby Oil on myself...as Pat said...misspent youth for sure.
TLW, This is a great thing you are doing to raise awareness and to help others change their attitudes and habits in regards to sun exposure.
My oldest brother George died in 2009 from melanoma. He would be 65 this Saturday August 13.
Gloria
This is so important for young people! I see so many ignoring the warnings and just going out in the sun with no sun screen. Granted this isn't Florida - but NY can get very hot and sunny in the summer. I remember the peer pressure when I was young to get a tan. I was very fair skinned and burnt to a crisp very easily. Fortunately I was neve big for pain and looking like a lobster - so I stayed out of the sun, but that was the luck of the draw. I would have been out there like everyone else had my genetics permitted it! It's got to be tough to put yourself out there - but I hope this will give people pause. Particularly in places like Florida or the southwest for that matter.
The Environmental Working Group has a great list of safe sunscreens. I encourage people to actually go to the site and read it. I think you will find that the ones you can buy in your local store aren't on the list.
Shock can sometimes have the effect that you want. Maybe seeing the hole in your back is what teens need to see so that they slather up, wear a t-shirt and keep those hats on that we parents pester them about.
TLW - Your courage and perseverence continue to amaze me. I had many of these excuses years ago and have gotten smarter since. We'll see over the years if it was soon enough.
Billie--I think the graphic photos are what will make someone really think about whether or not that golden tan is the way to look healthy. Sometimes you have to hit people over the head with the potential danger. After seeing your photos most people who value their looks (and life) will consider sunblock as an every day essential not just something to buy every summer and forget in the car.
Thanks for sharing your personal story and photos to make other lives better...you are one in a million!
Hi TLW, Ok..you hit home for sure. Here I was, just at the coast sitting on a deck letting the sun soak into my skin. Yes..if you live in Portland, you relish the sun when it finally comes (yep excuse) Now..at 51, I KNOW to wear sunscreen, but looked in the mirror that night and my chest was red enough to show the white circle from my pendant I wear. I was just at the dentist today and the young girl was going on and on about burning..peeling..burning and peeling. I had the nerve to tell her she should protect her skin now while she's young when I didn't do it myself. So..on that note I'm going over to your facebook page. I applaud you in sharing this most personal battle.
TLW, you will save lives because of your transparency for something that is so personal and lots of people would just hide and not talk about it. Your courage makes a difference and you are an inspiration to us all!
Sharon
Congratulations on spreading the word about skin cancer. I wear sunscreen, and stay out of the sun as much as possible these days. Much success to you and wish you the best!
Hi Guys...
I only have a moment. I have to get to The Gym. I use The Gym to keep my body in peak physical condition. When I have to have these surgeries, I'm ready :)
Someone has suggested I post the before and after photo. That is a great idea. So, here it is:
What you're looking at there is how I looked just over a year ago, left. On the right, well, that's what I look like now. I'm using my own body to Wage My War. It's something I need to teach others. And that I'm doing one person at a time.
I'll be back later on. I do have things I'd like to say. I found my tongue, but now, my tongue doesn't have the time to mouth off :)
P.S. Please read comment #36 submitted by June. That's a true story and she isn't the first. She is, however, the first to step forward and say it out loud :)
TLW...ROAR!
Hello TLW-as a sun loving Floridian myself I know the dangers presented by exposure. Though I sun block I can't go back in time to the days before there was such a thing. We used baby oil with iodine in it to brown up fast. I am still holding tight here in my advancing age but have no doubt trouble will pop up eventually. Stay well and great post!
Reverend Billy,
This series is a far far far better thing than you have ever done before!
Bill
I knew you'd go public:)
Love that you are doing this, my dear.
Celebrating your fierce and awesome attitude toward life and the challenges it throws our way. We must have had parallel years. Last summer I was having half of my lung removed due to a massive lung tumor. I am back on my feet and have run 4 half marathons since that time. No boasting but as you put it, celebrating my body and my health. I know that if we met, we would have a lot of stories to share. Keep that great fire burning!
This is a wonderful thing you do, TLW. So many people, especially the younger ones, do not realize the real potential danger of the perfect suntan!
I am very interested in viewing your facebook page. I'm sorry, I followed the link but couldn't find it.
Be aware of your body. Get a regular check up every three month. Expecially if you live in Florida. Good post.
I live the Arizona desert. I always make sure the family is wearing a hat, sun block and much more to protect against the sun.
Great post -- thanks for making in PUBLIC and for sharing your journey with everyone.
You are making an enormous difference to people, TLW -- your courage and triumphs and words of wisdom make a difference. Before I read your posts, I never wore sunscreen. You scared the beejesus out of me, TLW -- seriously. I don't go anywhere without sunscreen, not even to take out the trash. Saying thank you hardly seems like enough, but it's gonna have to do for now. So, THANK YOU, TLW. Carry on . . .
I must be very vigilant about my skin - having grown up in southern California and searing myself silly in my early years. Going to the dermatologist next week to check up on yet another weird spot that's looking odd.
