No Dermatologist until January 2013 NO MATTER WHAT!

I really appreciate the email and comments I've received from readers of my blog.  I hope it has been helpful to some of you as to what to expect from topical chemotherapy.  I really hope it inspires and educates rather than frightens anyone.  I'll willingly do it again, but I'll be a little better prepared next time. I reread my blog for the first time in a long time today, and much of the experience I have totally forgotten.  I will need to reread it again before I start my next course so that I have all the proper lotions on hand, and I will never forget to talk to my doctor about pain management in advance. 

My dermatologist says I don't have to go back and see him again until January 2013.  I have to tell you that in early June I broke out in a rash/hives on my arms and legs and flew to California for my sister's wedding. Perfect timing of course!  I just could  not bring myself to go back in to the dermatologist, and luckily it cleared up and went away on it's own.  He is one of the nicest doctors on the face of the Earth, but I just couldn't stand the thought of seeing him again before January. 

It's Summertime here on the Gulf Coast of Florida.  This summer I've played outdoors with my kids quite a bit.  I wear lots of hats, and sunglasses, and my sunblock everyday.  We go to the beach!  Yep, and I wear a swimsuit!!  We go early around 9 or 10 AM  or later in the afternoon, around 5PM.  Not too early or too late though because everyone around here knows that sharks eat breakfast at sunrise and dinner at sunset and I already have enough to worry about.  I apply sunblock to my kids and myself before we even leave the house, that way it gives it lots of time to soak in.  We don't stay at the beach all day, an hour or two is plenty for the kids to swim and play.  No sunburns or over exposure on any of us this year using this method.  It's possible to still enjoy summertime, the beach etc, without getting so many of the sun's harmful rays.  No more sunbathing, but it's more fun to play with my children anyway. 

One of the best things happening is it seems that the days of getting those dark tans is quickly becoming a thing of the past.  It no longer seems so cool to have a dark tan.  In my eyes I see that and I see damaged skin, much the way I see someone with a face wrinkled from years of smoking.  It doesn't look healthy in fact, it looks unhealthy. I really dark tan looks, well......nasty.   I don't mind my legs being white anymore either, I once tried to have the darkest legs on the beach, I'm now quite satisfied with my white legs.  I'm satisfied to have another summer of playing with my kids and being here to love them and laugh with them.  I still pray the skin cancer stays at bay so I will be here for my children for many years to come.  I don't expect you will hear much from me until January 2013. 

A final note......I am really interested in all of the media about tanning beds lately.  I started tanning beds around 12 or 13 years old, until a few years ago. I always thought I was bulletproof and they would have a cure for skin cancer before I got old.  I totally support legislation that bans minors from using sunbeds.  I found it rather amusing that one state had a stipulation that they must have signed parental permission.  I wondered if parents could sign for their children to purchase a carton of cigarettes in this state.   Just a thought. 

Keep me posted on things.  I read all of your emails and posts, and keep you all in my prayers. 

Christina

I'm Doing Well

It's been awhile since I posted, I've been really busy with work and my kids.  I started the school year out looking like I did in the photos. I know it wasn't easy for everyone around me to look at me, but they handled it well and were very supportive.  The treatment was difficult, and at the time I didn't know how I could ever even imagine going through it again.  My doctor keeps a close on me, and has told me it could be as often as every year  for the rest of my life, or maybe every few years.  When it's time, I will do it again. 

How am I feeling now?  I feel great.  The experience led me to evaluate my life.  I ended up closing my gallery and photography business to spend more time with my family.  I still stay super busy teaching and getting my boys to all their extra curricular activities. 

My skin looks better than ever.  I get compliments on it all the time.  I think some people think that what I went through was more of a cosmetic procedure like Retin A or something. They're nuts! Topical Chemotherapy is not a cosmetic procedure, although it is healing up rather nicely.  The pain and discomfort are only a distant memory now.  I've done so much living since then and it does not feel like it is the center of my life anymore, as it did when I was going through it.  It does end and it does get better!

My life has changed for the better in a few different ways.  I have more of a desire to be healthy.  I've lost over 30 lbs after I ended my treatment.   I've changed my diet, and that of my family so that we eat a lot more fresh veggies and lean meat etc.  I've started running again which makes me feel wonderful, (for the most part on the treadmill out of the sun)!  For me it's Spring Break and for the first time that I can remember I am avoiding the sun.  I went to a beach restaurant with my friends and kids and found a beautiful table in the shade.  My kids get slathered in 50 SPF, and I am quickly accumulating the cutest hat collection in town. 

So hang in there.  Trust me, if I can do this you sure can!  I'll update my photo one of these days.  Prayers to you in your journeys.  Don't let this experience get you down.  It sucks!  No question about that, but grow and learn from it, help others learn about skin cancer prevention, or figure out what is really important in your life.  While you are hiding at home in the cool shade you should get some extra time to think about these things. Don't dwell on the past, think positive about what you can do now and in the future.  If you know someone else going through this, understand they may be a bit irritable, give them your support, and bring them some ice cream!