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YOU CAN PREVENT THIS - Please help educate others! CAUTION - PHOTOS NOT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN*

CAUTION - The pictures below are NOT for young children. Please PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Some may consider the pictures DISTURBING but it's posted to help show the true effects what the sun and tanning salons can do to you. Please do not scroll down if you don't want to see it.

Some of you may have already experienced the effects of this PREVENTABLE type of cancer. There aren't too many types of CANCER we can prevent these days...but this is one that you have somewhat of a say in whether or not you fall victim to it.

This cancer can disfigure you and/or your loved ones faster than you know. It can hurt you and even KILL you, but luckily if prevented or caught early enough there is a good survival rate. Now I know there are many worse things affecting people these days but THIS IS ONE CANCER where YOU ACTUALLY HAVE AN IMPACT of whether or not you become a victim to this. Now is the time to CHANGE YOUR HABITS AND HELP TEACH OTHERS!

I'm talking about SKIN CANCER. Skin Cancer effect millions of people each year. In high school, I must admit I laid out in the sun, would frequent a tanning before high school dances or weddings, and even sometimes go to a tanning booth before a trip to get what I thought was s healthy "base tan".

All of the talk about skin cancer in the past 10 years has taught me a lot and I had changed my ways. I had been very careful about putting on moisturizer with sun block daily AND not being out in the sun much. When I had children, I REALLY changed my ways. I increased the sun block in our house from SPF 30 to 50/70 and have been diligent about making sure WE WEAR IT EVERY TIME we go outside. I've also educated them on WEARING SUNGLASSES (another thing I never did because I like to speak to people and see actually their eyes). The sun does many DAMAGING things to our eyes as well.

Unfortunately, my change in practices started too late.

This past week, a surgeon removed more than a half dollar size chunk off of my nose and a small part of my cheek, as well as two other smaller spots. I have seen a lot in my days at the BCA (Bureau of Homicide & Sex Crimes) with being involved in hundreds of death scenes and autopsies BUT I must admit to see such ugliness on your very own face really kind of takes your breath away.

If anyone takes anything away from this...I hope it's THIS:

- The SUN is NOT good for you. I don't know why they call it "sun tanning" because it's really sun BURNING. Sit back and think about why your skin is actually changing colors...it's BURNED! You can't take that back but you can PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE.

- USE SUNSCREEN DAILY - EVEN IF YOU DON'T PLAN TO BE OUTSIDE. Even those short trips to the store, to and from the mailbox, picking up groceries etc expose you to sun.

- Stay OUT OF THE SUN. If you must go in the sun for activities, work, to mow the lawn etc MAKE SURE YOU ARE PROTECTED WITH A good sunscreen and wear long sleeves when possible.

- KNOW YOUR SUNSCREEN! There is some concerning information out there about CHEMICAL and PHSICAL SUNCREEN. I must admit I am NOT a specialist in this area but it is my understanding that PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS WITH ZINC DIOXIDE OR TITANIUM DIOXIDE IS BEST FOR YOU. From what I've learned, if a suscreen has zinc or titanium diozide it is considered a physical sunscreen(the good kind). Also, Physical sunscreens are thought to be better than Chemical sunscreens because chemical ones may actually go into your bloodstream and can cause other problems.

- Remember to REAPPLY THE SUNSCREEN every 30 minutes. That number (SPF 15, SPF 30, etc) means that it is only GOOD FOR THAT LENGTH OF TIME - 15 OR 30 MINUTES. USE 50 OR HIGHER AND I SUGGEST REAPPLYING IT EVERY 30 MINUTES. BUT YOU AREN'T GOING TO SPEND THAT MUCH TIME IN THE SUN AFTER THIS ANYWAY RIGHT? Well, unless for your kids soccer game but I'd still sit in the shade and keep those wrinkles and cancer at bay. I've found BLUE LIZARD and BULL FROG SUNSCREEN ARE GOOD ONES.

