tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59943366406536896802024-03-05T11:12:17.131-05:00Adventures With My Enemy MelanomaChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.comBlogger501125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-13330543109667689702018-05-30T16:59:00.004-04:002018-05-30T17:01:48.316-04:00Common MistakesIf you've reached my page, you are probably well aware that May is Melanoma Awareness Month! What a perfect time to share this information from the Phoenix Skin Medical Surgical Group, right?!<br />
<p>Knowing how to properly examine your skin is so important. At most people are getting their skin checked every three months, with the majority of us seeing a dermatologist once a year. That's not enough. Our skin changes, so we must keep a watchful eye! Out of three melanomas, only one was found by a dermatologist. The other two I found myself. Not sure how to do a proper skin check? Let's start here!</p>
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<p><p><a href='https://www.phxskin.com/blog-blog-details-cancer-self-diagnosis-mistakes/'><img
src='https://image.slidesharecdn.com/phoenix-skin-cancer-guide-v2-
171218175648/95/common-mistakes-in-selfdiagnosing-skin-cancer-1-638.jpg?cb=1513619963'
alt='cancer-self-diagnosis' 540px border='0' /></a></p><p>Courtesy of <a
href="https://www.phxskin.com/">Phoenix Skin Medical Surgical Group</a></p>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-84729099405844299522018-01-15T14:35:00.000-05:002018-01-15T14:35:30.975-05:00Breaking TraditionsEach year, on the eve of my cancerversary, I grab the book my best friend made for me that consists of letters from my fellow melanoma friends, a glass of wine, and I snuggle in for a good cry.<br />
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Not this year.<br />
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This year, year seven, was different....<br />
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This year, just a month prior to the seventh anniversary, my oncologist broke up with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP9joWIUzKbxR6eDzduwfAumWFSL4tMjRj2Qk3RI32SmzkTVxUS6TR56pwypL71UBOgRqhYaR2WtvONSsrOesJYrWyRaM6w2ZPd6xcXKaH9UXaSJ4lYf35i4TNOjKTuvOoGV-n8Dk21Q/s1600/Dr.+Dickson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP9joWIUzKbxR6eDzduwfAumWFSL4tMjRj2Qk3RI32SmzkTVxUS6TR56pwypL71UBOgRqhYaR2WtvONSsrOesJYrWyRaM6w2ZPd6xcXKaH9UXaSJ4lYf35i4TNOjKTuvOoGV-n8Dk21Q/s320/Dr.+Dickson.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>
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I went in for my routine six month scans in December. I felt pretty good, no concerns at all, but I wasn't expecting the news my doctor gave me. He told me my scans were clear, that it had been almost seven years since my initial diagnosis, years from the last treatment, etc. As I sat there listening to him talk about what the team of melanoma specialists had discussed, I interrupted him and asked with a bit of panic in my voice, "Are you breaking up with me?" Like all men, he said I can still call him if I want, we can still be friends. (Bless this man for GETTING me.)<br />
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In typical Chelsea fashion, I didn't cry. I sat there pretty stunned. I might have laughed. I looked at my mom who was equally shocked. In seven years we've never once discussed the possibility of being discharged from his care. Even when he approved me for pregnancy, and then wondered why I wasn't pregnant yet (he was pro-baby for this girl!), I never once considered a life without scans. It all felt so surreal. To be honest, I don't think the reality of it will hit me until June rolls around which is when I would've been sent for follow-up CT scans. I hope I don't sound ungrateful. I am so incredibly thankful! I am excited! I am thrilled! I am SHOCKED! We never thought this day would arrive...and it's here.<br />
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Am I scared about no longer receiving CT scans? I don't know. I don't think I am. Because here's the thing...Those letters that I read from my melanoma friends on the eve of each cancervesary? Some of those friends are no longer here... Those people had the best care available to them, they fought like hell to stay on this earth, but they aren't here. I owe it to them -- to my friends -- to live.<br />
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So this year on my seventh anniversary of being diagnosed with melanoma, I stayed quiet. I didn't mention it to my family as we explored the Bahamas. I hugged my boys a little tighter and I said a silent thank you that this is my life. I know, I KNOW, how lucky I am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcg5DNZTByw3g6eJ40Zfk1ckKjSX4FNesSKwqu5lp-hj1dLXHZwPBSpZ5ntKtQR0kSQgJ46md0IaTxCtuNHIrtLsOl_6aC8k2c4zgaZ9msvNTXhlmnGAcdYlSG5Ja8YEkd0PgAFyY6tQ/s1600/Atlantis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcg5DNZTByw3g6eJ40Zfk1ckKjSX4FNesSKwqu5lp-hj1dLXHZwPBSpZ5ntKtQR0kSQgJ46md0IaTxCtuNHIrtLsOl_6aC8k2c4zgaZ9msvNTXhlmnGAcdYlSG5Ja8YEkd0PgAFyY6tQ/s320/Atlantis.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I figured I'm overdue to share a few other pictures with you! Being a mama is everything. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO151cIRT-xYfixP-G5l0M-4eZsFlr3QgI6rWDNOgIZwy2mKx9BqiUdZozeJFYKretwx3-W1AwuBo-NKNAwmqNf68UzzKbiLoZ-ymtv3SKXAuTeg1sfU7Lo2bcqe1jGF7wUnyzbDPH9U/s1600/Chels+and+Lee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdO151cIRT-xYfixP-G5l0M-4eZsFlr3QgI6rWDNOgIZwy2mKx9BqiUdZozeJFYKretwx3-W1AwuBo-NKNAwmqNf68UzzKbiLoZ-ymtv3SKXAuTeg1sfU7Lo2bcqe1jGF7wUnyzbDPH9U/s320/Chels+and+Lee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXep2qKgPydJdZ3bg6OVoXhuWXtf8Ha53yebfpLBNWtVE-BaHWZgVq4bSXk4TWXQO-vTo5HtY1xDyZxJFwDnM1cnDrBx-N1OXJwcfbVEW7HetItqbVFQXLcnS86FRWdOTjQlEy92pfEwI/s1600/Bucket+List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="665" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXep2qKgPydJdZ3bg6OVoXhuWXtf8Ha53yebfpLBNWtVE-BaHWZgVq4bSXk4TWXQO-vTo5HtY1xDyZxJFwDnM1cnDrBx-N1OXJwcfbVEW7HetItqbVFQXLcnS86FRWdOTjQlEy92pfEwI/s320/Bucket+List.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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The sign says My Bucket List...exactly what he is. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wg6O47qM29Rw-gk0C5PSjNE-tq_6EK2ySE8ev44o9dtt19zJFdgSODP68wGVesrE1FM-h1pvbe_RYp0P6UTal5BKq8PWR91-CJv4kUjURjtlkpw5CBtEozGC_NhohJmjBq4C1YkztQQ/s1600/Chelsea+and+Gavin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wg6O47qM29Rw-gk0C5PSjNE-tq_6EK2ySE8ev44o9dtt19zJFdgSODP68wGVesrE1FM-h1pvbe_RYp0P6UTal5BKq8PWR91-CJv4kUjURjtlkpw5CBtEozGC_NhohJmjBq4C1YkztQQ/s320/Chelsea+and+Gavin.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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My bonus kid is growing up so quickly. He's the perfect big brother!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmo313Exsf8YQx0OZQG2vqx-Vwu8UsMfTkNNcaCirhczJ0EwUCkvpxx6mYPHD3UFlZ4b4NiC2F63RUHd6at8r_hR5pgRm_Jiqa82mxvx2TAxMEPj4CZYr3YMRvhmfn86POuXEB2fiDNo/s1600/shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmo313Exsf8YQx0OZQG2vqx-Vwu8UsMfTkNNcaCirhczJ0EwUCkvpxx6mYPHD3UFlZ4b4NiC2F63RUHd6at8r_hR5pgRm_Jiqa82mxvx2TAxMEPj4CZYr3YMRvhmfn86POuXEB2fiDNo/s320/shirt.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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Right before I left for vacation I received this fun shirt from <a href="https://toptierstyle.com/">https://toptierstyle.com/</a></div>
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I'm not going to lie, I'm<b> obsessed</b> with it. </div>
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The cat looks so innocent until you pull the pocket down...</div>
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then it feels exactly how I do towards melanoma. </div>
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(The shirt itself is super comfy! Size up!)</div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-c1d96fec-fb4d-4040-4ddb-acc80145679c"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(The </span><a href="https://toptierstyle.com/t-shirts/cat-pocket-middle-finger-shirt/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cat giving the middle finger shirt</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in this review was provided by Top Tier Style. If you would like to purchase your own use the coupon code BLOG15 for 15% OFF everything on their store!)</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to thank you all for following along with me over the last seven years. It's been quite the adventure, hasn't it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sending you love and good health! Wear sunscreen! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chelsea</span></span></div>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-74329474897602128012017-07-27T11:10:00.001-04:002017-07-27T11:17:37.824-04:00You Can Only Love Them<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There once was a time – not that long ago – I thought I knew
it all. I was so angry, so bitter, so scared, that I critiqued what people said
to me. Instead of wrapping myself in the love sent with their comments, I thought
of what they should have said. Like many others, I blogged about what you
should say to cancer patients, I wrote about what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>to say to cancer patients. I talked about the clichés used and
how one should avoid them. I was such an angry know-it-all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My blog friend, Tim, wrote a comment in 2011 that really
struck home with me today as I reread it: “Unfortunately, almost ANYTHING
someone says can be a problem depending on what my state of mind happens to
be at that particular time.” How true is that? Why didn’t I realize that at the
time?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In the last few years, and even this week, I’ve found myself
in the position of not knowing what to say. Friends have suffered tragic losses
and I’m left speechless. I’m thinking of the clichés. I’m considering not saying
anything at all. I’m worried that my sentiment, my love, is not what will
transfer and it will all sound insincere. This is ridiculous, you guys. I just
want these people to know they are loved, that in their darkest days, THEY ARE
LOVED. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsIyGZO7UBjQZ5zb0URf-mKPv-TnIH9hEj1sPKq0G7pncsFnNBmwj8kCpjQkxpr9iOBgpDTOZmuTp-ESMsxDJIAiIcbG6tBjpuEWkks1jdRPDByZGEvD3TW9hgBs7L9E_m951bOi6-Jo/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="729" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsIyGZO7UBjQZ5zb0URf-mKPv-TnIH9hEj1sPKq0G7pncsFnNBmwj8kCpjQkxpr9iOBgpDTOZmuTp-ESMsxDJIAiIcbG6tBjpuEWkks1jdRPDByZGEvD3TW9hgBs7L9E_m951bOi6-Jo/s320/love.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So, here I am, many years later, asking for your apology for
being an angry-know-it-all melanoma diva. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I know you meant well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">(Well, besides that lady in the <a href="http://adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com/2011/04/going-postal.html">post office</a>. I’m not over
that one.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">XO,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Chelsea</span></div>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-86773027191791488002017-07-25T21:06:00.001-04:002017-07-25T21:06:21.824-04:00Life's CoincidencesWhen I'm not raising boys, <a href="http://cdawson4.myrandf.com/">building a business</a>, or browsing social media like it is my job, I am a residency coordinator at a teaching hospital. I enjoy my job. It introduces me to all sorts of people, from all sorts of places. Seeing these medical students and residents learn, hearing their passion and enthusiasm, it gives me such hope for our future. These people are smart, y'all.<br />
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Recently I was making small talk with my new chief resident. Nothing out of the ordinary, small talk. I asked him about his interests, where he hopes to end up--surgical oncology--and his future plans. We're walking through a long tunnel and he says that he matched with a surgical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and will be working with my Dr. Glinda.<br />
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Jaw dropped.<br />
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Readers from the early days know Dr. Glinda, AKA in real life as Dr. Charlotte Ariyan. I absolutely, positively adore her. Dr. Ariyan's kindness, intelligence, awesome surgical skills, and bed side manners made her a super hero in my book.<br />
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So, of course I had to tell this resident my story.<br />
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Now it was his turn to drop his jaw. "You're very fair skin..I guess you take care of your skin?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9XQ0ipq4c-Yo7qqnhSrhcVLuK05pAt7LU5cyE5v0OKUfmT8rORtyJsOXKFEvEiNnFLa00N6-60THyYHCSJvRYudbYpKcseg3YHCLwBEn694dxiE8WFVamFBmN1UyIm65QiUIi08R0Zk/s1600/nancy+thayer.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="564" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9XQ0ipq4c-Yo7qqnhSrhcVLuK05pAt7LU5cyE5v0OKUfmT8rORtyJsOXKFEvEiNnFLa00N6-60THyYHCSJvRYudbYpKcseg3YHCLwBEn694dxiE8WFVamFBmN1UyIm65QiUIi08R0Zk/s320/nancy+thayer.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The conversation lead to the most recent<a href="https://www.mskcc.org/blog/definitive-study-shows-people-melanoma-do-not-need-immediate-lymph-node-removal"> research</a> out of MSK: "The results of a new study indicate that immediate surgical removal of
remaining lymph nodes does not improve survival compared with a
watch-and-wait approach." It was very interesting to hear his thought process and then have him ask for my treatment experience and opinion.<br />
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If you have any doubt that research is benefiting melanoma patients, this is proof. Dr. Ariyan co-authored this study. <a href="http://adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com/2011/02/meeting-glenda-good-witch.html">6.5 years ago</a>, Dr. Ariyan helped me reach the conclusion to have the surgery. OK, I shouldn't say she helped me reach the decision. She basically told me in her very kind way that it comes down to what I'm comfortable with. She explained that if we did the surgery, I would know if there was remaining cancer in my lymph nodes. That would change things in terms of available clinical trials and statistics. We sat in that examine room and talked about the many side effects that could occur if we choose to proceed with the surgery. She gave me the info...and then she talked to me like a friend.<br />
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I have no regrets about going through with the two full lymph node dissections. I'm one of the lucky ones. The lasting side effects are pretty much non-existent. How would I feel now if this research had been available then? I don't know. <br />
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Anyway...I love life's coincidences. Oh--and I have total faith in this resident. ...I just have no desire to see him in a non-educational setting. ;-)<br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-31698985899578492552017-07-21T09:34:00.004-04:002017-07-21T09:34:57.098-04:00Daily Sunscreen Confession From A Melanoma GirlDo you use sunscreen every day? I mean, every single day you step foot outside? Not just beach day, not just days at the ball field, not just for your run. I mean, every single day your skin is exposed to the environment.<br />
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I know. I'm cringing because I know the truth. I didn't either.<br />
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But that all changed.<br />
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Over the years I have often admitted how little I like sunscreen. I hate the way it feels under my make-up. I hate the way it smells. I hate the way it seems to get on EVERYTHING. I hate feeling sticky!<br />