And what about my 23 year old daughter who lives in a condo building with an outside pool? I think I will send her your Faceboo link to knock some sense into her.
Thank you for your honesty.
liked, liked and also liked.
Because of your Facebook posting, TLW, my kids and I were checked this summer. All clear for the most part, but Little Man needs to have a mole removed from his heel because it has the potential to get disrupted and turn into something it shouldn't be. My husband goes in 3 weeks to be checked. All because of you, cherie. xxoo
And so....the publicity from all your outspoken experiences and advice are getting MANY to be aware of the dangers of exposure to the sun. You are everyone's inspiration and I so admire your strength and determination to help others as well. Love you :)
TLW..love you above before and after photos. I had gone to doctor about psoriasis on my forehead, which would bleed a little. Seems it was not psoriasis .... it was a basil cell. Went in for day surgery and had it removed...can barely notice the scar. It was scary going in to the doctors thinking it was only psoriasis and leaving with something different....you just never know. I am so proud to know you... BTW, love your sense of humor!!!!
You are definitely making an impact and I am so very thankful. I have just made my dermatologist appointment. Hoping the test results come out fine and dandy on your eye!
What amazing courage you have both to face your illness and to share your travails. I shared your facebook page with two young teens I know and hope it will make a difference in their lives.
Way timely post for me, I have been sorta ignoring a couple of basal cell lesions, I just called for an appt today so I can swap them for white circles. All your fault, you ROCK.
Thank you so much for helping other people out like that. It really got me to think twice about getting burned.
Okay...
I fixed that problem with the FB Link going wonky on you. I added a button at the bottom of this Blog Post that will take you to the page.
And...
I gotta come back tomorrow. I wore myself out today doing happy dances. I had three biopsies come back as benign. Music to my ears. Who knew a happy dance could make a body so tired? Lol.
TLW...ROAR!
TLW -- you have saved many lives by posting the information on FB and now on AR. May you continue to heal and know that you HAVE made a difference!
Good for you.....one of my best friends is having a miraculous results against stage 4 pancreatic cancer. My brother, after losing 2 friends to Luekemia has become a top Hematologist Oncologist! Go make it happen. Good for you! Fight, fight, fight
I don't just LIKE your page, I LOVE it! You are an inspiration, and you ARE making a difference!
TLW...Great post! You rock! Thank you for calling out this silent killer! Great Job!
Dear Brave Woman -
Echo to all the respect and admiration expressed above. As the mother of a cancer survivor, I am very attuned to prevention methods. Your FIRST HAND STORY is so powerful for others - in fact, you may have saved June's husband's life - (#36).
But my BESTEST FAAAAAAAVORITEST thing is your saying TLW's Standard Blog Disclosure: If you don't like this Blog, or have nothing nice to say,scroll on. Active Rain is huge. Neither I, or my Subscriber's, need your negative attitude. Go pollute some other Rain Pond and leave mine alone.
Have a happy day -
Lynn
Any thing that increases awareness, helps others in life saving ways is pretty darn important. This is one of those stop and think, make a difference blog posts you don't run in to that often on line that makes you think.
You are an incredibly strong woman...in every sense. This will help many people, thank you
Just found 'Redneck Counteroffer' on your site -- excellent, thoughtful (and hilarious) methodology.
I lived in Hawaii for many years and, of course, much of that time on the beach before we used sunscreen. This is something I worry about all the time. My sister almost died from melanoma, and it's a miracle that she didn't. I will be following you. You've got my attention.
TLW, thank you for sharing this. You would think by now, people would be aware of the damage the sun can cause on unprotected skin...
I was raised on a Island in Florida, baby oil with iodine were what we used as we baked. They didn't even invent sunscreen until I was in my late teens, zinc was all we had. I stopped tanning when I hit 35, but before that I was brown year around. I thought I had made it but last week they took a suspicious mole off, no cancer but on to a specialist for cells that are abnormal. I was vacillating in going because.. because, who knows why, but I just made the appointment after reading this. Thank You, isn't funny that when you make the wrong decision God nudges you along.
Debi
TLW
You Go Girl!
Best to you.
Billie,
You got my attention. I will be going to a dermatologist next month to have a suspicious looking spot checked. I too took to the sun many times in my youth and into my 40's. We rarely get to go away but when we do it's to Maine or Cape Cod and the last time we went to CC, I know I sat a bit too long out in the direct sun. I'm relatively certain this is where I got this spot from. Well there's that and age of course. But I can't help the later one. I can sure do something about protecting myself from that big red ball in the sky. I'm almost scared to watch your videos but I wish I could get Bob to be more aware. He has this notion that sun is good for him and he is very fair. Well I will take a look at your FB page now and my very best wishes are being sent your way with love from an old AR friend. My prayers are with you. Thank you for your courage. Hey, tell me how I can get my arms to look as good as that!