- DON'T FREQUENT TANNING BOOTHS - EVER!!!!! The Tanning industry is making billions every year off of hurting us. Similar to the TOBACCO industry but there hasn't been enough coverage yet on HOW BAD THEY ARE FOR YOU. Don't think that getting that "base" coat before your next trip is worth it. Remember, you can still have fun on vacation. Just wear a hat to help protect your face, SPF 50 or higher sunscreen, apply it 30 minutes BEFORE going outside and then I'd suggest sitting in the SHADE. Heck, you are PREVENTING WRINKLES AT THE SAME TIME...WHICH IS ANOTHER BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY. WHY NOT SAVE YOUR MONEY, PREVENT WRINKLES AND HELP SAVE YOUR LIFE AT THE SAME TIME???

- SEE A BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST. If you haven't been to a dermatologist in the past year - GO...AND I MEAN A DERMATOLOGIST, NOT JUST YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN. I had my annual physical the same month as I FOUND OUT I HAD CANCER AND THREE CANCEROUS SPOTS WERE MISSED on my body. Was it my family doctors fault...I don't think so, They simply can't be specialists in everything.

- If you still AREN'T HEARING MY WARNING and feel the need to BURN (AGAIN...IT'S NOT TANNING) YOUR SKIN...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T LET YOUR CHILDREN FOLLOW YOUR BAD HABITS. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT THEM. They learn from WATCHING YOU.. If you start the routine of good skincare for them NOW and stress the importance of protecting your skin, they will do it as habit.

For a split second I thought about showing my children my wound but I just don't think they are ready to see something like that. Although...sometimes scary pictures really HELP TEACH A LESSON. To date my children have not seen my wound, but they know MOMMY HAS SKIN CANCER and has seen the painful process of REMOVING THE CANCER and then the subsequent SKIN GRAPH SURGERIES HAVE BEEN. We talk about why mommy got skin cancer and it reminds them that the SUNSCREEN we put on BEFORE GOING OUTSIDE IS IMPORTANT.

By the way, since I went off on a tangent since my Blog title...the answer was originally to SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN but really it should be SHADE, SHADE, SHADE!

UPDATE: Again, I apologize if the picture below disturbs or offends anyone...but since posting I have talked to quite a few that agree if the picture of my wound makes an impression on even one person, then it's worth it. PLEASE do not respond with Beth...I'm sorry you are going thru this. I'm REALLY ok and very thankful for what has happened. I'm simply sharing in the hopes that it helps others. My goal is that this message gets out there and helps others. If that means sharing this with your teenage children to show her what happens OR if you go to the tanning booth too much, OR for that friend who is always on his boat and thinks they don't need sunscreen or a shirt because they have olive skin or never burn, please DO share this with them. Our bodies are incredible things. The very least we can do it try to protect it from something that IS PREVENTABLE.

By the way, I think Patsy has some very valid points and have to say regardless of any conflicting studies or opinions out there...she proves the point that why not play it safe and stay out of the sun altogether???

See Patsy's response below for more info:

"Oh Dear. Once again my two cents won't mesh with these other comments. But as a nurse, I am compelled to tell you the following.

The jury is OUT about sunscreen. Those so-called natural substances that supposedly "block" the harming rays of the sun do not work as well as the advertisements say. Studies have proven that unless you are putting many of them on every hour that you are in the sun, they are useless, and in fact, harmful. I will not go into the details, (all of this information can be found on the Internet, though I doubt you'll find any corroborating testimony on a manufacturer's web page) because I don't want people upset with me, but here's something else to think about.

Every substance you rub into your skin goes into your body and thus into your bloodstream, and then to every cell in your body. So the topical becomes systemic, and there's further jury deliberation about the effects of these substances on your liver. ....And then there is the quality control issue of the makers of these products.

One reason I don't use them, nor used them with my son, is because I felt they gave a false sense of security. I felt it better to time his sun exposure. Some sun is good for you. Also, if you have it on, you have a tendency to sit in the sun too long. When was the last time you put sunglasses on your children's eyes? Sun damages many things, not just the skin. Sunscreen is not the panacea people think it is. They must be used discriminately (research and know the product you are using) and they must be used diligently (follow the instructions to the letter). My opinion: cover up, and cover your children too. There are new fabrics on the market for the beach that are cool and protective.

I'm sorry about your skin cancer, but I know you will be fine. You are very beautiful, and courageous I might add, and no scar could ever change that."