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Then my best friend gave me her Rodan + Fields sunscreen.<br />
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Game changer.<br />
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Really, I know how uneducated, stupid, and down right lazy it is for me, the melanoma girl, to go without sunscreen. I justified it because I was just driving to work, I was just going to the store, I was just taking a short walk. I gave myself excuses because I didn't want to have to take a second shower to wash the gross feeling of sunscreen from my skin. I knew better... but I went without anyway.<br />
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I was suspicious of Rodan + Fields. Honestly, I was suspicious of anything I saw sold on Facebook. I was a complete direct sales snob. SNOB! That also changed when I started using their products.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1zTm-DRLcN4EEP2xI6IBOwRLhyphenhyphenZVoXSC95Cy7TtVf_DJsVpMBmjPueL_oHVOA84BppJ2_t6QCGdslTRB0E6zVzT9hyphenhyphen6OhX_WV00kxMQjMg7m2wFype31tZYubDiG4IA-IkEdSEqjy8s/s1600/RF+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="750" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1zTm-DRLcN4EEP2xI6IBOwRLhyphenhyphenZVoXSC95Cy7TtVf_DJsVpMBmjPueL_oHVOA84BppJ2_t6QCGdslTRB0E6zVzT9hyphenhyphen6OhX_WV00kxMQjMg7m2wFype31tZYubDiG4IA-IkEdSEqjy8s/s320/RF+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://cdawson4.myrandf.com/">cdawson4.myrandf.com</a><br />
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The daily sunscreen, SPF 30, is light weight, goes on like a moisturizer, and doesn't make me feel like I'm wearing sunscreen. It has a light smell that quickly fades. In no way does it feel like I'm wearing sunscreen! It's great for errands, every single day, and play time outside!<br />
(I prefer to use something with Zinc Oxide when I know I'm going to be outside for HOURS! Think is a new favorite brand of mine! I absolutely adore ThinkBaby and that's what I use on my toddler!)<br />
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Now let me tell you about my all-time favorite facial sunscreen:<br />
Soothe sunscreen, SPF 30, contains Zinc Oxide! It is SO lightweight, it goes on perfectly, and make-up goes on flawlessly on top of it! Typically when I apply make-up over a sunscreen, my make-up does not work. It looks cakey (is that a word?), and just gross! Not with Soothe. Oh, and it's for sensitive skin!!! I use it--with pediatrician approval--on my toddler's face!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRxH3XicS-5oVqAwW3IKqYakYNNUHx4ob-bNaJntGcKryFZtN8fxWPu7kCImo1yvCWEnvgy1hSfdoP6HjyPNoY24XE311A9-p1M8YaTqsV-KQQIA87ByPiGM7Ax7nhj9Qs9S4m_IOry0/s1600/RF+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="750" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRxH3XicS-5oVqAwW3IKqYakYNNUHx4ob-bNaJntGcKryFZtN8fxWPu7kCImo1yvCWEnvgy1hSfdoP6HjyPNoY24XE311A9-p1M8YaTqsV-KQQIA87ByPiGM7Ax7nhj9Qs9S4m_IOry0/s320/RF+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My second favorite sunscreen is the Reverse sunscreen, SPF 50! A little thicker than Soothe, my make-up still goes on perfectly! This is not the norm for me. I would depend on foundation with SPF in it to prevent from wearing sunscreen. Not any more!<br />
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Because I use my regimens every single day, I NEVER, EVER go without sunscreen now. I know what you're thinking. Shouldn't being diagnosed with melanoma changed that for me? It did. ...but vanity sometimes won, in terms of facial sunscreen.<br />
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I know I may get some flack for this, and I get it. I'm living with stage 3 melanoma. I shouldn't be vain. I KNOW. but I'm still a 30 year old gal... I'm still a little vain.<br />
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I had been using the products for 8 months when it occurred to me I was telling everyone else to use them! I've been suggesting skin care products to people for 6.5 years on this blog. I've finally decided to try to make <a href="http://cdawson4.myrandf.com/">a business</a> from my suggestions. I am proud and super excited to announce to you all that I am a Rodan + Fields consultant! A company that stresses the importance of sun safety AND delivers premium products that help you stay sun safe? YES! Why didn't I think of this years ago?!<br />
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I hope you will join me in this new journey. I am so excited for you to try these products, especially my favorite sunscreens!<br />
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<a href="http://cdawson4.myrandf.com/">cdawson4.myrandf.com</a><br />
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And one more picture of my sweet boy...because...BECAUSE. ;-)<br />
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Be well. XOXO!<br />
Chelsea<br />
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-57582665764532358722017-03-06T20:46:00.004-05:002017-03-06T21:09:05.939-05:00My Bucket List<i>January 24, 2016:</i><br />
<br />
We escaped from our snow covered neighborhood to go to Target because I absolutely had to pick up the chair for the baby's nursery. We got the chair home. I had to vacuum and mop the nursery. Bryan set up the chair and I rocked in my chair, imagining the baby I would hold in my arms.<br />
<br />
And then the pain started.<br />
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I must've overdone it. I think I stood up at a weird angle while vacuuming. I tried to sleep. I felt sick. I texted my boss and told him I wouldn't be into work. Bryan went into work, believing me when I said I must've pulled a muscle. I tried to sleep.<br />
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I couldn't feel the baby move.<br />
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I texted my best friend, after walking into the kitchen and seeing a magnet I had on the side of the fridge. It explained the signs of preterm labor. Well...maybe I'll just call the nurse and see what she says. Left message.<br />
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Still couldn't feel the baby move.<br />
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I called the nurse again. I asked the operator to overhead page her. She called me back, "Have you taken Tylenol?" "I haven't felt the baby move. I don't know how long it's been. I just can't feel him."<br />
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I rushed to the doctor.<br />
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The ultrasound tech couldn't find a heartbeat. I start to sweat. She gets another tech. They adjust the monitor. Ah, there he is. They tell me I will relax in the recliner, letting the machine monitor the baby for about 45 minutes. 20 minutes pass and she's unhooking me. All must be fine.<br />
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Immediately in walks my doctor. No small talk. She asks me about pain. I start to cry. I NEVER CRY. I'm not a crier. She knows I'm not a crier. She tells me I'm having very quick contractions (they felt nothing like what the books said they would feel like), and I'm 3 centimeters dilated. She tells me about the NICU and how they will take such great care of the baby. I cry more. She hugs me (she's not a hugger) and I get dressed. I call Bryan as I'm putting on my pants. I have no idea what I said, except, "Meet me at the hospital." I think I'm calm. I'm 2 days shy of 34 weeks pregnant.<br />
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I call my mom. I never call my mom during the workday. She answers. I have no idea what I told her. I text my boss. I text my closest friends. I drive.<br />
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I pull up to the emergency room. There's no parking. I walk in and an elderly man explains to me what to do. I park. I walk into the ER. They're waiting for me. I immediately see another OB from my practice, "We're going to go ahead and give you the steroid shot for the baby's lungs." OK. I wait for Bryan and my room.<br />
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I get into my room. Steady contractions. They want to treat me with vancomycin since I'm too early in my pregnancy to know if I have group b strep. OK, sure. Go for it. Whatever you need to do.<br />
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My head starts itching. Gosh, my skin must be dry. I'm so itchy. Ah, I'm kind of hot. So. Itchy. Ohh! the nurse asked me a question, I try to answer, and my words are slurring. Oh... and my tongue is too big for my mouth. <br />
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Huh. That nurse moved quickly. Oh, and who are all these new doctors? "No, I didn't realize I had hives all over my body." Oops. Guess I'm allergic to penicillin AND vancomycin. Lesson learned. (Bryan is still mad at me for how I downplayed this allergic reaction. I seriously didn't realize anything was wrong until I went to speak. I was stressed, husband!)<br />
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A night in the hospital passes. I start wondering what I'm really going to name this baby. I can't keep calling him Oscar Clyde. He has to have a name. I don't sleep.<br />
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The next morning, another OB from our practice sits down with us and explains everything. He thinks the baby will come today. In fact, a few hours after this conversation, he prepares to move me to the delivery suite based on the quickness of the contractions. My mom is almost here.<br />
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And then everything stops. The pain lessens. The contractions slow down and become irregular. We wait. "I can let you go home since you live close. Bed rest. 3 weeks. But I plan to see you before the week is over."<br />
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I go home. We wait.<br />
<br />
For 7 (painful) weeks.<br />
<br />
<i>March 12, 2016</i><br />
<br />
40 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I wake up early. I want to shower, blow dry my hair, do my make-up, have some alone time. It's induction day. After all of that, Oscar Clyde decided to hang out for as long as possible. For months I walked around at 3-4 centimeters dilated, 100% effaced. Try telling a girl with that kind of pressure that the baby will come when he wants. Prepare to duck when she hits you. <i> </i><br />
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Bryan gets up, he showers, we load up the car. He makes me a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. I probably had a cup of coffee. I sat at my dining room table and wrote the baby a letter, still referring to him as his nickname, Oscar Clyde. We went to the hospital.<br />
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7:00 AM: We check into the hospital. We are looking at each other, nervously laughing while the poor admissions guy takes himself way too seriously. We go upstairs to our room. I meet our nurse. "What do you wish to happen today?" "Excuse me?" (I'm thinking, I want to have a baby, woman.) "Do you have a plan? What you hope for today to be like?" Oh. "I want a healthy baby and a healthy mommy." "I can work with that. We're going to have this baby by the end of my shift." Ha, OK. That works for me.<br />
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10:00 AM: 5 centimeters dilated, 100% effaced. Pitocin starts sometime around 10:15 AM. My mom, stepdad, and sisters come to visit. I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable, sweating. They hug me, tell me good luck and they leave. (I had a pretty strict "I don't want visitors until I want visitors" policy. I was pretty dramatic about this.)<br />
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11:00--ish: I'm laughing with my nurse. We're bonding over my melanoma and her breast cancer. I'm totally distracted, laughing about something. I'm still sweating, becoming a bit uncomfortable, when we find out that a helicopter is on its way with a mom pregnant with twins. Anesthesia will be in the operating room with them for a while. If I want an epidural, now is my chance. Uh, yes. Please and thank you.<br />
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Epidural is easy peasy. I look at Bryan, "Gosh, I feel better than I have in months!" We're laughing and carrying on. I have no idea what we're talking about. I look at Bryan in alarm. "Oh my GOD. I just peed!" The nurse and my sweet husband laugh. Oh.... that was my water breaking. Right. I'm so glad I read all of those pregnancy books.<br />
<br />
We tell our families to go on to lunch. Enjoy the day.<br />
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2:00 PM: I'm ready to deliver...or so the doctor and nurse claim. I am NOT ready. This is happening way too quickly. My family is somewhere eating lunch! (My whole visitor thing changed at this point.) Bryan says, "Like ready ready?!" Ah, false. The baby is sunny side up. Gotta try to get him to turn. The OB puts me in this funky position with a yoga ball and tells me she'll see me in a few hours.<br />
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The nurse promised me I would have this baby before the end of her shift, remember...<br />
<br />
2:30 PM: We're practicing pushing. We're laughing. I have no clue what I'm doing. The OB is back. The nurse is having me practice pushing again. We're all still joking. The OB is playing with OC's hair, telling me it's almost time to meet my boy. More nurses enter the room. It's suddenly full of people. They put oxygen on me. "I need you to give me one big push right now or something-something-something C-Section."<br />
<br />
All I heard was C-Section. I pushed.<br />
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<i> <span style="font-size: small;">And then I met my baby.</span></i><br />
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"He looks like a little bird." (If anyone has ever wondered why I call him my bird, that's why. It was one of the very first things I said. Y'all. I'm weird. I know.)<br />
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I remember somewhere in the last few minutes of pushing, an arm reached across my forehead. I recall seeing my purple iPhone pass in front of me. These photos are why. One of the nursery nurses took it upon herself to snap these (and so many others) without being asked. Maybe it was a spontaneous decision. Maybe she does it for everyone. Whatever reason, I am forever thankful. She captured the moment I became complete.<br />
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My blog friends, you've been with me for the last 6 years, and now (a year overdue) I introduce you to my sweet baby bird: <br />
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He <i>is</i> my bucket list.<br />
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XO.<br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-37562764018989663162016-12-06T11:56:00.002-05:002016-12-06T11:59:45.214-05:00Julie.I type. I hit delete. I type. I use the backspace button. I walk away from this page for a few more months.<br />
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The last time I wrote I shared the exciting news of my pregnancy. Hopefully if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you've been introduced to my boy. I want to share my son with you all. I plan to write about the joys of motherhood. But I can't yet. I can't gloss over something that happened while experiencing the most incredible miracle of my life. <br />
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In the midst of our happiness, my sweet friends experienced the tragic loss of their girl. Julie passed away on April 30, 2016. <br />
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Julie is no stranger to this blog. With her permission, I often blogged about her, but I don't believe I ever shared with you how Julie and I got in touch with one another. My surgeon sent me this:<br />