TLW, It doesn't matter if you live in FL or IL. In Illinois, people worship the sun because we don't see it for 6 months out of the year. Which means we go overboard the other 6 months. Leather skin in Illinois looks exactly the same as leather skin in Florida. We should indeed love the sun but not abuse it. On a personal note, we've followed your saga, cried with you, jumped up and down with joy for you, and will continue to root for you. Go get'm, girl!
TLW, I had some basal cell carcinoma removed a couple of years ago. 3 serious sunburns before I was 18 years old probably did the trick. Of course, that was before we had sunscreen and knew how dangerous sunburns could be. ^_^ What you have been through with your melanoma is, of course, much worsse. You are in my thoughts and prayers even when I'm not here commenting. Hopefully, someone who needs to hear will hear through your many efforts at educating the world about melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and the power of the Sun.
My wife had a Squamous Cell on her hand that required surgery and a rough 6 inch skin graph. The next year she had a Basil Cell on her shin that required local Chemo. Both were results of her younger days before we knew better. Don't forget the sunscreen!
TLW,
Thanks for your good work. Preventing skin cancer all starts with awareness, followed by action.
We appreciate what you are doing!
Kathy & Fran O'Neal
Holster that whip....!
I support your efforts to bring greater awareness of melanoma! I have lost 2 of my dear friends - dead at 32 and 44 - due to this tricky and persistent disease. One of my sellers - a very very pretty lady - just had a section of her nose removed due to melanoma and she is devastated about it.
Everyone should be checked!
I don't know how you do it and don't think I could handle things as bravely as you do! Getting the word out as you do is a wonderful thing. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of your fellow ActiveRainers on a daily basis!
☂TLW, there's nobody that can ROAR like you! And I'm with all those above me, thank you for sharing your experience so that others will know what to do AND not to do. You are an inspiration AND an advocate to get things checked out.
Now where are my allergies pills when I need them...
Pamela
I think sharing your experience will undoubtedly make a difference. I'm off to join to your group.
Fair Skin, High risk with Melanoma. I am the only one in my family that has not had it but I wear long sleeves during the summer and when it is so bright out or high humidity, I have my umbrella with me. We have had other forms of skin cancer as well and my Dad now goes in every month. My sister every 3 months. My brothers and I ever 6 months. I applaud you for your alert as it is so important and you are saving lives right and left as a direct result of sharing your life with us. Thank you for all you do and I know, all you will continue to do.
Joining and supporting your group.
TLW, You my friend are an inspiration. Instead of hiding in the shadows, you are taking it to the streets!
We have a tremendous amount of cancer in my family, I asked my doctor about getting a referral for a dermatologist for a baseline check up, she blew it off....I changed doctors!! We have to be proactive about our own care!
Many blessings in your fight and in your QUEST!
Maryland Mortgage Mama
Thank you for an important post . Thank you for sharing this personal experience. has it been that long since i have read one of your posts !!! I cannot believe it
Billie - Everyone needs to read this post and take heed! I lived in the" baby oil and iodine" mix generation - talk about terrible for your skin!!! thank you for sharing:)
I just made my trip to facebook and clicked - Like! Thanks for being so open and sharing. Perhaps you will have helped someone else prevent getting skin cancer through being careless.
Thank you for educating everyone through your personal journey TLW. I am always telling my boys to use sunscreen, especially my blonde / blued eyed one. Going to like your FB page!
Thanks for the post. My computer won't let me see the photos but I will look on FB tonight. I've had the pre cancer one removed and have a nice scare to show. You're doing a good service.
Neat way to spread the awareness. Is that you with the bag on your head too?
Yeah glad to hear they came back benign. You're on the way with your souped up bod to no more of this stuff. I too have gone through it but not by any stretch close to yours. I am so glad you're bringing the seriousness to the light. So many people just don't think it's a big deal.
Well my lovely lady friend... I think you are doing a great thing! I haven't been on FB lately and didn't know about your page. I'll have to help pimp it out for you. In fact I have a friend you might like to know on there named Elle Feebo. She's an author, and motivational speaker, and a two time skin cancer survivor. She has a non-profit dedicated to providing sunscreen to underprivleged families (not something in the budget when you're poverty stricken...) I think it's called the barefood sisterhood? I'll send you a link if I can find one...
P.S. I'm mega jeaous of those biceps...
Billie: Thanks for taking the fight public with skin cancer....I had one removed 20 years ago that was very small and so far nothing else. Stay strong and best wishes with staying cancer free.
TLW: Thanks for stopping by the other day & I LOVE your use of video there on that sidebar! Fab! I'm glad it's you that has the cajoles to point out that not enough people are paying attention to something that is very easily preventable.
I'm not sure if I'm going to look at the graphics, I'm squeemish like a little kid.
I am sure this post alone will change many lives. I had one bad burn 32 years ago. I was 14 and I never allowed it to happen again. I wear sunscreen whenever I am outdoors.
I know I am a little late to this party(?) but I loved your PUBLIC post. This is such a vital thing that no one talks about until it happens to them. If its ok with you to post a link, have you seen "Dear 16 year old me" ?? this video is unbelivable and I can't stress the importance of sunblock enough with my children.
Beat this thing!!!