Posted by Minnesota Home Staging Firm, Minnesota on 09/20/2007 04:17 PM

Comments (46)

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46 Comments on YOU CAN PREVENT THIS - Please help educate others! **CAUTION - PHOTOS NOT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN***

SEP

2007

Beth - Wow. This is quite brave of you to want to share your photo. I applaude your efforts to educate others. I am so sorry you have had to deal with terrible disease.

I am very fair skinned and my family were not beach goes when I was growing up, but when I reached high school I went to the beach with friends and poured on the baby oil as they did and I ended up in the ER at the hospital. Terrible burn. My parents were so upset with me, I just could not "get" it! I just couldn't understand that I would never be tan. Since then I had a few more burns, as a really young adult, but I do not go out in the sun if I can avoid it. It is really just too painful for me.

Your post is a reminder to me and everyone else to make an appointment with a dermatologist and get checked on a regular basis. I lost a childhood friend to this type of cancer, he was a redhead, freckled person and did a lot of sailing. So sad.

The media continues to promote the notion of "healthy tan" and people need to know the dangers.

I wish you good health, a smooth recovery from your surgery and a positive outlook on life. You could very well save lives by sharing your experience. Bless you.

Hi Rhonda -

So kind of you...but I don't think I should get credit for being brave but thank you. In fact, my goal is to show how stupid I was all of those years...and how you can't make up for it so hopefully some young girls see this somehow and make a change NOW!

I'm guessing your vote is a YES to show it as hopefully it is a huge warning sign to others what their face can look like. I'm just a bit torn about posting it because I don't want someone to see it...who really is light stomached and upset anyone. I DO think it would be good for people to see though.

Beth - I had to chime in real quick as this is something that affects many in my family. My mother is constantly being treated for skin cancer on her face, neck, back and chest. She is only 57. She has been getting pieces removed for years now. Same with my Grandfather, Uncle and Aunt - my mom's dad, brother and sister. They grew up on a farm and riding horses daily in the FL sun and then taking me to the beach a few times a week to watch me surf before I could drive. Now she lives part of the year - about 4 or 5 months - on a boat. Her and my dad just got back from 3 months in the Bahamas and you can bet she is loaded down with lotion at all times.

I am afraid of what I have in my future with regard to skin cancer. I grew up since the age of 11 or 12 surfing nearly every day there was waves. Went surfing yesterday too. Also grew up on boats and fishing a lot too. That is what you do when you grow up in S FL. But when I was younger I rarely used sun tan lotion. Used to get burned up and was always and still am tan. Now I always use lotion. After seeing the effects on my mother, it brings it right on home. I am 32 and do not like to think about what I will most likely be facing in the coming years in this regard. Scary to think. I am sorry this has affected you and I hope you do not continue to have more show up. I think it is a great lesson to teach your kids. My daughter who is 8 years old will sometimes come surfing with me and she is always loaded down with lotion. It is just way too important. Here is a picture of her surfing to lighten the post up a bit!!!

GREAt picture Billy! Thanks so much for sharing.

I didn't mean for this post to be a downer so I apologize if it comes across that way. I really wanted it more to be a life lesson that I am blessed to be able to share and pass onto others. Actually, my husband put it quite well when we discussed the large spot they ended up removing from my face:

"Just remember, it's shocking now but you'll get the surgery next week to fix it (he's referring to the plastic surgeon I know need to see to start skin graphs) and then it's just a matter of healing. You'll look as good as new and you'll be cancer free. No chemo, nothing scary. You got a wake up call, so now you can sit in the shade with me on vacation from now on!!!

And maybe most important, this should keep us from EVER forgetting to put the sun screen on the kids!"

I have to say he hit the nail on the head. He is a SMART man...and pretty darn cute if I must say so myself :)

My youngest daughter has gone thru open heart surgery so for me...doing this short battle with skin cancer is nothing, but still would like to warn others even if it's only one person :) Sometimes nasty pictures is all it takes. I never smoked because of a disgusting picture I saw of someone in high school that lost that lower lip from smoking.

BUT...before I post it...I still want to get votes yeah or nea. If the majroity is nea...than I won't show it.

