Melanoma & Me

I did some tanning back when they first came out, but I was a poor college student and I never really tanned. I maybe went 20 times? Certainly not a whole year and not more than once a week. And yet, here I am with melanoma. I really don't think it's the tanning beds. I also never really tried to tan again because I simply don't. So my lifetime sun damage is waaaaay less than anyone else but that didn't matter either.

No, Banning something, even something like cigarettes.... eliminates free choice and requires regulation.. People can make decisions for themselves.. need I say more?

Though it's controversial to say yes, I would say there should be rules. Age restrictions, education and warnings. People should always be given a choice.

I believe that most cancers are caused from lifestyle choices we make for ourselves. Most people don't believe it will happen to them.

Wow, I am so grateful that your page was chosen as LOTD. Such an important issue, and you explain your experience so eloquently.

You are one gutsy lady! Hats off (or rather, on....) to you for sharing this very personal story. I wear sunscreen aways and always will. I'll bet you save a life or two.

Wow, what an ordeal you've been through. The best of luck to you in a full recovery. And you look beautiful!

Thank you very much for this. People really don`t know how the sun can be sneaky. I am more pale skin, an I am not afraid if people look at me like a was closed for entire year underground. That`s me, I know I will never be so tanned like other women, but I stopped worrying many years ago for the color of my skin. Thanks for the great lens.

Great information. I have a question. As a hairdresser I was trained once on how to tell if a mole looks weird. So sometimes I see a mole or birthmark on someone's scalp. If it looks odd I tell them to go see their doctor. The only problem is they then freak out for the rest of the appointment. Any tips on how to tell someone to just have a look without freaking them out?

My sister was wearing an open back shirt on a train when a man came up to her a whispered to her. "I am a doctor and I hope you don't mind, but you have a mole on your back that I don't think you know about. You need to have it looked at". By the time she turned around he was gone. It was melanoma. I too have had skin cancer but a lower grade. I don't go out in the sun at all now. I would kill my kids if I caught them sun bathing.

Great lens. You wrote it so well that I can almost feel you :)

Great lens, Sheila! This has been enlightening and very informative. I can't imagine what you have been through but it took a lot of courage to share this experience with us. (I like the fact that I practically glow in the dark I am so pale but it is worth it not to have this kind of problem!) I know that melanoma can be the most dangerous of cancers and it spreads quickly if left unattended! Congrats on your LoTD feature and purple star!

Great lens with valuable info...

I understand that at the Riordan Clinic and other clinics around the US a lot of people are having good success with intravenous vitamin C clearing up their cancer. Melanoma is one of the kinds of cancer that responds to this treatment. If you type "intravenous vitamin c treatment" into google you will find them. It's wonderful that you got this page up and running. Thank you, for many people will find encouragement here.

Yes, I think this is very unique and well written informational lens. The flow of every information is just absolutely good. All the personal photos of yours that start from AFTER then BEFORE, made me read all what's in it, 'cos I'm interested to know how you look like before you have melanoma. I think this will informed a lot of people how important it is to protect ourselves. I think your experience, being shared here is an effective way to educate people about melanoma.

I'm thankful you caught the cancer early and that your surgeries were successful. I also appreciate your candid approach to helping others by sharing the realities of such a journey. Blessings to you.

Thank you for this lens - a wonderfully honest account that could really help inform people.

I live in Florida and am very fair. I am never without my sunglasses and sun protector. This is great info. Hope it helps a lot of people

This is a very sobering article that's well-worth reading for all of us. My husband has a spot on his cheek that's been getting darker, and I really want him to go get it checked, especially after reading about your experience.

Hello Sheila, I am Ericka from Indonesia Thank you for sharing this with us. I have just heard about melanoma and feel sorry to hear that, Hope you will get well soon. Well this the opposite trend in this world, People in tropical weather want their skin become fairy, and in the other continent they want their skin getting tan.

In my country a lot of women even men spend a lot of money for whitening cream. It's so weird when you meet people with fairy skin on their face, but darker in other part.

For high class community they visit dermatologist to have special treatment with lot of cream in order to have fairy skin. But for low class community they buy "unidentified" whitening cream which could be harmful for their skin... what a funny world we live in.. People forgot to thanks God of what we have.

What you wrote is very helpful and open our eyes that sun can be good but also bad for our skin. So keep everything in balance and thankful spirit is the best one :)

Great advice! Congratulations on LotD!

You are beautiful! Good luck for your recovery!

WOW, thanks so much for documenting your ordeal to help warn others of the dangers. My brother also had Melanoma and he did not have a single mole on his body, his showed up as a unhealed cut, like a paper cut type thing that simply wouldn't heal. So, all skin changes should be looked at. Thanks for a fantastic lens and I hope you recover quickly.

I'm so thankful you shared this! I have a friend with melanoma and she's had several surgeries on her legs with the characteristic long, deep incisions. So far, so good for her otherwise. She grew up on the beach and she's very fair-skinned. This is such a timely Lens of the Day, important for people to read as the weather gets nice and the sun heats up. Blessings to you, Sheila, for a good report and no more surgeries necessary in your future!