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And sure enough, Julie reached out to me, and a friendship was born. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The first time meeting each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is hard for me to accept that Julie was diagnosed after I was, did the same clinical trial, yet I get to experience things Julie wanted desperately. She wanted to grow old with her husband. She wanted to raise babies. She wanted to continue to take fun vacations with her mom. But melanoma was cruel. It was sneaky. And melanoma was unapologetic. </span></span></div>
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She fought a hard battle. She fought with a smile, a terrific sense of humor, and determination. Now she is at peace.</div>
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Why am I just now writing this? I have asked myself numerous times to sit down and give Julie the post she deserves. But how? While Julie's death caused me extreme sadness, in no way does it compare to the grief her family faces. How can I write about my own feelings when I don't have the slightest idea the pain they continue to experience? That seems so incredibly selfish.</div>
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I don't know how to write this post. This is all I can do.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So on the eve before I return to the city, I will share a few of my favorite pictures of Julie. Thank you for your friendship, girlfriend.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hug your daughters. Kiss your babies. And protect your skin.</span> </span></div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-26637133813284836832016-01-10T11:24:00.000-05:002016-01-10T11:24:00.108-05:00Five Years LaterJanuary 10, 2011<br />
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I didn't cry when the dermatologist told me the mole was melanoma. I left that appointment, made the calls to my family, and reassured everyone that we would proceed with the surgery, and everything would be fine. I vaguely remember saying something about how they surgeon would remove a little bit more and that would be that.<br />
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No one corrected me.<br />
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I didn't cry as the oncologist told me that melanoma had spread to lymph nodes on both sides of my body, in 3 out of the 4 areas, and to prepare myself that the PET scan would show that it had already spread to my organs. I asked for the treatment options. I heard that Interferon would be "enough" and I left the appointment.</div>
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I sobbed in my dad's arms in the backseat of the car while my mom and stepdad cried as they drove me back to my apartment.</div>
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My mom was determined <i>enough</i> wasn't good enough for her 23 year old daughter. Off to Memorial Sloan Kettering we went where I met "The Wizard" and "Glinda, The Good Witch." </div>
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Another surgery.</div>
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I was healing in my hospital bed when my surgeon came into my room, sat on my bed, and told me that the FDA had approved Yervoy for melanoma stage IV patients. This was breaking news for the melanoma world. </div>
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I cried--alone in the middle of a busy waiting room--when the surgeon told me that there was zero melanoma detected in the remaining lymph nodes that were removed during that surgery. Finally, some good news. </div>
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As my doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering agreed there was no point in doing Interferon, I entered a three year clinical trial in May 2011.</div>
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<b>Round one</b></div>
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<b>Round 2, 3 weeks later</b></div>
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<b>Round 3, 3 weeks later</b></div>
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<b>Round 4, 3 weeks later.</b></div>
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Then I got a break for 3 months.</div>
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January 2012:</div>
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I was fortunate that minus a few hiccups here and there, and the trips to New York for scans and treatment every 3 months, I was able to live like a normal 24 year old girl. I started a new job, I continued to date "Mr. Spots" and I lived my life. Oh, and I celebrated my one year Cancerversary thanks to my special friends.</div>
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I really jumped into advocating for melanoma awareness in 2012. I blogged. I tweeted. I facebooked. I was on Dr. Drew and Headline News, and I worked on a great program with the Skin Cancer Foundation. I put a lot of time, effort, and heart into sharing exactly what I was going through with hopes that it would cause someone to cancel their tanning membership. I was shocked how many did.<br />
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A major highlight from 2012 was the opportunity to speak at the Skin Cancer Foundation's Gala held at The Plaza Hotel. I shared my story to lovely people like Brooke Shields, Sam Champion, and the Real Housewives of New York. Intimidating, yes, but it was a night I will never forget.<br />
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2013:<br />
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Melanoma decided to reappear this year in March; however, thanks to my fantastic doctors, we caught it in the earliest stages.<br />
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I continued on with my clinical trial every 3 months.<br />
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I got engaged to "Mr.Spots!"<br />
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...and then I married him!</div>
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2014:<br />
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Once again, melanoma decided to sneak back onto my body; however, once again, my fantastic doctors caught it in the earliest stages.<br />
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The major thing that happened in 2014 was I completed the 3 year clinical trial! No more infusions!</div>
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2015: </div>
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Thinking back to that day, January 10, 2011, the chief dermatologist asked me if I had children. When I replied no, the dermatologist made a comment that I would need to think about my family planning. I cried. Would I never have my own children? Would I never get the opportunity to feel the kicks and punches from the inside? Would my number one bucket item never be fulfilled?</div>
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Well, in July 2015, after many conversations with my oncology team, I found out the news: I am going to be a momma. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmboVeHhRaddHT8v579E0tVlifSz3RJAXg7aSYmDiDT_EZ__nHBdprI_qq52tTOC3zRB9xigZrksJ11d2Zl6xvppl6Mle-Einc3loXZ-mcvIYaG4kne3JDHaeyKg6TH_jG94bheZNieI/s1600/30+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmboVeHhRaddHT8v579E0tVlifSz3RJAXg7aSYmDiDT_EZ__nHBdprI_qq52tTOC3zRB9xigZrksJ11d2Zl6xvppl6Mle-Einc3loXZ-mcvIYaG4kne3JDHaeyKg6TH_jG94bheZNieI/s400/30+weeks.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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30 weeks</div>
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I have 8 weeks left until I'm due to meet my precious baby boy, and I can already tell you, no child will be as loved. </div>
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Regarding my life with melanoma these days, celebrating my 5 year Cancerversary today is something I don't think I ever expected to do. I've lost so many friends in the last few years. I watch so many of my friends continue to struggle. I know firsthand how precious life is. Maybe that's why I'm determined to live to the best of my ability. I've backed off on advocating for melanoma awareness. I blogged once during 2015. I haven't shared the amazing advances in melanoma research. But I needed to live. For 4 years I lived and breathed melanoma. I enjoyed life, too, but I knew it was time for a break. I owed it to myself, my family and friends, and those no longer with us, to live life. Without melanoma.</div>
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No day is promised, there is no guarantee that the ugly beast won't reappear, but until it does, I'm going to keep on keepin' on.</div>
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And as always, thank you for your continued love, support, and friendship during this rollercoaster we call life.</div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-81242174071619798122015-01-15T20:11:00.000-05:002015-01-15T20:32:32.135-05:00Time To Go<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"<i>It was her time to go."</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfMo_Eq9itu69BgjtNe9plDt3v91OM2fqVi4q55hS6UGVflE9Xib3cB1UtCq029G4saaAuerZ7VR14RJ4vMJ8OF2f9JBNw9R57M17Vmgp4lK4PwKbpuOB1mC1e1u3oEVWQTqJgd54sxs/s1600/brittany+maynard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfMo_Eq9itu69BgjtNe9plDt3v91OM2fqVi4q55hS6UGVflE9Xib3cB1UtCq029G4saaAuerZ7VR14RJ4vMJ8OF2f9JBNw9R57M17Vmgp4lK4PwKbpuOB1mC1e1u3oEVWQTqJgd54sxs/s1600/brittany+maynard.png" height="400" width="357" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.thebrittanyfund.org/about/">Source </a></i></div>
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Months ago with much help from the media, society decided to praise, bash, admire, and judge the young terminal brain cancer patient, Brittany Maynard, when she publicly shared her plan to end her life last fall. Many, myself included, praised Brittany for her courage in sharing such a controversial message to the world filled with varying (intense) opinions. Many, myself included, expressed admiration that Brittany could be so brave to end her own life, before cancer ended it for her. There was no getting better for Brittany. On October 9, 2014, Brittany <a href="http://www.today.com/health/brittany-maynards-husband-talks-about-letting-her-go-1D80424130">said</a>, "I'm not killing myself. Cancer is killing me. I'm choosing to go in a way that is less suffering and less pain."</div>
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I accepted it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBYTmUMeqcK6M91MpQpIFI0B37aL0HRiaFmPBDwwWAPsyU7x3T704BwH0tyIqXYXCFNQ7ae2EdFeeZUf7Hi9tSxXrM9Zk2tKZCzwJbYb6n85XrxZR68TTtRPZi5f0FekoCArnYzH8i8g/s1600/chelsea+and+angela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBYTmUMeqcK6M91MpQpIFI0B37aL0HRiaFmPBDwwWAPsyU7x3T704BwH0tyIqXYXCFNQ7ae2EdFeeZUf7Hi9tSxXrM9Zk2tKZCzwJbYb6n85XrxZR68TTtRPZi5f0FekoCArnYzH8i8g/s1600/chelsea+and+angela.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fast forward to December 20, 2014. My phone rings, on Sunday morning around 8:20 AM, it's my boss. I could hear her crying before I put the phone up to my ear. My loyal co-worker and kind friend made the decision to end her life. I don't know why.</div>
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It's been almost 4 weeks and I am still having a hard time accepting it.</div>
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With Brittany, a stranger, I could understand why she would make the decision to end her life. She had researched her options, and the fact was, the cancer was going to take her slowly, painfully and surely. There was no one that could save her. Cancer was killing her. Brittany took control away from the cancer and died "with dignity" as she wished.</div>
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With Angela, I keep asking why. What did we miss? What made her pull the trigger? Why didn't we see she was in such pain? I know that is not fair of me to think. I know that mental illness and depression is a real thing, a thing like cancer, you sometimes can't see. But why can't I accept her death like I can Brittany's? That is not fair to Angela. It is selfish of me to need a reason why my lovely friend, the girl who was always ready to dance and laugh, ended her life. Quite frankly, why she decided to do it is none of my business. She had battles she kept perfectly hidden and she made a decision that we don't have to understand. Maybe, like Brittany, she decided to go in a way that was less suffering and less pain.</div>
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Brittany Maynard's husband said in the interview with <a href="http://www.today.com/health/brittany-maynards-husband-talks-about-letting-her-go-1D80424130">TODAY</a>, that Brittany spent her last day doing things she loved. According to my co-workers family, that's how Angela spent her last day. She went shopping with her mom, had dinner with her family, and watched a movie. Then, like Brittany, it was Angela's time to go.</div>
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It was her time to go...</div>
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And we have to accept it.</div>
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*<span style="color: red;">Please, please, please, if you need help, please reach out to someone. </span></div>
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<b>There IS someone who will miss you tomorrow if you are no longer here.</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/</a></div>
<h4>
1-800-273-8255</h4>
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</h4>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-466458543271246842014-09-26T08:29:00.000-04:002014-09-26T08:29:30.280-04:00Cancer Survivor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09lNS7ZtsNxi2XQAbeFXgHhtRDqCzFuyFasVlJJAOr6cKdVp51Mim5L-JTVStTY9gf4QvxIiSZSa6MQNSTZf6UEVKUi6e23jC4qprPzNi-0cqtPZwcl8URuWe3gDyPLiItQoP-rw2G8k/s1600/melanoma+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09lNS7ZtsNxi2XQAbeFXgHhtRDqCzFuyFasVlJJAOr6cKdVp51Mim5L-JTVStTY9gf4QvxIiSZSa6MQNSTZf6UEVKUi6e23jC4qprPzNi-0cqtPZwcl8URuWe3gDyPLiItQoP-rw2G8k/s1600/melanoma+collage.jpg" height="640" width="426" /> </a></div>
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I couldn't sleep last night. I tossed. I turned. My husband probably thought a few times about pushing me out of the bed. I tossed and I turned some more. What would have me up at 2:30 A.M. in such a fit? The title "Cancer Survivor."</div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Some
of you know that wearing the hat "Cancer Survivor" makes me cringe and
quickly change the subject. To many people who have not battled
melanoma, that probably seems ridiculous. After all, I've sat half naked
on a cold exam room when the dermatologist mumbled those two words,
"it's melanoma." I've seen the sympathy in the nuclear medicine tech's
face as the radiologist informed me of the "hot <span class="text_exposed_show">spots"
on a scan. I've looked an oncologist in the eyes as he told my
then-boyfriend and I that melanoma would not kill me "right now." (And
then I basically fired him.) I spent a month recovering from a brutal
surgery only to have a more invasive surgery a month later that kept me
in the hospital for 4 nights. I knowingly signed up for a 3 year
clinical trial involving a placebo and a drug the doctors didn't know
all that much about for stage 3 patients all because I didn't like my two other choices: "watch and wait" or Interferon.. I FINISHED the 3 year clinical
trial with only a few bad memories. I've spent 3 and a half years of my
time and effort sharing my story on every social media outlet in
hopes of saving one person from making the poor decisions I've made.
I've traveled to Richmond and met with committee members begging for
them to protect Virginia's teens from the dangers of tanning beds. I
went from having no scars on my body to having more than I can count.
But I still cringe at being called a survivor. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">Why?</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">I am surviving.