Beth - So sorry you had to go through this. My mom had a large chunk of her nose / cheek removed. It did look quiet raw and ragged for a while, probably almost 6 mo. since then the scar has healed nicely and it is no longer pink. I wish you a speedy recovery and thanks for the reminder. It is easy to remember sunscreen in the summer - once the weather gets cool it is easy to forget.

Thanks for the post. So important to remind people to do this. I live in sunny AZ and have seen the effects of skin cancer on my grandmother.

I've always use make-up with sunscreen in it and my moisturizer has sunscreen also.

Thanks for using your experiences to help warn others of this!

Beth, you rock for sharing that story. I have familial malignant melonoma in my family on both sides. In addition to sunblock, people MUST have an annual skin cancer check by a dermatologist NOT a general practitioner. My paternal uncle had a malignant mole and his family doctor watched it for two years. When it finally cracked and bled they did surgery. He died six months later. My maternal uncle had the same scenario. He has survived. Both were stage 5! Only dermatologists know what to look for. So, if your family doctor ever says lets wait and see, run as fast as you can to a specialist! Unfortunately for those of us older than 30ish worshiping the sun was general practice. Now we know to wear sun block, sun glasses with UV lenses, hats, and keep covered up as much as possible. Doing all of the above could save your life. Thanks for bringing that to our attention!

It is a scary thing! I had Melanoma on my back about 18 yrs. ago! Thank goodness it wasn't deep....the oncologist told me that i had more of a chance of dying from walking out of his building and getting hit by a car,than dying from this! It was still very scary...and it made me feel MUCH better when I heard this....I had a chunk taken out about the size of a children's toy football...The Dr.told me that Skin cancer is not necessarily from a burn that you got 5 years ago, it's more likely from the bad burn I got when I was about 7 or so....about 30 years ago! I am a native San Diegan...and all my girlfriends would tan...and I would try to get my Irish, Welsh...skin to tan like everybody elses...it never happened...I was always insecure about my white skin! I was made fun of in elementary school and called Snow White. To this day I am still the White girl! But my husband loves my skin and I actually look 15years younger than all my friends! I agree...SUNSCREEN...SUNSCREEN..SUNSCREEN!!! i can still go to Cabo San Lucas and enjoy the sun...I just have my limits and I get spray tanned...nobody believes it when i tell them I have been sprayed! the key is to have somebody spray you and not use the booth! I also use some of the over the counter tanning lotions that work quite nicely..when I can't afford the spray stuff! I am glad that you are doing well! Joy

Oh Dear. Once again my two cents won't mesh with these other comments. But as a nurse, I am compelled to tell you the following.

I'm sorry about your skin cancer, but I know you will be fine. You are very beautiful, and courageous I might add, and no scar could ever change that.

Beth-

You are VERY Brave and yes wear that honor proudly. For the last 3 years I was tanning every week. (fat looks better brown) but this year I gave it up. I know too many people that are being affected and while most are ok some are not. Youo are georgous inside and out!

I agree with Patsy on the sunscreen issue even though I recommend it. You can get "natural" sunscreen products at the health food store that don't contain harmful chemicals that are absorbed by your skin. Here in Florida we tan just going from the house to the car, thats how strong the sun is down here. My best tip for keeping safe is stay in the shade! And thanks for sharing the picture Beth. It wasn't in your post when I made my first comments. Fortunately, modern technology will make it possible for you to have reconstructive surgery and you'll be good as new in no time.

SEP

2007

Beth,

This is an absolutely WONDERFUL POST. I don't know how to rate things here and I know it isn't Real Estate material, but it certainly is a great forum to spread such a good word.

You are absolutely correct, staying in the shade is the best possible solution to preventing skin cancer but if you must go in the sun, lube up.

Thank you for sharing with us your personal and I'm sure difficult experience. Prayers will be going out for a speedy and safe recovery. I'm sure it will take some time but from blogs I have read you are a beautiful person regardless of any scars your face may bear.

Kelly Simmons

Maureen, Terry & Nora - Thank you for your kind words. I know I will be just fine and do not really care about any scar my face may have. Yes, there is a part of me that was very sad for what has happened, but again...I take this as a blessing a wonderful learning experience that I hope to share with others. If my car provokes a conversation with others about the effects of being in the sun un-protected...then I happily bear it!