Great lens about your personal journey with melanoma. I think it is wonderful that you are sharing your story for others to see the effects of too much sun. God bless you.

What a terrible experience, I hope your recovery continues. Thumbs up to you for having the courage to share your story.

It is new info to me that a birthmark is actually a mole...appreciate all the information. I have fair skin and always use care spending time in the sun...just enough, not too much. My husband has had basal cell cancer removed from his face years ago, we are both fair and keep a good lookout on our skin, and visit the dermatologist almost yearly for a check. Thanks for sharing this and I wish you the best. Congrats on the LOTD

Very important lens. Certainly something everyone should read. Congratulations on getting LotD!

I just find out recently that this runs in my family. Did the doctor recommend any skin care products? If so, please add them to your lens or write another one. Please. I'll keep checking in. Thanks for taking the time to share your story.

Just had my first bout with melanoma, so this lens is important and timely for me.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I live in sunny Florida so I very much appreciate the reminders about taking care in the sun. Best wishes to you for a full recovery.

I 100% agree that tanning is not worth it at all. I wrote briefly about my experience with skin cancer in one of my lenses. I've had three moles/birthmarks removed: one was cancer and two were pre-cancerous. That happened all before I even left high school, so I have many years of taking care of my skin ahead of me. I have a friend who frequents tanning booths; some people don't realize what they could be doing to themselves. And to be honest, I kind of like my fair skin and don't want to tan anyway :). Congratulations on Lens of the Day!

Thanks for writing about this experience. The after pictures look very nice. Tanning is a fashion statement, but it will be less so every generation. I actually think a tan does Not look good. Before, in my youth, that was not the case. More young people are not falling for the tanning mystique.

When I was a kid, everyone talked about having a "healthy tan." That myth is total nonsense. Sun damage can cause major problems, such as skin cancer, in a person's later years. You'll notice that I'm wearing a hat in my photo. It's a high SPF hat that protects me from the sun when I'm out taking photos.

Thank you for publishing this lens. Congratulations on receiving the LOTD.

Happy recovery, Sheila! Hope all goes well. :)

Thank you for allowing us to learn from your experience, which must have been difficult to share. I am so glad you are on the mend!! :)

Thank you for putting yourself out there. I feel this will help many people. I will share this link with others. When you get right down to it: that's what these platforms are about: helping people one person at a time. You never know the effect you have on people. We are all connected and this lens shows it well. Congratulations on being LOTD.

We need to be much more aware of the dangers... Thank you for sharing your story it cannot have been easy but hopefully it will help to raise awareness. Sharing this... Congratulations on a well deserved LOTD and hugs to you.

Thanks for the information and the warnings!

I know it's hard to share these personal photos and the story of your illness. You've been very generous and have perhaps saved some young -- or not so young -- girl from future grief.

I sometimes worry too about old sunburns.

And I worry a lot about my daughter, who likes tanning. I'll definitely, DEFINITELY show her your page. Thank you. You did a very, very right thing by exposing the "ugly" truth here.

My brother-in-law passed away from melanoma, and it is distressing to learn how common this horrible disease has become -- and how simple steps such as sunscreen and limiting exposure can help to reduce the risk. Congratulations on beating this disease, and stay strong!

Thank you for having the courage and forthright in sharing your personal story in hopes of warning others of the dangers of melanoma. Awareness is so important!

It isn't easy when you are told that you have cancer. Be healthy and take care of yourself. I look forward to your upcoming cancer free anniversary.

Great story, great pictures, this is something that certainly needs to be in the headlines. I am a redhead with lots of freckles so I learned the dangers of the sun many many years ago the painful way ... with lots of sunburn and blisters. It got to the point where I never went out to the beach during the day. I believe it's good to tan and expose yourself to the sun, but as with all things, in moderation. Congrats on LoTD and best of luck to you!

Thank you very much for bringing this to the attention of the world. You have done the world a great service today. Best wishes to you. You deserve LOTD today!

@Hairdresser007: Tell them at the END of the appointment!

Very informative, you are very brave.

You are very brave to be able to share and very thoughtful to try to make others aware of the dangers.

Congratulations on your LoTD.

Precious information. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you very much for sharing so useful experience with us.

Thank you for posting this. These dangers need to be front and center for people to have a reality check.

This was an excellent article! Thank you for posting this. I will share with everyone! My mother had a melanoma on her arm and had to have the same surgery you had on your face. She and I both wear sunscreen everyday now. I keep close watch on my moles and always look for changes.

Thanks for sharing your experience to all of us, very important information

I've been through this a few times, I think it's helpful for people to know, and helpful to see the after results of a survivor. Thank you for writing this.

Great information !Thanks for being so candid and sharing your experience .

Great information !Thanks for being so candid and sharing your experience .

Thank you for sharing! I wish there were more people like you willing to share their experience.

Thanks for sharing - time for me to make an appointment with my dermatologist!

Thanks for sharing this important information.

I knew that melanoma incidence had increased but I had no idea how much. Those statistics truly are frightening. I wish you all the best in your fight against this illness.

thanks for the sharing experience....great info

Interesting and very helpful lens. Makes me glad I don't get in the sun or tanning bed.