Every new mole, every swollen lymph node, every 3 months with the
oncologist and dermatologist, we do what needs to be done to make sure
we keep one step ahead of melanoma. And despite that, the sneaky beast
has come back twice. So tonight, when I walk the stage with other cancer
survivors at <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Gala/GalaFY10SouthAtlantic?sid=185647&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=62952">Cure By Design</a>, I'm walking for all of my mole-mates who
are no longer here to strut the stage. I'm walking in honor of my
melanoma friends, many I've never met, as thanks for the love and
support you continue to give me. I'm walking as a survivor because I
know that's what they would want. I'm walking as a survivor because
that's what I intend to do: <i>survive.</i></span></span></span><i> </i></div>
<br />
To learn more about the Cure by Design event that sponsors the American Cancer Society or to donate in honor of your favorite cancer survivor, <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Gala/GalaFY10SouthAtlantic?sid=185647&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=62952">please click here.</a>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-65103656847170456372014-08-18T19:22:00.000-04:002014-08-18T19:22:08.828-04:00Destination: Australia<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Australia is known for the highest rates of melanoma and they are also known as being way ahead of the United States in terms of sun safety. That's why when I received an email from Fiona <a href="http://truebluemigration.com/"> at http://truebluemigration.com/</a>, I knew I wanted her to take over my blog for the day. We have a lot to learn here in the States! Read on... (And be sure to check out their<a href="http://blog.truebluemigration.com/cope-australian-sun-infographic/"> infographic.</a> It's SO good.)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGLf6vHdrvq0KTRHGuqcWo9IFIr1KFCTbkDLC3rPKZ0rWIYqLB963H7ygvXhAJP3tY1Ieh7CF7DySAMeStVqptH0866Xg66c2PY2WsZFFCl0_1ny9ryXEmDUw8XDcKcqJe75wf4D7v5g/s1600/infographic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGLf6vHdrvq0KTRHGuqcWo9IFIr1KFCTbkDLC3rPKZ0rWIYqLB963H7ygvXhAJP3tY1Ieh7CF7DySAMeStVqptH0866Xg66c2PY2WsZFFCl0_1ny9ryXEmDUw8XDcKcqJe75wf4D7v5g/s1600/infographic.png" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://blog.truebluemigration.com/cope-australian-sun-infographic/">View the entire Infographic here:</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Australia’s Biggest Killer</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The land down under is kind of infamous for its menagerie of venomous
creatures. We hear horror stories of giant jellyfish. We see gruesome images of
lightning-fast snakes, and fear bathroom-dwelling black widow spiders.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Yet despite this cornucopia of poisonous fangs and stingers, there is
one killer in the Land of Oz that trumps them all. It’s often invisible to
those who don’t know how to find it, and can attack people before they’re even
aware that it’s there.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">That killer is skin cancer.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Australia is a pretty sunny place. If it seems like an obvious
statement, that’s because it is, and if you’re planning your vacation there,
it’s probably one of the main selling points. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://blog.truebluemigration.com/cope-australian-sun-infographic/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As this handy infographic shows</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">, average number of
sunshine hours every year is 3,200, consistently reaching some staggering
temperatures. On the southern coast of Australia, the average temperature in
cities like Sydney and Melbourne weighs in at a balmy 26ºC (79ºF).</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Further inland, however, these temperatures can climb all the way up to
the Australian record of 50.7ºC - that’s <i>123ºF - </i>a temperature that
ravaged Alice Springs back in January 1960.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">With such a scorching climate, you would assume that residents would
have the common sense to apply a healthy coating or two of sunscreen, right?</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Facts</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Doctors in Australia have more than <i>one million </i>patient
consultations for skin cancers every single year. In fact, skin cancer accounts
for 80 percent of new cancer cases in the country.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The collective quantity of incidences of cancers like Bowen’s disease,
carcinomata and melanoma shows that the country has one of the highest skin
cancer rates in the world. In 2011, over 2,000 people tragically died from skin
cancer in Australia, most of which were preventable.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And the primary culprit? The sun. Up to 99 percent of all skin cancer
cases are caused by exposure to the sun.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But, in the words of The Jackson 5, “don’t blame it on the sunshine”.
You can - and should - enjoy the glorious weather of the South Pacific if you
can, as long as you take the appropriate measures before doing so.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">How You Can Stay Safe</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So many people make a big deal out of the “effort” they have to make to
stay safe in the sun. But it’s <i>easy. </i>Just remember these three important
things:</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Sunscreen</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> - be sure to apply one ounce of high SPF sunscreen
every time you apply, which should be three or four times a day in the summer.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Stay hydrated </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">- and no, dipping in the pool doesn’t
count. Drink plenty of water to stop your body and skin drying out, which could
otherwise increase your risk of sunburn.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Get out of the sun every now and then </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">- no matter how much
water you drink and how much sunscreen you douse yourself in, you’ll still burn
if you’re in the sun too long. If your skin feels hot, go inside until it cools
down. If you’re at the beach, pack a hat or umbrella; statistics show that a wide-brimmed
hat can reduce UV radiation exposure by 50 percent.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Staying safe in the sun does not ruin holidays; it makes them. If you’re
protected and sensible, you and your family can enjoy Australia’s gorgeous
weather care-free.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thank you, Fiona, for educating us all. I hope to use these tips in mind when I get to cross Visiting Australia off of my non-existent bucket list! Until then, I know I can follow them here! Be sure to view their Infographic and share it: <a href="http://blog.truebluemigration.com/cope-australian-sun-infographic/">http://blog.truebluemigration.com/cope-australian-sun-infographic/</a></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-16276866541965132252014-08-05T22:26:00.002-04:002014-08-05T22:42:10.280-04:00Chasing Life<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"...I
didn't see a wealthy businessman or a candidate seeking office standing
before me. I saw a father and I recognized that look in his eyes, that
terrible fear because I've seen that same fear in my own mother's eyes,
in my grandma's eyes, in my baby sister's eyes, because I have cancer,
too. And let me tell you, it's a bitch. And it's an equal opportunity
offender. No amount of money, no amoun<span class="text_exposed_show">t
of privilege can make you exempt. ...And when it chooses you, you're
suddenly thrust into a club you didn't choose to join, you're shipped
off to war even though you never enlisted in the army, but you have to
put on your armor anyway, and know that if you are lucky, you'll
discover new sides of yourself like a will you never knew you had. And
you'll get to see new sides of the people who matter the most to you in
the world as they wrap you in their warmth and lend you their strength
when yours is running low. And then you go off, you fight, you fight
like hell because, really, what other choice do you have?" </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">-Chasing Life</span></span></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
...So did anyone else sob their way through the latest episode of Chasing Life? I needed to share this quote with you before I forget about it. I'm heading back to NYC on Thursday for updated scans and an oncologist visit. May was my last infusion so this will be the first set of scans I've had post completion of the 3 year clinical trial. Fingers crossed it's a completely boring visit.<br />
<br />
Hope you're all well. I'll update soon, I promise.<br />
<br />
XOChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-64935130499497674222014-07-29T21:43:00.000-04:002014-07-29T21:57:08.257-04:00No Turning BackDear Politicians,<br />
<br />
I watched you roll your eyes last year. I heard you say there was no need to ban minors from using indoor tanning beds, that we should let parents be parents. I shot a dirty look in your direction when you laughed at us and stated, "You can't stop them from spending 7 hours at Virginia Beach, why should we ban this?" I cringed when you acted like you--the people we are supposed to trust to make the best decisions for us--should spend time worrying about other things, not something so silly as a machine that is responsible for the 4<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">00,000 cases
of skin cancer, about 6,000 of them melanomas, that are estimated to be
related to indoor tanning in the United States each year. (<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/07/29/why-the-acting-surgeon-general-thinks-skin-cancer-is-a-major-public-health-problem/">Source.</a>)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b>Well, elected officials we are supposed to trust, the acting Surgeon General disagrees with you.</b></span></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJLtkQ0k94VVakbtwnVnQ6wuCtMsH8qJ1chS9uPQ4jFyVaCTlt_Nuz73VghFjrM3YSkjy8QPlO1TRCYnGIAjMXOzsd2w31MuyGk_sQ4yaeNbUb-onoXpqkSLjSIH5RLpo3t3UwW1Wwdo/s1600/surgeon+general.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJLtkQ0k94VVakbtwnVnQ6wuCtMsH8qJ1chS9uPQ4jFyVaCTlt_Nuz73VghFjrM3YSkjy8QPlO1TRCYnGIAjMXOzsd2w31MuyGk_sQ4yaeNbUb-onoXpqkSLjSIH5RLpo3t3UwW1Wwdo/s1600/surgeon+general.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1p.1:3:1:$comment10152301221186378_10152301237751378:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1p.1:3:1:$comment10152301221186378_10152301237751378:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1p.1:3:1:$comment10152301221186378_10152301237751378:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">(l-r) Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh, Stacey--ACS CAN volunteer and skin cancer survivor and Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Boris D. Lushniak (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ACSCAN">source</a>)</span></span></span></span><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b><span class="userContent">"I’ve got to, as acting surgeon general, call
out the facts. And the facts are that indoor tanning is a source of
ultraviolet radiation, period. Ultraviolet radiation is a known
carcinogen, period. This is a needless exposure to ultraviolet<span class="text_exposed_show">
radiation. According to research…we’re looking at about 400,000 cases
of skin cancer, about 6,000 of them melanomas, that are estimated to be
related to indoor tanning in the United States each year. So I have to
look at this as being a major problem. We certainly know it’s something
that’s become popular amongst youth. And much like the surgeon general
comes out very vehemently against youth smoking, I am coming out quite
vehemently against youth exposing their skin to ultraviolet radiation in
tanning booths." </span></span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><b><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">-Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral (RADM) Boris D.
Lushniak, M.D</span></span> </b></span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Today the acting Surgeon General released his<a href="http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/prevent-skin-cancer/exec-summary.html"> Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer.</a><b> </b>The report says, "</span></span>Despite efforts to address skin cancer risk factors, such as inadequate
sun protection and intentional tanning behaviors, skin cancer rates,
including rates of melanoma, have continued to increase in the United
States and world wide." The report goes on to share other info that has been gathered and five goals that we need to aim for to solve the "major health problem" of skin cancer.<br />
<br />
Acting Surgeon General Dr. Boris Lushniak told <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/29/health/surgeon-general-skin-cancer/index.html?hpt=hp_c2">CNN</a>, "Until today, the surgeon general has never said, 'UV radiation is bad
for you; protect your skin."<br />
<br />
<b>This is a game changer, folks. </b><br />
<br />
I also learned that this is the first Call to Action from the Surgeon General in 3 years. The last was regarding mothers and breast feeding.<br />
<br />
I could summarize everything for you that the Call to Action stated, but I believe you should take the time to read it yourself. There's some good info there, folks. Info that I do not believe our elected officials can argue against. <br />
<br />
To read the summary of The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer: <a href="http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/prevent-skin-cancer/exec-summary.html">click here.</a><br />
To read what the American Suntanning Association has to say in response: <a href="http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2087361">click here.</a><br />
To read what the American Cancer Society has to say in response: <a href="http://www.acscan.org/content/media-center/national-action-plan-outlined-to-prevent-skin-cancer/">click here.</a><br />
To read what the Melanoma Research Foundation has to say in response: <a href="http://www.melanoma.org/about-us/news-press-room/press-releases/mrf-applauds-surgeon-generals-call-action-combat-skin-cancer">click here.</a><br />
To read what the Skin Cancer Foundation has to say in response: <a href="http://www.skincancer.org/news/surgeon">http://www.skincancer.org/news/surgeon</a><br />
To read what the Melanoma Research Alliance has to say in response: <a href="http://www.curemelanoma.org/assets/Uploads/MRA-Applauds-Surgeon-Generals-Call-to-Action-to-Prevent-Skin-Cancer.pdf">click here.</a><br />
Article on USA Today regarding this Call to Action: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/29/skin-cancer-tanning-report-surgeon-general/13297247/?csp=fbfanpage">click here.</a><br />
Article on CNN regarding this Call to Action: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/29/health/surgeon-general-skin-cancer/index.html?hpt=hp_c2">click here.</a><br />
Article on MSN regarding the Surgeon General's report: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/29/health/surgeon-general-skin-cancer/index.html?hpt=hp_c2">click here.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I applaud you, Acting Surgeon General Dr. Boris Lushniak, for recognizing the need for this call to action. If states were slow to recognize their important role they have in helping decrease the amount of lives traumatized by skin cancer, this should help enforce why new policies have to be put in place. Too many lives depend on it.<br />