Joy - Excellent words of wisdom from you too. Thanks for sharing. Have to admit, after reading Patsy's response just below yours...I now wonder about how safe tanning sprays are too. As everything else in this world, it's a personal decision and one we all need to make for ourselves. In fact, it makes you wonder how safe MOST things are we put on our bodies - moisturizers, makeup, perfumes, hair prodcuts...but I'm not sure we will ever know what is causing the various types of cancer everyone is getting these days.

Patsy - Thank you SO much for sharing your information and knowledge. It really opened my eyes even more and have to say was conflicting information from what most people hear. I think the majority of people think that sunscreen is the cure-all but what you say makes complete sense and really is the best solution - simply STAY OUT OF THE SUN and reduce the odds even more! I hope you don't mind but since I do think your response is quite valuable, I'm going ot cut and paste it into my initial blog. I do think it's pertinent info that should be included and would hate for any young boy or girl to miss it my scrolling thru the comments. THANK YOU!

Shell - Thank you for your honestly about your prior tanning habits and I'm so proud of YOU for stopping. I tanned for much the same reason...but mostly for that almost "happy rush" that I got from the heat warming my skin. I guess I'll now find safer ways to acheive that feeling...I've found working out is a great one! :) Any time you feel like getting back into the tanning booth - feel free to pull up this disgusting picture of my nose. That's the whole reason I asked the surgeon to send it to me - visuals are great reminders!!!

Teri - Wise words as well! I'll have to check the Health Food Store but have to say I think I'm just going to find ways to make my plain white face look somewhat nice. While trying to get comfortable and sleep last night I realized another great thing about this. The timing for them doing this surgery and reconstruction is great! It's September and there shouldn't be too many friends or family events outside until next year which gives me a full 7 months to stay completely out of the sun so that my scar doesn't see sunlight. That being said...i will still be wearing my daily moisturizer with suscreen to help while doing those short runs outside like you say - from your car to the grocery store etc. As much as we can try to avoid sunlight...it's a difficult thing to do unless you live in a cave :) I'm not ready to go there yet...I've still got a lot of life to live!!!

Kelly - Thank you also for your nice words. It's so true there is usually a good story behind every scar. If you have them...you should feel blessed as you survived and can live to tell.

Since I am just one of the many millions of people impacted each year by skin cancer and DEFINITELY not an expert in the field, I also wanted to provide you all with some info direct from The American Cancer Society direct from cancer.org

How many people are affected by skin cancer? Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 59,940 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2007.

Who survives skin cancer? For basal cell or squamous cell cancers, a cure is highly likely if detected and treated early. Melanoma, even though it can spread to other body parts quickly, is also highly curable if detected early and treated properly. The 5-year relative survival rate for patients with melanoma is 91%. For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 99%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 65% and 15% respectively. About 80% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage.

How many people will die from skin cancer? The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 10,850 deaths from skin cancer in 2007 - 8,110 from melanoma and 2,740 from other skin cancers.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer? Risk factors for nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers include:

unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
fair complexion
occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium
family history
multiple or atypical moles
severe sunburns as a child

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.

any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth
scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule
the spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
a change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Can skin cancer be prevented? The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time. Here are some ways you can do this:

Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are at their strongest.
Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light.
Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.
Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
Wrap on sunglasses: Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.
Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin.

What Is the American Cancer Society Doing About Skin Cancer?

Education: The Society delivers health information to the public, so that individuals can make informed personal decisions. Examples include: Printed materials, media coverage, community-based outreach programs, and free, nationwide services such as http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/www.cancer.org and 1-800-ACS-2345. The American Cancer Society also began its Sun Safe Community initiative in December 2000 to help prevent skin cancer. This community-based, multi-component effort consists of prevention programs at schools, childcare centers, primary care offices, and beach and recreation areas.

We all need hats, hats hats! So sorry this happened and we need to get those hats for the kids too. This is all in addition to the sunscreen.

Excellent point Karen!

And there are some VERY cute ones out there these days. I've not really put hats into my fashion accessory case in the past, but you can bet I am going to be on the look out for some cute ones now!!!

In Arizona this is a constant problem... and still, too few know of the dangers. Thanks for posting this- knowledge is power.

Chuck - Can't agree with you more! We never stop learning either do we???