You are a totally phenomenal woman, Sheila!

I am always reminded of how truly precious our health is...

I really hope this makes people think twice about tanning beds, and sunburn. Wishing you all the best.

There is no way to backspace and I can't imagine being able to see to drive home. I've had a hard time seeing here with the release of tears you've given me...its like yesterday that Dad moved on to heaven after losing his battle of melanoma almost 29 years ago, and it seems fitting that I found your story on Memorial weekend. I am grateful for your personal story and telling it like it is....no tan is worth it. We were told that there is no such thing as a healthy tan. You are a woman of courage and you have very graciously shared your story, may many receive strong encouragement from you. Congratulations on LotD honors.

People often don't appreciate their health enough. I hope all of those people who sunbath see this lens and learn about melanoma.

You must be pleased that the doctors were able to remove scarring from your face. I have to say that I recommend you research more on the subject of cancer and the sun. While it is not healthy to get sunburnt, the sun is also important for Vit D. I am allergic to sunscreen so I apply pure coconut oil when out along with a hat. The Australian summers ARE hot. We are taught these days to fear the sun and I do not believe that is right. I have seen cancer treated through a 100% raw food diet and I also recommend for you to look into that for yourself Sheila. I am sorry you have had to go through this. Your body is giving you the signs that you need healing. Now would be a good time. I wish you well in your journey and hope my information has helped. Also google "reversing the irreversible". You can email me if needed. Take care.

I'm glad you're melanoma is in early stages. I highly agree with the comments by FitandFAb I don't think that excessive burning is good for anyone... but I don't think sun exposure in limited doses is bad but rather good... and as far as Chemo and Radiation go , in my opinion that is what killed my Dad.. not the Melanoma.. He could have lived longer had he adopted a healthier diet and refused the surgery that caused it to spread throughout his body..Natural medicine is a better alternative at least to start with.. .why suffer from the side effects of Chemo, when you can go for long walks and eat Fresh natural food and try many different types of alternative therapies?

@Fit And Fab: I agree with your points and also wanted to mention that my first indication of the possiblity of curing melanoma through diet was when I stumbled on some books about a Macrobiotic diet ... there were many cases of Melanoma patients in full recovery after following this diet and health plan..

That's so brave of you. Sundae ;-)

It's a good thing your doctor caught it in the early stages. Hope you a speedy recovery...wishing the best of health.

@SheilaSchnauzies: Any one can save themselves a lot of anguish & pain if they simply used a topical salve called cansema. I was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma 10 years ago & quickly researched a natural cure online & tracked down cansema which was made originally in the US but sourced from the Bahamas as the FDA had banned the product. My doctor in Australia laughed when I told him that I was refusing surgery & putting my faith in herbal medicine. My working life began in a hospital for the terminally ill which catapulted me into a lifelong search for preventive & natural medicine. Don't fall for consensus reality. Enlighten yourself. Sunlight on your skin is required to make the vitamin/hormone D3 which is essential for good health. MS is more prevalent the further you live from the equator. So too Parkinsons & others. Sunglasses fool your pineal gland into thinking that the sun is less intense and thereby messes up your skin reaction so less melanin (skin pigment) is produced. Empower yourself. This is the age of enlightenment. Blessings to all in the name of truth.

@anonymous: The FDA does not exist to protect anyone.. although they must maintain the appearance of doing so.. ( I guess in some small aspects they do..).. There are a spectrum of opinions and I like the phrase "Don't fall for "consensus reality".. , however , to each his own and perhaps a little more enlightenment for us all!

@SheilaSchnauzies: I think that makes sense.. diversity of opinions is what makes for good discussion. It is often hard to let one's self hear an opposing or radical view.. I think we all have to work on this in many aspects of communication... thank you for sharing it.

Stopping back to whisper a prayer...

@Cynthia Haltom: I am pretty sure I have some forms of cancer right now from years of eating horrible food and smoking.. I have quit smoking and am eating better..Many experts agree cancer lives in us all... it is only a matter of time and other factors that tumors develop... Unfortunately, our American lifestyle is generally not very healthy.

SquidHugs and prayers. (my captcha word is hopeful...appropriate, wouldn't you say?)

"...the cancer was Stage 1, they had caught it as early as early gets..." actually, mine was in situ, which IS the earliest stage. Also, "That's when I will find out if I am required to have further treatment, such as chemo or radiation." Um, melanoma doesn't respond to chemo or radiation. There is a new treatment that works on 5% of patients and a new experimental thing that's about as good, but chemo and radiation are just used to help in late stages, for pain, not for a cure. Plus, so many people discover after a year or two that their in situ or stage 1 has come back and now they're down to just a few weeks of life. You know how much I'm worried about the scar? Not. One. Bit. I've got other worries to think about.

Congrats on being selected for the 200 top lenses.

Congratulations on being cancer free Sheila! I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 - my first mammogram (and remember the emotional wallop quite well ;o) Congrats on being selected for the Bravo list, too. Very well done lens!

Powerful lens! Thank you for sharing and congrats on being in the top 200 lenses.

good lens

Very moving lens - wishing you well.