<br />
Acting Surgeon General, you've made this melanoma diva a very happy girl.<br />
<br />
A step in the right direction....Ah, it feels so good.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-91948736423733177972014-06-30T21:10:00.000-04:002014-06-30T21:43:41.377-04:00Funniest Sunburn ContestIf you logged onto Facebook today and caught up with your favorite melanoma friends, you probably noticed that people have been upset with Ellen DeGeneres. While I can't find the link now, the show requested folks to send in their funniest sunburn pictures.<br />
<br />
Funniest + Sunburn = Seriously?<br />
<br />
Before I go on a big long rant that I really am too sleepy for--thanks Rising Star for keeping me up too late--I have to admit that this probably would not have bothered me pre-melanoma. I would have looked, cringed, maybe even giggled, and moved on. But life after melanoma involves taking things more seriously than other people. A sunburn to me is the thing I can absolutely never get again. A sun--cough *Tanning Bed* cough--burn, now, is what made me sick.<br />
<br />
What's funny about that?<br />
<br />
So I joined in with my friends and responded to Ellen's request. Instead of the sunburn pictures--which I have many of--I sent a photo of myself post-melanoma. Most people think I probably have one scar to choose from. At this, I laugh.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yM8pUIYLAuYmxHwTXGjMYqI6-tHB3UUbn0-IhMNPQPyxFLUnYTbg6ifDqoSBw3CdQLiFlnIrrxHRooDyBBRGzWpq-i6vFaaCaXJifBaTTl_X5CqGBrHMjFSY3LIUYYAuY3sCV0xMJFM/s1600/back+incision+january+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yM8pUIYLAuYmxHwTXGjMYqI6-tHB3UUbn0-IhMNPQPyxFLUnYTbg6ifDqoSBw3CdQLiFlnIrrxHRooDyBBRGzWpq-i6vFaaCaXJifBaTTl_X5CqGBrHMjFSY3LIUYYAuY3sCV0xMJFM/s1600/back+incision+january+2011.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> (The site of the first melanoma.)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOQW1i6CUICUKaVdB80d36uuR9igopGgSLCzcqnNYq2B-6yuFe_4SSqlHQHOm_ItsZ3aQ71qSWfHN98MxZ2zlbLHxClOL7gCJNFL3I5JVDw5ZwucBBq-xmtO0BiaT-xTM3HbjWZRnqGI/s1600/left+neck+incision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOQW1i6CUICUKaVdB80d36uuR9igopGgSLCzcqnNYq2B-6yuFe_4SSqlHQHOm_ItsZ3aQ71qSWfHN98MxZ2zlbLHxClOL7gCJNFL3I5JVDw5ZwucBBq-xmtO0BiaT-xTM3HbjWZRnqGI/s1600/left+neck+incision.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Melanoma was found in lymph nodes here...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HvmBSlsoyriYX0jNN0AtRd7yvZ_hTlphnpj2nsASJMXOv-nRu9RuHTrc3iekjLcbjTpyTEE2MiWpf33HZOuuYh6wLGERTrqr7Gr2oaTB10itUymWOCO2ipUpc_2sSqx1Md0htdw5dHg/s1600/armpit+incision+3+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4HvmBSlsoyriYX0jNN0AtRd7yvZ_hTlphnpj2nsASJMXOv-nRu9RuHTrc3iekjLcbjTpyTEE2MiWpf33HZOuuYh6wLGERTrqr7Gr2oaTB10itUymWOCO2ipUpc_2sSqx1Md0htdw5dHg/s1600/armpit+incision+3+2011.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> And melanoma was found here...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHzsDhjFiN2MNixvmQFgol6oo1K35b4cOBlBqRxN0fSqoQUFVgADea_x6YZDjuU8UwPiZrTmMmJrySnIzWJnikmlDomp0f88bmWL_h2lyDKInm3tN7VBDsF_YWkwjjVuOEj3sgFPlelM/s1600/arm+drains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHzsDhjFiN2MNixvmQFgol6oo1K35b4cOBlBqRxN0fSqoQUFVgADea_x6YZDjuU8UwPiZrTmMmJrySnIzWJnikmlDomp0f88bmWL_h2lyDKInm3tN7VBDsF_YWkwjjVuOEj3sgFPlelM/s1600/arm+drains.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> And here...</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLmE0uhRje2J7SVDWlH3i8iT2MpG-qtcN6ABu-RNkmK3P6QyyHx2mRYoGsYnVmpt9AY6NAcmGg_k95kJWnNHlvVyq1ObhC7HhkBLiJdDEDquzcciDrELsidb87fcPh7sLpXbBLMlnAO4/s1600/neck+drain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLmE0uhRje2J7SVDWlH3i8iT2MpG-qtcN6ABu-RNkmK3P6QyyHx2mRYoGsYnVmpt9AY6NAcmGg_k95kJWnNHlvVyq1ObhC7HhkBLiJdDEDquzcciDrELsidb87fcPh7sLpXbBLMlnAO4/s1600/neck+drain.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunkuUJWfN5aslGApX0DtgHZkOP1DOAlyveZl2BJ0ONmeHfOQtZ3RMRq9fgdK1u9uAxvR1KcXQ2Or9g6p-zu3LVYJyj-8_dWKiuqlDVxGT1mAL-skfJP7wwvkPVVLyV4qxEmVDuYyqkkM/s1600/rash+3+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunkuUJWfN5aslGApX0DtgHZkOP1DOAlyveZl2BJ0ONmeHfOQtZ3RMRq9fgdK1u9uAxvR1KcXQ2Or9g6p-zu3LVYJyj-8_dWKiuqlDVxGT1mAL-skfJP7wwvkPVVLyV4qxEmVDuYyqkkM/s1600/rash+3+2011.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHpszNI_P8dbs-YlyQPuaqJgyWhEtEP7tmOTQ1YPi9xVa0us1NBIJogQPpkokaKFuVDKPacEBp16Fu0NQ9BnAO6ipIUZhbY1gI7ogGm0R1fb2fCd_iWangP6Yvp_Fw_VgvhVX_sYV_8I/s1600/arm+incision+november+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHpszNI_P8dbs-YlyQPuaqJgyWhEtEP7tmOTQ1YPi9xVa0us1NBIJogQPpkokaKFuVDKPacEBp16Fu0NQ9BnAO6ipIUZhbY1gI7ogGm0R1fb2fCd_iWangP6Yvp_Fw_VgvhVX_sYV_8I/s1600/arm+incision+november+2012.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE5Uul3ZekgxC7_kT0GQDKsKggwPpJz1YyhhtmgkiyN9TAV6CuruarK4n0uYVc-RDLHADWu9gl86f-buShHZrSfhjmBgzamYBTdzJLLs0QS_zoFotEI_W9hunoR5V_sQjSDUhJFLFV7Q/s1600/melanoma+in-situ+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE5Uul3ZekgxC7_kT0GQDKsKggwPpJz1YyhhtmgkiyN9TAV6CuruarK4n0uYVc-RDLHADWu9gl86f-buShHZrSfhjmBgzamYBTdzJLLs0QS_zoFotEI_W9hunoR5V_sQjSDUhJFLFV7Q/s1600/melanoma+in-situ+2013.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>(This mole was melanoma (in-situ) as well, March 2013.) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoxcqyx13OKAmse_5C0HWRxgyQ42cTBqseqh5J7QzKDblm7Ma4014a2IPjNYuohJK4mCjwJBojEtOx2aAxQk_iQ0NETYQPkJhl9UwXMKr73kct9Xwfl0UqViPPHoPuBdpfHqsjzBGl8I/s1600/possible+melanoma+in-situ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoxcqyx13OKAmse_5C0HWRxgyQ42cTBqseqh5J7QzKDblm7Ma4014a2IPjNYuohJK4mCjwJBojEtOx2aAxQk_iQ0NETYQPkJhl9UwXMKr73kct9Xwfl0UqViPPHoPuBdpfHqsjzBGl8I/s1600/possible+melanoma+in-situ.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>The site of the most recent borderline melanoma in-situ.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IOu94tGbXsjNRvpjFwfVCAhNeLT-g2i2Jct1UzNpVLugII2S5PWgyG5vwbkgsmf41MrA_D3zV7fDS3BrVWMb5-vJQCR-8sG_9YPZDQbceCfQOwF0g1TQJhFWQ4V4wAJrm0K4CN3l2vg/s1600/skin+check+may+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IOu94tGbXsjNRvpjFwfVCAhNeLT-g2i2Jct1UzNpVLugII2S5PWgyG5vwbkgsmf41MrA_D3zV7fDS3BrVWMb5-vJQCR-8sG_9YPZDQbceCfQOwF0g1TQJhFWQ4V4wAJrm0K4CN3l2vg/s1600/skin+check+may+2014.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The only places where I don't have melanoma scars are on my feet, my scalp, and my lady bits. Every where else has been marked either by melanoma or by trying to prevent melanoma. Both arms, both sides of my neck, my legs, my belly, my back xA LOT, and even my face. (Heading in next week for another surgery on my face. Yes, I'm still waiting for my appointment. I don't want to talk about it.)<br />
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As I said to Ellen, "I know you requested photos of sunburns, and I have plenty of those, but it's because of those burns that I was diagnosed with stage 3 malignant melanoma at age 23. Encouraging others to send photos of their sunburns is sending the wrong message. There is nothing funny about a sunburn, Ellen. Nothing. Sincerely, Still A Fan."<br />
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I'm proud of my friend Christina for bringing this contest to our attention and for all of my melanoma friends who took the time to speak out and explain why a sunburn is no longer something to joke about. Would we ask folks to send in photos of them smoking cigarettes?<br />
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XoXo,<br />
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A Sometimes Drama Queen. ;-) Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-48589677976242668072014-06-25T21:27:00.002-04:002014-06-26T10:56:12.524-04:00Things I'm Afraid to Tell You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzrjU1wAzj8GrfWre_DKPWjttNawKEvJjApMcdat-Owk19FMshqbuIfzPxHRXqeU1A2pOyZYaBAb8lvTP0en_OwgO32kkZ7R2rnyiqsg_Z8ENaXdSVHvDuSvv4Y4-R9_AvDkm2_6Omb0/s1600/things+i%27m+afraid+to+tell+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzrjU1wAzj8GrfWre_DKPWjttNawKEvJjApMcdat-Owk19FMshqbuIfzPxHRXqeU1A2pOyZYaBAb8lvTP0en_OwgO32kkZ7R2rnyiqsg_Z8ENaXdSVHvDuSvv4Y4-R9_AvDkm2_6Omb0/s1600/things+i'm+afraid+to+tell+you.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/143411569359183330/">Pinterest</a></div>
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I was reading one of my new favorite blogs tonight, <a href="http://www.whisperingsweetly.com/">Whispering Sweet Nothings</a>, when I was inspired to write a similar blog post. Shane talks about how as bloggers we tend to only show the world the best of ourselves. We sugarcoat shit. Sometimes we say what we think you want to read. Sometimes we act like things are more perfect than what they really are. Sometimes we act like we aren't afraid. Sometimes we preach. Shane was brave enough to share some of her most <a href="http://www.whisperingsweetly.com/2014/06/things-im-afraid-to-tell-you.html">personal feelings</a>, so I thought I would share a few secrets of my own that I may hold back. (Some because I don't want a full inbox of hate mail! :0)</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b> I still miss the worry-free feeling of sunshine on my skin </b></span> I grew up at the beach. Many of my childhood memories involve a beach. Almost every major vacation involved a beach. The first summer being back home after being diagnosed with melanoma, I didn't know what to do with my free-time without spending my days at the beach or in my parents pool. I still miss getting up fairly early, grabbing a book, a bottle of water, and maybe some SPF for my face and shoulders, and not worrying about anything else until it was time to head inside many hours later. There were no big hats, umbrellas, select hours I should be in direct sunlight, or the absolute fear of a sunburn. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I really do think your fake-and-bake tan looks horrible and cheap.</b></span> I'm not just saying that because I have melanoma and can't get a tan. I truly, honestly, most definitely think that your skin should not be that shade of leather. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I had to remove myself from 2 different melanoma groups.</b></span> I try to be supportive of everyone. I have a true desire to be a supporter of others and meet as many folks as I can within the melanoma community. However, I came to the conclusion that I could not completely obsess over this cancer. I couldn't have my Facebook newsfeed be nothing but articles about melanoma, latest updates about melanoma, and melanoma patients fighting with each other about something the other one said. I needed a break so I removed myself from two of the groups I belonged to. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I do not regret removing myself from melanoma groups. </b></span>I love my Molemates. I cheer with them when they get great news, I cry when they receive the news none of us want to hear. Having said that, I also have to look out for my emotional well being. Removing myself, deleting certain Facebook friends from my personal Facebook page, etc, was what I needed to do for myself. Despite the hate mail I received it wasn't an attack against anyone else. It doesn't make me any less of a melanoma supporter. It doesn't make me a bitch. It makes me a girl who knew I was letting the internet have too much control over my emotional health. If you still think that makes me a non-supportive bitch, oh well.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I sometimes don't wear sunscreen.</b></span> Before you freak out, read what I have to say. My face products have sunscreen in them. My hand lotion has sunscreen in it. I work in a basement of a hospital that has absolutely no windows. I walk outside for just moments to get to and from my car. I'm usually in long pants/skirts and a long sleeve sweater/cardigan. (It's negative 20 degrees in there, always.) My skin is always covered. If I spend any additional time outside, or know that I am going to spend additional time outside, I always wear sunscreen. I have multiple bottles in my purse. Don't shoot me. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I become such a brat before oncology appointments. </b></span>I'm not lying when I tell you that you're better off just not to talk to me the day I get scans. Just wait until I receive the results. Scanxiety makes me such a little brat. You've been warned. (And I apologize now.)</div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I am curious about getting a spray tan.</span></b> A local spray tan salon here in Roanoke recently sprayed the Miss Virginia candidates. I saw her post on Facebook and mentioned that it would be great to interview the owner for my blog. I'm curious how she got into the spray tanning business and if there was a reason behind it. Since then I've been wondering if documenting a spray tan would be good material for my blog; however, I think it totally goes against the message I'm trying to send: Embrace your natural skin tone and look pretty doing it! (My decision about the spray tan still hasn't been made. It would be a one-time thing.)</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I hate being in the room with a lot of people when I get scan results. </b></span> Receiving bad news is terrifying. Having to look over and see how your family is reacting to bad news is heartbreaking. I never want my family to experience that again.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I get a little peeved when people say I have skin cancer.</b></span> I have melanoma. It's aggressive, deadly, and a sneaky little bitch.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I never respond to blog comments.</b></span> But it's not because I don't read them or don't want to respond! It's because I don't have the slightest clue how to do so! I try, but I always fail! *I am going to work on this and figure out how to respond so please make sure you sign in with your Google account or leave an email address where I can get back in touch with you!!!!*</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>When are we going to start trying for babies? </b></span>Please, why do people still think it's OK to ask that? (This is now my promise never to ask anyone else that question ever again.) I've always wanted to be a mom. I think I grew up knowing that was the one role I most definitely wanted in life. When the doctor says it's OK, if the doctors says it's OK, I pray there will be babies. And trust me, I'll annoy you so much with pictures and posts, you will wish you had never wondered when we'd have kids.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I don't care that you got a sunburn. </b></span>Don't worry about what I'll think. Worry about reapplying your sunscreen next time.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I love my 'real life' more than I love my melanoma blog</b></span>. I know that I'm pretty much the crappiest blogger lately. I post once or twice a month. I don't update you on the latest drugs, the most recent articles, I don't share like I used to. But here's the thing: I work full-time for a hospital in a job that leaves me tired and sometimes grumpy. I'm a newlywed wife who actually likes her husband, I'm a step mom to a kid we see for 7 days and miss for 7 days, I babysit 5-6 nights a week during the weeks we don't have my step son, I enjoy cuddling with my dog and reading some silly romance novel. I am enjoying my life. I have melanoma. I'm thankful every single day that Melanoma is not my life.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>My melanoma blog I'm denying saved me during my darkest days.</b></span> I didn't want to talk about the seriousness of what I was going through. I didn't know how to tell people without downplaying it or making a joke. I was completely shutting down. I am so thankful my mom recognized this and advised me to write. She saved me from a severe depression and many hours in therapy.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I'm already fearing the comments I'm going to get about sunscreen. </b></span>If a body part is exposed for more than 10 minutes per day, it has sunscreen on it. I promise.</div>