For all of my AR friends who have emailed me individually...I REALLY AM OK :) Thanks so much for all of your kind words, but have to say this was not as bad as it looks. I'll let you know how the skin graphs go though..I'm told that I be much more swollen and bruised after that. We'll see...I'm pretty darn optimistic that nothing will phase me too much.

Great, Great, Great information. I will show this to my two twin daugthers tomorrow am.

Thank you for being so kind to share your personal experience with us all.

Best wishes on a speedy and safe recovery.

Michelle San Pedro

As a previous lifeguard that spent hours in the sun and as the daughter of a VERY fortunate Melanoma survivor, I really appreciate your willingness to share such a difficult situation. i am continually watching my friends and family with concern for the effects of skin cancer. My dad had a mole on his cheek for months that none of us questioned until the scary day that his doctor informed him that it was a melanoma. He was fortunate that it had not spread but knowing this is not normally the case, I know diligence and sun screen are the best policy.

Thank You

Beth, thanks for sharing your personal story and for the warning....this information is so important. I hope you heal quickly!

Thank you Beth, Since moving to Myrtle Beach I have become very careful about sun and sunscreen especially with my two children. It's too important not to now a days, gone are the days of baby oil and fake tanning.

SEP

2007

I'm so glad that you took care of this early. Skin cancer is a deadly disease... we moved to beautiful Tucson almost two years ago....the first summer.... I swam and swam all times of the day, and would usually (but not always) wear sunscreen .... people would always comment on the "healthy glow" (which we all know is really an "unhealthy glow") Recently, very dear and longtime friends of ours lost their 22 year old son to Melanoma. They are now doing whatever they can to teach people about skin cancer. Needless to say, I now try to do almost all of my swimming in the late afternoon when the pool is shaded. People can never hear about this enough.

Michelle, Jo, Amy & Nancy -

Sounds like you all know from personal experience...now we just need to remind all of our friends and family to stay out of the sun as well.

Nothing wrong with sipping a margarita in the shade :) That might have to be my new way to get that warm fuzzy feeling on my skin - HA!

SEP

2007

Oh dear Beth

I've known people to have skin cancer but this is beyond what anyone I know has had.

I know you weren't looking for sympathy but my thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm sure that will take some time to heal. Are you working with a plastic surgeon I hope? Regardless you are a beautiful woman and will hopefully not let any scars keep you down.

Best regards.

OCT

2007

Hi Terry!

Thanks for stopping in. I will be ok, but there are others that may not and aren't doing a thing about it. PLEASE feel free to pass this message along to any friends, family or loved ones that don't stay out of the sun, don't wear sunscreen, go to a tanning booth or the like.

All the best,

Beth

OCT

2007

thx for linking this to your "today's post" ' -- missed it somehow the first round. I want to thank you as I will be forwarding the link to my 24 yr old daughter who seems to get a good burn every summer. Maybe next summer, thx to you, it will be the start a fresh awareness to a whole network of young adults she knows

Hi Karen!

I'm very happy to hear that you will be passing the message along to the younger generation as I too am very concerned about the number of kids I see using tanning beds or laying out in the sun un-protected. They all seem to be in search of that "healthy tan" and don't think it's a problem because they never burn.

Please do share this photo and story with anyone and everyone...not very flattering of me but hope it passes along a message that sun and tanning booths are NOT good for you.

I'm not sure what you mean by linking it to my "today"s post...unless someone else did. I haven't been able to blog today at all. Oh well...any coverage is good coverage :).

All the best,

Beth

NOV

2007

Many of you have asked or emailed me about how I'm doing. I can't tell you what a wonderful group of friends I have made on AR. As I mentioned in the grand scheme of things in this world, having skin cancer on a couple parts of my body seems like nothing compated to what others are going thru with illnesses such as those that don't have a cure. Despite that, thank you all so much for your care, concern and friendships.

To answer your questions, the scarring looks pretty good - at least in my opinion. I'd have to say after the skin graph and treatments I'm sure showing progress. I've just very thankful it was caught...and can help teach not only my children but anyone else who cares to listen a lesson!

All the best,

Beth

Beth,

As they say 1 picture is worth a thousand words. If this doesn't convince someone nothing will. Thanks for sharing this.

