Monday, October 13, 2014

One Cancer is Not Enough (tongue in cheek)



One never knows
Not only does cancer suck, but did you know that having any cancer puts you at higher risk for developing another cancer?

Incurable cancers tend to spread to various parts of your body but it is still called the name of the original cancer. For example, prostate cancer can spread to your bones, lymph nodes, and lung and it is still called prostate cancer.

Sometimes, however, you can get a new and unrelated cancer. In my case the new cancer started as a small flat mole, shaped roughly like Antarctica, and sporting several bland colors. It was located just below my right shoulder, near my modest and tasteful axe tattoo. My wife suggested a doctor visit, the doctor suggested a biopsy, and the report came back labeled melanoma. Bummer! Melanoma is the BAD skin cancer, but the report also said early stage and that the biopsy may have been big enough to take out the whole thing. 

We all agreed (doctor, wife, and me) that it was wise to have a little larger area around the ex-mole removed just to be sure. So be it. I think we all caught it early and I will be as good as new (not an absolute value). 

Moral of story
Pay attention to your body. Cancer is sneaky and lurks in various and sundry places inside and outside your body. Pay attention to moles that are not the normal round, rough, brown kind. Moles that suddenly appear can be a risk. A doctor can tell you if a biopsy is needed. My biopsy didn’t even hurt and the peace of mind from knowing for sure is priceless.

axman

No comments: