i have always loved the sun.
when i was a little girl i remember spending hours basking in its rays while riding my bike, swimming in the pool, and reading in the shade. i attribute the sun to so many things i love: summer, warmth, growth, and prosperity. to me, the sun is a symbol of life in its most optimistic form. what negative thing could possibly come from something that brings so much joy? today i found the answer to that very question. a while back a noticed a spot on my left arm that looked irregular. i gave it some time and when i believed it was growing i made an appointment at a dermatologist to get it checked out. on monday a doctor took off the spot and sent it to a lab to be tested. she said it didn’t look great but she was confident that it was benign. today she called to tell me that the spot contained melanoma that has now taken up residence in my arm. now, i will be just fine. a surgeon will cut out a greater portion of the spot in order to keep the cancer from spreading or coming back. but i share this with you, my friends, because i want you to know—i was the careful one. i wore hats, strong spf sunscreens, and stayed in the shade when i started to burn. i’m 23 years old and if i can get melanoma—you can too. protect your skin because it is not invincible even when it is young. it’s more than sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds. it’s being aware that even when you’re not at a pool or beach—if you are in the sun you are subjecting your skin to something potentially harmful. in additon to that, if there are any irregular spots on your body go get them checked out. it will cost you nothing and it’s always better to air on the side of caution. be mindful. and be well. in the mean time good vibes and prayers are appreciated. i will be just fine. and i will continue to love the sun. just a little more carefully. i’ve also been thinking this may be a sign that i should move to london with ed sheeran and all the brits who stay out of the sun. now go rock a sun hat! love, ld
1 Comment
Tracy
7/27/2015 01:51:32 am
Oh man. that's scary. I have had a few things removed from my body that looked 'funny'- all came back "OK".....but i get body-checked annually because i'm a redhead and have ultra sensitive skin. i'm glad you are on top of taking care of yourself. again, cheers to you! love ya
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