What is still not sticking, both with me and friends and family, is that a Melanoma is cancer. Even one caught at the earliest point like this one. It might be hard to comprehend because I'm not going through treatment beyond having skin removed and the exam schedule. I'm not having cemo or radiation. That might be the thing, cause that's what comes to mind when one thinks of cancer treatment. No baldness or overwhelming fatigue. My family has been told to get full body exams as there is a genetic component to melanoma. They don't seem to be taking it all the seriously. Mom is at least going to ask for a referral from her regular doc. for a dermatologist visit. Dad, who had a benign mole removed 15 or so years go, and Tim don't seem as fully serious about it. I don't sit down and have heart to heart talks with them like Tia does with here sister and mom, we're just not those types; yet it seems that might have to be what happens. They need to understand that had I waited even a month longer, I would been in more serious treatment, and that this IS potentially FATAL. The high survival rate is for this stage, the higher the stage, the less the chances you'll make it. Especially for Tim as Melanoma is in the top 5 of killers in our age range.
Be safe.
-John
I think it's awesome that you're sharing your journey. Maybe they'll read it here? You're correct, melanoma is a killer. My huband's first finacee died of it at age 33. Her family donated millions to a Chicago hospital to try to get her help, even into experimental testing, it was still too late. I'm happy for you that this was caught in situ.
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