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What are some things you keep to yourself?</div>
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*Although <a href="http://www.whisperingsweetly.com/2014/06/things-im-afraid-to-tell-you.html">Shane </a>doesn't have the slightest clue who I am, thank you, Shane, for inspiring me tonight.*</div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-48710306828068411262014-06-23T20:21:00.000-04:002014-06-23T20:29:18.206-04:00"Super SPF: Showing Your Children How To Stay Safe In The Sun."It's summer. When kids aren't playing X-BOX, their handheld devices, or watching Netflix, they are typically outside enjoying the wonderful weather. (Oh how times have changed...!! We were never inside during the summer months!! Teaching your children that there is more to sun protection than lathering on sunscreen once a day is extremely important. So how do you explain it all to them? This infographic will definitely help!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sDDKYc7ccepQpiqnIhvGI0IIJuO5Ame654kBhxQiKR0U0rOF0w9_Dh4cuAeGDSQ92XbJh3FngAoIO4YpkqsZx4yaSyDgbLNtfVK_AibHOSKjf2rafZVzhfc4CEipKys4swCNLoJ5zsM/s1600/SuperSPF_infographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sDDKYc7ccepQpiqnIhvGI0IIJuO5Ame654kBhxQiKR0U0rOF0w9_Dh4cuAeGDSQ92XbJh3FngAoIO4YpkqsZx4yaSyDgbLNtfVK_AibHOSKjf2rafZVzhfc4CEipKys4swCNLoJ5zsM/s1600/SuperSPF_infographic.jpg" height="640" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.skinfo.com/super-spf-pages-288.php">http://www.skinfo.com/super-spf-pages-288.php</a></div>
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I think that the more we discuss sun protection with our kids, the more likely they will to remind us and others about the need for sun protection. For example, I took my little family to Kings Dominion the other weekend for a little Father's Day getaway. Y'all know I'm all about some sunscreen. We all stopped to reapply every 90 minutes. Who was reminding me before I suggested it was time to apply? My stepson. Why? Because we talk about the need for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5MQ6kIh0TVbXVg-iVTS-zaMZ32LZksv9FBHSNsyxyQxvmNOMIBZ-Ts0QL-mDHL4RoRGcB7kSfycqnhSG36LiDWuyVODMkomvNzWvKSoXjpzUqcdAxSfhB7gpRod6vFUhpNpAUKRdBoY/s1600/chelsea+and+gavin+kings+dominion+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5MQ6kIh0TVbXVg-iVTS-zaMZ32LZksv9FBHSNsyxyQxvmNOMIBZ-Ts0QL-mDHL4RoRGcB7kSfycqnhSG36LiDWuyVODMkomvNzWvKSoXjpzUqcdAxSfhB7gpRod6vFUhpNpAUKRdBoY/s1600/chelsea+and+gavin+kings+dominion+2014.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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How come the little kid roller coasters are scarier to me than the adult ones?!</div>
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Holy whip lash!</div>
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PS) He was wearing a hat too, he's currently sitting on it here.</div>
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While you're browsing online I do encourage you to check out <a href="http://www.skinfo.com/super-spf-pages-288.php">Skinfo</a>! The graphic above really is great and I believe it's easy for kids to understand all the different key elements to correct sun protection. Skinfo also has sunscreen and sun protective <a href="http://www.skinfo.com/sun-protective-clothing-pages-417.php">clothing items</a> available. Check 'em out and let me know what you think!</div>
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<a href="http://www.skinfo.com/super-spf-pages-288.php">http://www.skinfo.com/super-spf-pages-288.php</a></div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-23746563037477702682014-06-12T21:26:00.004-04:002014-06-12T21:33:06.938-04:00She Asked For ItSo it was just this week that I blogged about how I don't pressure those around me--well, not co-workers or almost strangers--into protecting their skin. I post what I have to say online, I share my story once I'm comfortable with you, and that's that. I don't comment on your obvious sunburn. I don't let you know I notice your brand new tan in the month of January when you haven't been on vacation. I smile and treat you just like I treat every other person. I'm not going to let my personal feelings towards tanning change the way I treat a person. Point is, I keep my mouth shut. No lectures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3TOLeQXgW-MMgfY28bEVnbFSaDEmdsrn-5Dvi5sy90t-TQ7l0X9Z52C_5rnFZ8yCJISVxvoWBICZK12K4rGgk4H9KXdmvGVTJP0Xd2QghfJk2lLNtH2niKIZlmqO1dt5NUCEf2nfruE/s1600/AAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3TOLeQXgW-MMgfY28bEVnbFSaDEmdsrn-5Dvi5sy90t-TQ7l0X9Z52C_5rnFZ8yCJISVxvoWBICZK12K4rGgk4H9KXdmvGVTJP0Xd2QghfJk2lLNtH2niKIZlmqO1dt5NUCEf2nfruE/s1600/AAD.jpg" height="640" width="433" /></a></div>
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(But I do post stuff like this.</div>
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Often.) </div>
<br />
However, sometimes, situations just <strike>walk in to your office</strike> fall into your lap.<br />
<br />
Today one of my co-workers began walking down the hallway, pushing one of the young X-RAY students towards my office. I knew, just by looking at which student he had by the shoulders shoving towards me, what was about to happen. "You need to talk to her, Chelsea." I started shaking my head, "No. I saw her tan. It's her body. I'm not going to lecture her." "You need to talk to her." He stood there, with his hands on her shoulders, preventing her from walking away. I was determined to be nice to this young girl who I don't even know by name and just give her the sweet smile, followed by the, "You really shouldn't tan" comment. But then she looked at me directly in my eyes and said, "I go to the tanning bed all the time."<br />
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I don't know what happened. I don't know why I let the poor girl have it like I did, but by the end of it, my hands and my voice were shaking. I don't have the slightest idea what I really said, but let's just say it went something like this:<br />
<br />
Student: "I go to the tanning bed all the time."<br />
Me, in a shitty voice: "You can go to my chemo sessions with me too."<br />
Student: "No thanks."<br />
Me: "And you're a RED HEAD! You're basically just asking for it!!!!!"<br />
Student: "Stoooooooooooooop."<br />
Co-Worker: "We've been telling her that she needs to stop. It's so bad for her!"<br />
Me: "AND YOU'RE A RED HEAD!!!!!!! Statistically you're a walking melanoma patient!!!" <br />
Student: "Stooooooooooooop."<br />
Me: "Do you know that they said I had a 50% chance of being here in five years?"<br />
Student: "Stooooooooooooooooooooooop."<br />
Me: "If you don't catch it in time, it's not like you can just cut it out. There is no cure."<br />
Student: "Stooooop."<br />
Me: "The World Health Organization classifies UV rays from tanning beds as a class 1 carcinogen, just like tobacco. You might as well start smoking." <br />
Student: "Guys, stooooooooooooop." <br />
Me: "You have to know how bad it is for you. With all of the research that is available, every time you turn on the news they are talking about it. You have to know."<br />
Student: "I obsess with sunscreen every time I'm outside!"<br />
Me: "WHAT'S THE POINT?! 10 minutes in the tanning bed is just like spending 8 hours in the sunlight without sunscreen. What's the point in obsessing with sunscreen if you turn around and go to the tanning bed?"<br />
Student: "I like the way it looks."<br />
Me: "But that's the other thing! IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD! It makes you look old!"<br />
(This is when two of my co-workers chimed in with the changes they've seen in their skin after years in the sun.)<br />
Student: "Stoooooooooooooooooooooooooooop."<br />
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And the convo went something like that. The student never said she would consider what I <strike>yelled </strike>said, but she did thank me. So while I doubt she'll cancel her tanning membership any time soon, I doubt there will be a time in the near future when she doesn't think about the mean girl in the scheduling office who told her that her tan isn't pretty.<br />
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(I swear, I wasn't trying to be mean. I realized right away that my tone of voice was abrupt, I was harsh, I said things that I usually only write because they are hard for people to hear, and I let her have it. I don't know why. It just came out! She is such a beautiful young girl with her whole future ahead of her and I hate to think about what she may face in her future.)<br />
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Maybe tomorrow, if she'll make eye contact with me, I will apologize for being a bully and encourage her to make better life decisions. Not only for her benefit, but because I don't want to be seen as the mean melanoma girl who throws scary info at the first tan girl that gets brought into her office.<br />
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Eh, whatever.<br />
<br />
She asked for it.<br />
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;-)<br />
<br />
(A big thanks to my co-worker who raised some serious melanoma awareness today! I appreciate you!) <br />
<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-18359935292111438652014-06-09T20:42:00.000-04:002014-06-09T20:49:09.743-04:00In My FaceThere once was a gal who valued a tan. She tanned before prom, graduation, and vacations. She tanned before summer break so that she would get a "base tan." She tanned to make her skin, as society determined was the prettiest, bronzed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWAfwJiHVM6rM49ZckeITHPCNmhhcqqz7FeHIqJmQwsuQgYLeMLgLEleyBIr9NLTyqyAnvaqv8KFxtTU5oYXBlgmyRAVu5GS0D_EaquIj-Pz0xvDrVtt22pbWrCUqzQMz5p7YpiSA-B4/s1600/tan+chelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWAfwJiHVM6rM49ZckeITHPCNmhhcqqz7FeHIqJmQwsuQgYLeMLgLEleyBIr9NLTyqyAnvaqv8KFxtTU5oYXBlgmyRAVu5GS0D_EaquIj-Pz0xvDrVtt22pbWrCUqzQMz5p7YpiSA-B4/s1600/tan+chelsea.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHsdMBeK1dRR7dipnMLKdDwE25jmNbfqZPYfkoDi5-65Fl20vSUhMUwPhygkD7rzR-cB-lFShvUdiQ4r3QDNWp113xT_59XfvjT6o3TdoHV9r6uBwtSFsVv7UF8UCxCAPsu5RK5Iy7Vk/s1600/Chelsea+STJ+2008+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHsdMBeK1dRR7dipnMLKdDwE25jmNbfqZPYfkoDi5-65Fl20vSUhMUwPhygkD7rzR-cB-lFShvUdiQ4r3QDNWp113xT_59XfvjT6o3TdoHV9r6uBwtSFsVv7UF8UCxCAPsu5RK5Iy7Vk/s1600/Chelsea+STJ+2008+2.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAl29C0mgwtsrj_3dC-pAE2HUJCl1-4O0qgFhbcEW9665DfLuPZdE-jl5qvJQAf6vmemGmRai5jVgDJE3rxWM8WIbDCJ6gBX8uppxiLnQDgPXeINaQ2uhLEb8nRkv7UNAoMFPU-hADT8/s1600/stj+tan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAl29C0mgwtsrj_3dC-pAE2HUJCl1-4O0qgFhbcEW9665DfLuPZdE-jl5qvJQAf6vmemGmRai5jVgDJE3rxWM8WIbDCJ6gBX8uppxiLnQDgPXeINaQ2uhLEb8nRkv7UNAoMFPU-hADT8/s1600/stj+tan.jpg" height="400" width="268" /></a></div>
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Y'all know all of that. I have never denied my tanning history nor have I ever played the victim because of my melanoma diagnosis. I know I screwed up and made some really shitty decisions that I will forever pay for. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMaXmIesD1D2NKihMME_N4O2OIZ5ZnyQg9OQ9PsfqQsAipzRh1roBsRsKDCAnUzTnP8jeO6XG-QXtEnAuDvKpqu3cVwAspGA3iOEfSwKGKXyRrhdMKhYrWGnas6hLZ_QOvhLREnHAjGg/s1600/2011-12-05_18-03-33_637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMaXmIesD1D2NKihMME_N4O2OIZ5ZnyQg9OQ9PsfqQsAipzRh1roBsRsKDCAnUzTnP8jeO6XG-QXtEnAuDvKpqu3cVwAspGA3iOEfSwKGKXyRrhdMKhYrWGnas6hLZ_QOvhLREnHAjGg/s1600/2011-12-05_18-03-33_637.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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You don't have to be a radiologist to know you're not supposed to glow like that.</div>
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While I am all about protecting my skin, my family members skin, and encouraging others to do so via the Internet, I am not pushy about it in my every day life. I don't pass a sunscreen bottle around the bleachers at my step son's baseball game. (Although I cheered a little when someone else did.) I don't lecture my co-worker about her obvious burn. Unless you're friends with me on Facebook or stumble upon my blog, chances are you don't know I go to NY every 3 months to see my oncologist. Unless you already know about it, you can bet I don't share my melanoma story with you until I consider you a friend. That's just not how I am. I don't want to be that girl who is always yelling at the co-worker she barley knows about his weekend at the beach. </div>
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However, if you are friends with me on Facebook, you know I preach sun safety and my true hatred for tanning beds. I try not to be obnoxious, but I'm certainly aware that I probably am. ;-)</div>
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Having said all of that, I can't help but cringe when folks come up to me and say, "I thought of you this weekend. I said to my husband, 'Chelsea's going to get mad at me for getting a sunburn" or "You are going to be mad at me, but I'm going to go to the tanning bed just for a few times." I never know how to react because I want to keep the friendly and professional relationships, but I really want to be like "Whyyyyyyyyyyyy do you tell me these things?!" If I saw your sunburn--and I always see the sunburns--I would never say a word. If I noticed your obvious fake and bake sessions, you can bet I wouldn't mumble a sound about it. While I like to raise awareness, I know there is a time and a place for it. But throwing it in my face? Making a point to tell me the things you know I will get upset about? WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY?! Ahhhhh! <br />
<br />
<b>So I started thinking about it today. Let's say I had lung cancer. Would my associate come up to me and say, "I thought of you today when I bought a new pack of cigarettes"? Would the stranger I see once a month say, "I only smoke when I drink" as if that is an excuse for her bad habit? Or would that be in poor taste?</b><br />
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Am I supposed to just be like "Oh OK!" because it's just a tan? Big deal?<br />
<br />
If UV rays from tanning beds are class 1 carcinogens, just like tobacco, why can we make excuses for our poor decisions just because we want to look good at the country club? <br />
<br />
I make a point to keep my cancer outside of certain areas in my life, but when I hear these confessions, I can't help but speak up. Obviously these folks know their decisions are poor choices, yet they make them anyway. And really, that's on them. It's their skin, their biggest organ. (And yet, the sensitive girl buried inside of me can't help but feel the sting. You don't have to make better life decisions just because <b>I</b> got melanoma, but you could refrain from telling me about those decisions. I had to learn my lesson the hard way which is why I put time and effort into sharing my experience.)<br />
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Maybe next time, instead of almost asking for my understanding, they will apply the extra sunscreen and cancel the damn tanning membership.<br />
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A girl can hope, can't she?<br />
<br />
*Disclaimer: This isn't about a particular event. These types of comments are made weekly. DisclaimerX2: You should know by now there's always a chance YOU will end up on my blog. ;-)<br />
