THANK YOU!!

Welcome back.  Please let us know if there is anythign we can do even long distance! 
 
Thanks for the warning - will definitely pass it along. 

Hi Joyce-
At every turn, I keep thinking of you and sending you strengthening, warming thoughts.  We'll continue to be here for you, and we're glad to see you posting again.  My sister is managing her skin cancer and it's frightening how subtle it really is.  Thank you for turning your caring back to us and spreading the warning.
I'm sorry again that Mel was taken without warning.  Hugs and well-wishes to you-
Paige
 

Joyce, it's nice to hear from you -- you've been in all of our thoughts.  I'm grateful for the information you passed on about melanoma and Mel's initial consults with the doctor about moles.  My husband's family has had a couple incidents of skin cancer (one was very serious), and as a fair skinned blonde who spent a good deal of his youth in the sun due to work and military activities, I'm very concerned about anything unusual on his skin.  He always brushes it off like I'm being my usual paranoid self, but as you said, it's important to stay on top of skin changes. 
 
My heart goes out to you as you continue to mourn your loss of Mel and as your family adjusts to life without him.  As someone told me once, our relationship with a deceased loved one never ends, it just changes.  I'm sure you'll continue to feel Mel's presence in your life -- it'll just be a different kind of presence now.  Take care.

Joyce, so sorry for your loss.
Sending hugs and best wishes for you.
Stay strong..
 
Maria
 
 

I have lots of moles.  Ive went to the dermatologist about a year ago and she found eight of them she wanted to get off.. more like freckles IMO.  But, she did three to start, scraped them off and sent them to be tested.. she had to go back for all three and cut a huge area out and give me stitches because each was pre-cancerous.  Ive not gone back for the remaining ones to be removed yet, simply because money is tight. 
 
I went to the doctor a few months ago while feeling really sick and he noticed one of them and said "Have you have that looked at?"  "you need to get that removed."  I will when I can.
 
The really stupid thing is... I still go to the tanning bed.  I know it can happen to me as well as anyone, Im just REEEEEALLLLY white if I dont tan.  I know its a lame excuse, and Id rather be alive... but I suppose I assume I would have a sign of a problem with time to get it fixed.  Although your story has made me a lot more worried about the possibility of there being no sign at all until its too late.  Then again... theres something to be said for quality of life and doing things you enjoy and not worrying relentlessly over such things.  Although the tanning I could stop.  The boating and swimming and all... I cant stop that.
 
Im sorry for your loss... and thank you for sharing the information.

Joyce, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Joyce:
 
It's so good of you to share these details and the accompanying caution with us.  Again, I am so sorry for your loss and its suddenness. Stay strong!

ORIGINAL: loveukaykay

The really stupid thing is... I still go to the tanning bed.  I know it can happen to me as well as anyone, Im just REEEEEALLLLY white if I dont tan.  I know its a lame excuse, and Id rather be alive... but I suppose I assume I would have a sign of a problem with time to get it fixed.  Although your story has made me a lot more worried about the possibility of there being no sign at all until its too late.  

 
Wow, Amy.  I hate the thought of someone risking their life or making themselves very "unhealthy" just to achieve a more healthy look.  Have you ever looked into those spas that do the spray on tans? I don't know what it costs, but I'm guessing that it stays on for awhile and maybe you could just slather some sunscreen right on top of it.
 
Joyce

Oh my! I am so sorry for your loss.I am a bit worried now,i have 2 very large ones and they have both changed a bit over tha last couple of years.I dont have any insurance so havent had them checked.I will have to find a way.Thanks for the warning.