NOV

2007

Living in Texas, the sun is extremely intense. I had skin cancer and had a small plug taken out of my shin of all places, it stayed pink for years, but finally healed. I grew up in the sun usually at the lake every weekend. I am overdo for a check-up myself. I have some spots on my face as well, and had to take some chemo cream, but don't know if it worked. Thanks for the reminder, I've got to get in now! Best of luck, I stress the importance to the younger generation too, they just don't get it.

NOV

2007

Hi Susan! That was my goal...to help show what kind of damage the sun can do to you. Please feel free to share with anyone you know who thinks going in the sun without sunblock and coverage is ok.

Hi Cindy! So glad you are taking care of yourself and gettting checked out!

Wow Beth,

I was an avid tanner for many years and used to go to the tanning salon at least three to four times a week. I gave it up as I am worried about cancer as well. I haven't been since January so almost a year now. I am very carefull when I am out in natural sun light.

I am glad you are healing.

Hi Kimberly, So glad you have changed your ways. It definetly is a lifestyle chnage for me as I did enjoy being in the sun. Small sacrifice to stay healthy though! Plus...I won't have to worry about wrinkles as much :)

Please make sure you see a board certified Dermatologist each year to get checked. As you read above, despite changing my ways, skin cancer can strike at any time so everyone is recommended to get checked once a year.

All the best,

Beth

Thanks for the warning Beth. I will look into seeing a Dermatologist as well just to be safe

Great Kimberly. Glad you will be getting checked out...and hope you get the all clear!

Beth,

Prayers for a speedy and full recovery for you!

Kristina

Beth,

What an inspiring story you have, one that's repeated much too often in our society, as you know. I spent 23 years working as a Paramedic in Galveston, Tx and was exposed to the sun often times from sun up to sun down. I've always been an outdoor person and ran around most of my childhood wearing only a pair of shorts. That was awhile ago. I've now had three large Basil cells removed, the largest being the size of a golf ball that was taken from an area just off of my spine. Lucky me to have found it. I've had one on my nose similar to yours and it's healed just fine. Now I have 2 daughters, both in elementary school. They know the truth about tanning. I applaud you for taking the time to tell your story and share your pictures. You're both amazing and beautiful. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Beth, thank you for sharing your odyssey of skin cancer. I, too, missed the post the first time, but am so glad I ran across it tonight. I've had several basal and one squamous patch removed and get a total check twice a year. After severe burns as a child, and finally "getting it" at the end of high school, many still wonder why I am so paranoid about staying out of the sun. Aren't multiple skin cancers and Irish skin enough reason? It takes being hit over the head for some people to get it. Your story may actually have an affect on those people-including my adult children.

I'm sure your story, factual information, and, yes, the graphic pictures, most of all, will open many peoples' eyes, and, I hope, save a few from having to endure what you have. You look like you are healing beautifully. I am sorry you have had to experience this, and wish you the very best. Many thanks for sharing so openly.

NOV

2007

Beth, thank you for posting your experience and knowledge! I had no idea that using the tanning salon could cause skin cancer. I'm Irish and as colorless as a girl can get, so last winter I started going to the tanning salon just to get a bit of color.

Thank you again for educating and caring enough to share your experience.

Dane

NOV

2007

Hi Kristina - Thanks so much! Will you be able to make it Jan 15th to the MN Rountable???

Hi Jem - I appreciate the kind words...and hope you had a wonderful holiday as well :)

Hi Joan and Dana - So glad you found the information useful...and Dane so glad it's opened your eyes not to use a tanning salon. Unfortunately I've learned a lot about them recently and how dangerous they are to us all. It's a multi-million dollar industry that would hate to hear stories like this I'm sure.

All the best,

Beth

NOV

2007

mY LIFETIME PARTNER FOR 20 YEARS NOW ALWAYS LOVED THESE TANNING BOOTHS, HE ALSO GOT SKIN CANCER, LUCKILY being treated with chemo topically not radiation. Its in his back

All the best

Beth, you are quite a person to share this with everyone. Sometimes it has to be disturbing to truly hit home. I think you accomplished a great deal by posting your photos and message. I will remember this come summer. Thanks

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