<br />
XO.<br />
<br />
(And yes, I realize it's been forever since I've blogged. PLEASE FORGIVE ME. Life is good--yet very, very, very busy!) </div>
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-45209407315422008212014-04-24T16:04:00.000-04:002014-04-24T21:28:14.000-04:00The Media Controls the Mind.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnhuYijAbnogTNMwmRp22XH9ffNew0CrYzoBLeyyYSnXG2Fd6BZvJ457E62k0eoOG-Hhjtw-tMt_7pxzwCl-0ZNR3avGEfgl24gVNBCPsP6ebWu7RIOGFYWSQyEuq2F9dGRpkpnIDS4k/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnhuYijAbnogTNMwmRp22XH9ffNew0CrYzoBLeyyYSnXG2Fd6BZvJ457E62k0eoOG-Hhjtw-tMt_7pxzwCl-0ZNR3avGEfgl24gVNBCPsP6ebWu7RIOGFYWSQyEuq2F9dGRpkpnIDS4k/s1600/untitled.png" height="190" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People in the spotlight have the
great advantage of making a positive impact on society. They also have the
disadvantage of upsetting a lot of people by comments they make. Today, I
physically cringed while reading <a href="http://www.yorkdispatch.com/sports/ci_25626250/ex-phillies-great-mike-schmidt-comeback-trail-from">an article</a> about Mike Schmidt’s cancer. The Ex-Phillies
great, Mike Schmidt, was diagnosed with stage III melanoma last August. He is
just now beginning to discuss his cancer with the public. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Schmidt has had numerous
operations, radiation, and chemotherapy. The <a href="http://www.yorkdispatch.com/sports/ci_25626250/ex-phillies-great-mike-schmidt-comeback-trail-from">York Dispatch</a> wrote that he is
going through the third protocol of three different immune system boost
treatments and is about a third of the way through the 12-week process. Obviously,
he’s fighting melanoma with all he has. We all understand that, respect that, and we wish him well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s why I started cringing:
the article states that the Ex-Phillies great is becoming an unofficial
spokesperson for getting ones skin checked. OK, that’s wonderful. However, when
discussing the new chapter in Mr. Schmidt’s life, he says, “I can think of a
diagnoses that could be a hell of a lot worse. Cancer is a scary thing. Mine’s
skin cancer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No joke. I cringed. My shoulders tensed. My jaw dropped.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me define stage III melanoma:
According to the <a href="http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/the-stages-of-melanoma/guide-to-staging-melanoma">Skin Cancer Foundation</a>, “At this point, the tumor has either
spread to the lymph nodes or to the skin between the primary tumor and the
nearby lymph nodes.” This means it has gone through the skin. In my opinion, if
this has happened, the cancer can no longer be classified as “skin cancer.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It’s melanoma.</b> Stage III malignant
melanoma. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Schmidt also said, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">"I have to have scans every three months. Who knows what and when and where something's going to come up. That stuff travels around you microscopically. Until you have a year's worth of scans that show no residue and they tell you you're cancer free, all you can do is treat it."</span></div>
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We all know that he's going to always need to be followed, don't we? Sigh.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please feel free to read <a href="http://www.yorkdispatch.com/sports/ci_25626250/ex-phillies-great-mike-schmidt-comeback-trail-from">this article</a> yourself. Maybe I’m overly sensitive to it all and overreacting (wouldn’t
be the first time!), but it sounds to me like Mr. Schmidt needs to be educated
a wee bit more on the seriousness of his cancer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe he wants to downplay the
seriousness of melanoma to the public? Maybe he’s in denial? Or what scares me
the most, what if he just hasn’t been clearly informed? But, he, someone who is
speaking about his battle with cancer to the media, is doing our cancer,
melanoma, not a lick of good. We’re fighting so hard to have melanoma taken
seriously, and to see this article, well, it gave me a clear flashback to the
many times I’ve been told, “at least you don’t have a real cancer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do have a real cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And, Mr. Schmidt, so do you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-17462345351896271282014-04-17T20:09:00.001-04:002014-04-17T21:10:42.682-04:00Bunk Beds and Backpacks<span style="color: blue;"><i>This</i> is why I'm not as successful at this whole blogging thing as I possibly could be: I disappear for weeks on end. Forgive me. Life has been fun--and thankfully--melanoma free lately. I'm also having a major issue with my computer that even my IT degree husband can't fix. Anyone have any advice for a good laptop? Apparently I am now in the market. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Since we last spoke, I turned 27 and my dog got diagnosed with cancer. I'll update you on all of that when I steal my husband's computer from him. Today I wanted to share this incredible article my new friend Kate wrote. I'm not sure how I came to read <a href="http://effthec.com/">Kate's blog</a>, but each post leaves me with chills, and usually tears. One day soon I'm going to take that 3 hour drive to DC and meet her in person. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">In the meantime, please, my friends, meet Kate:</span><br />
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Bunk Beds and Backpacks</div>
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<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">We were
married when I was twenty six, and we held hands in a church in Arizona while I
hoped the day would go off without incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now I am thirty, and I hold his feet in my hands as I slather them in
peppermint oil and massage, hoping he will rest.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"I
was thinking on Saturday we could go look for bunk beds in the morning," I
say as I sit on our bed, trying to create nightly "rituals"--as
suggested by our holistic health practitioner--because we don't sleep.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"Sure,"
my husband says, reclined against the pillows, "we can do that."</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">A
birthday gift for our soon-to-be-two-year-old, a big boy bed like his big
brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I imagine their room
without a crib, just two boys, no more babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I start to cry.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I begin
to tell him that I want another baby, even though he already knows and even
though I already know what he'll say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He's not interested in having more children, and it kills me every time
he says it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's too tired as it is, he
will tell me, we can finally travel, the kids are finally old enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we have another baby, we are back to
square one, back to sleepless nights and non-stop nursing and no time for
anything that we love.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">And sure
enough, he says all of these things.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"But
they grow up," I tell him, "they're not babies forever--look how fast
it happens," I motion to their room on the other side of our wall, the
room that holds two towheaded boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are enough, but sometimes, I tell my husband, I long to hold a baby, to know
that we will have a house full of noise and toys and balls and dirty clothes
for a long, long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That we will have
millions of grand babies and great grand babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I can't be left alone</span></i><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">, I think to myself.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"I
won't try to change your mind," I say, rolling onto my back, lying next to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I wouldn't want you end up
blaming me if something happens."</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">If something happens.</span></i><span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">He sighs
so deeply that seems to unleash something in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He clears his throat, and I can tell, without
looking, that he is holding back tears.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"There
is nothing I want more in this world than to have a house full of kids with
you," he confesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"But I
don't know what our life will be like, I don't know if I'll be here in five
years, or even two years, and just like you don't want to held to blame, I
don't want to leave you with a big family if I can't be here to help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I get really sick again, and you're
taking care of a newborn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't do
that to you."</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">He refers
to his diagnosis--stage III melanoma--with a fifty percent survival rate after
five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a year into his
clinical trial, yet for some reason only recently has this statistic begun to
haunt him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It haunts him to the point of
sleeplessness, to mental anguish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
haunts him so relentlessly that he has started to change--he is not the same
man I married four years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I
massage his feet with peppermint oil, hoping it'll bring him back to me. </span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I am
crying now, big tears rolling down my face, because I understand him,
understand the truth that is finally escaping his lips, and my heart breaks for
it.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"But
for me it's different," I confess, "because I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">want</i> more little versions of you, just in case."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like an insurance policy, I think, a safety
net, I want to surround myself with more little people that are just like him--<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if something happens.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">We lie
together, crying slow-rolling tears down exhausted cheeks, silently
understanding and silently struggling.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I roll
towards him, wiping my tears on his shoulder and neck, burying myself in his
smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I'm so sorry," I
whisper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm so sorry we have to live
like this, I'm so sorry that all of our decisions are based on the probability
of life versus death, that his cancer won't come back, that he will win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think these things, but don't say them
aloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"I
just want to give you everything you want," he whispers back, "I'm so
sorry I can't."</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Eventually,
we fall into a sleep so deep it obliterates all possibilities of dreams.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Two days
later I am seated in a coffee shop, watching ice skaters glide in circles on a
DC ice rink though a big picture window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I try to write, but my mind is blurry from lack of sleep and throbbing
emotion, and so instead, I call my mother, because I know she will pick up, and
I know she will listen.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"Why
are you at Starbucks at nine o'clock at night?" she asks me from her vacation
in Florida, knowing I would usually be at home in my pajamas, sitting with a
hot mug of tea and my husband by my side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tonight, however, I am frozen and tired and cannot wait another second
for my breakdown.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Surrounded
by strangers working silently on laptops, with ear buds and the buzz of
caffeine to drown me out, I begin to detail the latest emotional trauma in a
slew of disturbances over the last fifteen months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell her about babies, about statistics
that she already knows, about my husband's thoughts of his own death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sob as I divulge my deepest fears,
shivering uncontrollably--though from cold or from fear I can't decipher.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">She is
silent for just a moment before she speaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"You
are both making this decision out of fear," she tells me, "You are
afraid he's going to die, and so you want a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's afraid he's going to die, and so he
doesn't want a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But both of you are
using fear as your motivator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's no
way to make a decision--especially one like this."</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I watch
an ice skater spin in circles in the center of the ice, faster and faster,
until she almost loses control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
stops herself just in time, then skates away.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">With a
brown paper napkin, I dab mascara stains off my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glance around to see if anyone was witness
to my breakdown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they were, they
don't show it.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"Thanks,
mom," I tell her, "I should go home now."</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I find my
husband at the computer.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"Did
you talk to him?" I ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My stint
at the coffee shop was an effort to grant him the privacy of a phone call in
our tiny DC townhouse--so he could discuss things like dying without his wife
around. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"I
did," he gives me a half smile and a shrug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he begins.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">***</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"Mmmmm,"
I say, glancing up from my computer, "smells good."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband shrugs and modestly tells me he
hopes it turns out as he stirs the fragrant curry he's making for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put the kettle on, then lean against the
counter, waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been a week
since our baby breakdown.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"We've
talked so much about having another baby, but have we come to a
resolution?" I watch him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Will you ever feel comfortable enough with the statistics to move
forward?"</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">He leans
back, a dish towel thrown over his shoulder and hands in his pockets, thinking.
</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"You
know, my friend told me it gets easier the further away you get from it,"
my husband says as I pour boiling water into my cup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His cancer friend, his mentor, who is fifteen
years from his diagnosis, was the phone call my husband made earlier in the
week as I watched ice skaters through blurry eyes in a coffee shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"You have to live your life like you
would without cancer," he told my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"You can't let it run your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it will get easier, you're still right in the thick of this."</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">But the
further we get from this, the older I get, I think to myself.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">He shifts
his weight and I notice the dark circles under his eyes, his disheveled
hair--reminders of a surprise visit from the side effects of his treatment and
his weekend spent in bed, forgoing our ski trip because he was too ill to travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another example of the utter lack of control
he has over his--our--life.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"To
be honest, I crave a little bit of stability right now," he tells me, his
blue eyes misting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's right, we have
moved three times in the last eighteen months, and we can't find things like
birth certificates and passports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"I
still haven't unpacked the backpack from Argentina," he laughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The backpack, storing his medical records
from the hospital in Buenos Aires that biopsied his cancer-filled lymph nodes,
that delivered the news that would change our lives, sits in a closet in our
basement--a metaphor for how we've dealt with this disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the last year, we worked through the
physical trauma of this illness--cutting out the cancer, infusing medication
into his body to prevent a recurrence, dealing with infections and subsequent
hospitalizations until he was finally healthy--and now, at the year anniversary
of his clinical trial, we are just starting to sift through the emotional
wreckage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I watch
him as he moves back to the stove, absentmindedly stirring the curry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another baby, perhaps, but right now, he
needs someone to help him unload the backpack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This wasn't what I expected when I married my husband on a 115 degree
day in the desert four years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it's
what I promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"Let's
go get that backpack," I say. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><span style="color: blue;">Chills, right? Go read all Kate's post now: <a href="http://effthec.com/">http://effthec.com/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><span style="color: blue;">And forgive me for being a horrible blogger. I needed a little break. XOXO! </span></span></div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-31212370529553837842014-03-19T21:04:00.000-04:002014-03-19T21:05:38.917-04:00Ripples of Healing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few months ago I <a href="http://adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com/2013/12/when-our-knees-hit-floor.html">wrote about a man</a> I met on a day when he "wasn't kickin' too high." The second time I ran into the stranger, he cried in my arms in the middle of a busy hallway and told me that after 8 years of being cancer-free, the cancer had returned. My heart broke for him as I watched the pure anguish on his face.<br />
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A few weeks after that very unexpected interaction, the fella came to see me. He wanted to apologize for breaking down in front of me, just a strange young girl who asked how he was. I cut the man off mid-sentence and asked him to hold on, that I had something for him. Ever since he confessed to me that he had already made up his mind to refuse treatment if the cancer had metastasized throughout his body, I knew what I needed to do. I ran back to my purse and grabbed the lucky rock Julie's mom had given me. I ran back into the room, grabbed the man's hand, and placed the lucky rock into his palm. I quickly said, as my voice began to shake, "I've been in your shoes. This was given to me by a woman who means a lot to me, it brought me good results. It's your turn now." The man began to cry. He hugged me and we said our goodbyes.<br />
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I didn't forget about the stranger. In fact, he crossed my mind a lot. I knew he was no spring chicken, but with an attitude like his, I had faith he would fight. I just hoped I would hear from him again.<br />
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This afternoon I received a call at work from the front desk secretary. She told me there was a man in the waiting room asking to speak with me. That's not really that unusual as doctors send patients down quite often to coordinate their appointments. She said it wasn't for a patient. Odd.<br />
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I walked into the waiting room and <i>the</i> stranger stood up. I immediately hugged him. We may not even know each others last name, but we shared a moment. I expressed how excited I was to run into him again. He cut me off and grabbed my hand. In it, he placed the lucky rock, and held my hand. "I was so touched the last time I saw you that I didn't comprehend that you had cancer too. I came to bring you the lucky stone back because I had my surgery, the mass was benign, the cancer is not back." I yelped and pulled him into a hug. <br />
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Even as I listened to him talk about how he's so much older than I am, how cancer is supposed to happen to people his age, not mine, I couldn't get over what was happening at that very moment. This stranger actually kept a rock given to him by some random girl he was likely to never see again. Not only did he keep it, he told me it brought him comfort when he needed it, but now it was time for me to have it back, that it's my turn for a little luck.<br />
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Honestly, when I gave him the stone I really thought that was the last of it. I figured he would remember me for a sweet gesture and that would be that. To see him today, to hear him say the words that the cancer is not back, to have that lucky rock returned after it brought him comfort during the months filled with fear, that was a feeling I won't soon forget.<br />
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Two strangers. One lucky rock. Two lives forever changed.<br />
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Life sure is sweet.<br />
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(To read the previous post about this man: <a href="http://adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com/2013/12/when-our-knees-hit-floor.html">click here</a>)Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-69931830889947833842014-03-17T21:05:00.000-04:002014-03-17T21:11:48.081-04:00Too-Much-For-One-Blog-Post-TitleRemember how I became really lazy in updating this blog? It is happening again.<br />
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Kick me. Throw something at me. <i>Or</i> just turn to Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and you can see that I haven't forgotten about melanoma awareness. In fact, I've been SUPER busy with it!<br />
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Prepping for an interview with the <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/17/cancer-patients-bash-koch-hospital-donation-protesters/">New York Post. </a></div>
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I love the months leading up to May. In just 3 years I have seen melanoma awareness grow. While we still aren't where I would like to see us, we are getting there. Alright, let me do a little updating.<br />
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Remember last year the American Academy of Dermatology launched the Spot Skin Cancer campaign in May? Remember how they asked the melanoma community, on Melanoma Monday, to wear orange? Remember the outrage from it? So does the American Academy of Dermatology. Many of us within the melanoma blogging community received an email a few weeks ago inviting us to a conference call to discuss AAD's plan for this melanoma awareness month. Instead of rehashing the conference call, especially because Al wrote about it so well, I suggest you read <a href="http://blackispink.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-conference-with-american-academy-of.html">his post</a>! We were all so thrilled that the American Academy of Dermatology read our emails, heard our frustrations, and reached out to us to apologize. I fully intend to support their efforts in raising awareness for this cruel cancer!<br />
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I also spoke with a drug company who plans to host a blogger conference in May! I wish I could share more info with you, but be on the look out for it in the coming months. I was so impressed with how interested the company is to promote melanoma awareness so I'm thrilled to see what happens!<br />
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This past Saturday was all about indulging in our city's St. Patrick's Day events. I lathered on the sunscreen and headed downtown with my husband to meet up with some of our friends. We had such a fun time!<br />
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While enjoying the green beer, I received a message from my melanoma friend in Texas. She said that a reporter for the New York Post was working on an article regarding a donation made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The reporter wanted to speak to patients who had been treated with Yervoy by MSK. Jennifer passed along my contact info and I was able to talk to the reporter Sunday morning. </div>
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So what did a reporter for the NY Post want to talk to this Virginia girl about? It's kind of ridiculous. Apparently folks in NY are royally pissed off at billionaire David Koch and expect New York-Presbyterian Hospital to turn down the $100 million donation he recently made. $100 million dollars, y'all. The reason they don't believe the hospital should accept it? His conservative political beliefs. (Insert eye roll here. It always comes down to politics, doesn't it?)</div>
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According to the NY post, Mr. Koch has given MSKCC $61 million since 1992. This money was extremely instrumental in the development of Yervoy. Should Sloan-Kettering return that generous sum of money because Mr. Koch doesn't agree with Obamacare? Really? (Insert annoyed face here.)</div>
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You can read the article for yourself <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/17/cancer-patients-bash-koch-hospital-donation-protesters/">here</a>; however, there are a few things I want to add:</div>
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1) The article's title this morning was "Cancer patients bash Koch hospital donation protesters." First, I can speak for Erin and myself, <b>we didn't bash anyone</b>, not even the protestors. When questioned about my feelings, I said that maybe I am selfish, but I'm grateful for the money that Mr. Koch donated because without money, there is no research. Without research, there will be no cure. I don't care where the money is coming from as long as it is used for the right reasons. I'm grateful for his donation.</div>
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2) The new title is "Koch hospital saved my life: Cancer patient." I think I'm just going to wait for Erin to blog about this because I'm sure she's going to have something to say. (Insert another annoyed looking face here.)</div>
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3) I remember the day Yervoy was approved by the FDA. I was sitting in my hospital bed at MSKCC, recovering from 2 full lymph node dissections, when my surgeon walked into the room. Dr. Ariyan sat down on the end of the bed and told me the news. She had tears in her eyes because she knew what this approval could mean for many of her patients: a new chance. </div>
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<b>4) What would I say if confronted by Mr. Koch? Two words: Thank you.</b></div>
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5) So that's what it's like to be interviewed by the New York Post. (For the record, the reporter was SO nice and I enjoyed our 30 minute chat. I'm glad I introduced him to <a href="http://melanomaandthecity.blogspot.com/">Erin</a> because she was totally the right fit for this story. She's a badass melanoma warrior!)</div>
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**On a happier subject, I had the opportunity to chat with Robin over the last few weeks regarding articles for the website <a href="http://cancercommons.org/">cancercommons.org</a> Talking with Robin, even about melanoma, was fun! She was so great to chat with and it was a pleasure telling her my story. Robin's article was published today and I am honored to be featured as a Super Patient! The article briefly touches on my melanoma diagnosis, why I said NO to interferon, and how I ended up in a clinical trial at MSKCC. Feel free to check out the article <a href="http://www.cancercommons.org/2014/03/17/super-patient-chelsea-price-takes-charge-of-stage-iii-melanoma/">here</a>. I encourage you to browse their entire site. There is a ton of important information.</div>
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Hopefully only one more time in this chair!</div>
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Oh, and by the way, my scans were A-OK! I was totally unremarkable! (The one time I strive to be unremarkable! Ha!) The lymph node remained the same size as it was in January. Scans 3 months in a row? I'm pretty much glowing. I'm so relieved to have a break until May!</div>
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I also had my second to last infusion! Can you believe it will be 3 years in May? My liver is apparently feeling it though. I received a call today from the oncology nurse that my liver enzymes--AST--are elevated. This happened after my last infusion as well. Maybe I <i>really </i> am getting the drug. (Oh, and I promise, I had the bloodwork done last week, before the green beer! Hahaha!) I will go back this coming Thursday to have my labs repeated. Hopefully my liver will heal itself just like last time!</div>
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Alright, if you got through all of that rambling, THANK YOU. I'll try to do better about blogging, I promise.</div>
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XOXO</div>
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-28566727513930924452014-03-02T12:36:00.003-05:002014-03-02T12:40:19.409-05:00Sweet EmilyYou're going to have to forgive me this morning, but I'm going to share something that's not the slightest bit related to melanoma.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruF3jBpLCc5X4jV9LY_VMCgH8hpp7ErX0Ss09SHh_Wp1r8IuIcFDK7MlOnmni_aQ_x_0KVeUzfjL8jQxQSTx4MrH68Sw8JGsrMb8r7_OSCJo0uFwT_Aap_3F7J9O6ehC3EY4DqutTScA/s1600/emily+morrison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruF3jBpLCc5X4jV9LY_VMCgH8hpp7ErX0Ss09SHh_Wp1r8IuIcFDK7MlOnmni_aQ_x_0KVeUzfjL8jQxQSTx4MrH68Sw8JGsrMb8r7_OSCJo0uFwT_Aap_3F7J9O6ehC3EY4DqutTScA/s1600/emily+morrison.jpg" height="375" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.emilyinthecity.com/">http://www.emilyinthecity.com/</a> </div>
<br />
This is Emily. I had the honor of meeting Emily when I was waiting at Sloan Kettering for an appointment with my oncologist a year or two ago. Emily was waiting to see her oncologist as well. Drawn to her by her Virginia Tech sweatshirt, my mom and I began to chat with her. Emily had spunk. She may have been battling an incurable brain tumor, but the girl had one of the best attitudes I've ever seen. Over the last year, Emily's cancer progressively got worse. She was constantly in and out of the hospital, quickly losing her vision, etc. However, her spunk was still there. With the help of her friends, and even strangers, Emily was able to cross off a few items from her <a href="http://www.emilyinthecity.com/#!tosee/c20x9">"to- see" list</a> before her vision got worse.<br />
<br />
In January I received a text from Emily asking me about Yervoy. Her doctors, with no other treatment options, and stating that Emily only had a few months to live, thought that they would do a trial with Yervoy. She wanted to try whatever she could that may possibly give her a few more months here with us. I shared my slim knowledge of the drug, told her how my mom and I continue to keep her in our thoughts, and Emily encouraged me to be healthy and well. I didn't hear much from Emily after that day in January. <br />
<br />
I logged onto Facebook yesterday and saw the post I feared: Emily passed away yesterday at the age of 26.<br />
<br />
Why am I sharing this with you on my melanoma blog? For starters, Emily was an awesome gal. She was a kind person, and even during her darkest moments, she cheered me on. Emily also had a way with words. I encourage you to check out her blog: <a href="http://www.emilyinthecity.com/">http://www.emilyinthecity.com/</a><br />
<br />
As an ending to this post, I want to share something Emily once wrote:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Recently, two people have commented on all the fun I'm having on FB and in pictures. First, happy to trade--really, dying and relying on your parents, is not "fun." I'm just doing what I would encourage you all to be doing: live. Just live every day to YOUR fullest. In fact, because both your hands work and you haven't fallen three times in two days due to balance issues, YOU should be having more fun. If you're not; you're doing it wrong. If you hate something in your life --change it." </i></span><br />
<br />
I think we can all learn a little something from that.<br />
<br />
Rest now, sweet Emily.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9FBLlVWgwn7YDou0egjYKs-pySO8eqxKkiHA-ZknA1oBUD_uW3cBZ8D62SP_i-lX5d5cpyrtBexl1W6hfmMm0AO4rlEQ0HBC90leXOkJP4HCaPY0dVzzfUH0trv44N2rvSrU2MW8sno/s1600/emily+morrison+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9FBLlVWgwn7YDou0egjYKs-pySO8eqxKkiHA-ZknA1oBUD_uW3cBZ8D62SP_i-lX5d5cpyrtBexl1W6hfmMm0AO4rlEQ0HBC90leXOkJP4HCaPY0dVzzfUH0trv44N2rvSrU2MW8sno/s1600/emily+morrison+2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"How do you live your life? I live mine with both eyes open – even if only one takes in the picture." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Emily Morrison </span></div>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-35080739707314634782014-02-11T21:37:00.000-05:002014-02-11T21:37:26.629-05:00Pointing FingersI was browsing my Newsfeed this afternoon when I noticed<a href="https://www.facebook.com/su2c/posts/10100218656731956?comment_id=3512452&offset=0&total_comments=82&notif_t=share_reply"> a post</a> shared by Stand Up To Cancer: "People who use a tanning salon before age 35 increase their risk of
melanoma by 75%, according to the CDC. These gloomy winter months,
please tell your loved ones: an artificial tan is not worth the very
real price." (<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/29/indoor-tanning-increase/5028431/">This articl</a>e was also posted: Tanning beds used by more than a third.)<br />
<br />
How right they are to remind folks the danger of tanning during these gloomy months! I'll admit, when it was -10 degrees, the memories of heading to the tanning salon to warm up did flash in my head! Ah, the warmth! It isn't often that Stand Up To Cancer posts anything regarding skin cancer and melanoma so it was a great reminder to see.<br />
<br />
I started browsing the comments, impressed that so many people voiced their support of tan-free skin. Then I came across this one comment that actually made me stop what I was doing: "<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3511852:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3511852:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3511852:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Being
a cancer survivor an having no choice in the matter. I have no sympathy
for people who fake bake an then they whine when they end up with
cancer</span></span></span>" (Directly copied & pasted from Stand Up To Cancer's Facebook page.)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3613aTFftvIRL16VwV8dAYT9S0sDxWxxdheakuaJnc-B1ql9346qCwdtHBk3YPTsKoEoCkdD4j3yfhaShsD5E4DRwvvyZHgyofDGAME3XU65G1DDbDEOQ1WQWbvepgnoN9swCAOtu1U/s1600/pointing+fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3613aTFftvIRL16VwV8dAYT9S0sDxWxxdheakuaJnc-B1ql9346qCwdtHBk3YPTsKoEoCkdD4j3yfhaShsD5E4DRwvvyZHgyofDGAME3XU65G1DDbDEOQ1WQWbvepgnoN9swCAOtu1U/s1600/pointing+fingers.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Hold up.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Stop a minute.</i><br />
<br />
"I have no sympathy"<br />
"Whine when they end up with cancer"<br />
<br />
Did this dude, a cancer survivor, really say that because people make poor decisions during their lives, they shouldn't feel grief when they are faced with those consequences?<br />
<br />
<b>I reread it. Yep, that's what he said. (This must be what smokers feel like after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Ouch.)</b><br />
<br />
I gave him the benefit of the doubt that he just picked an insensitive way to respond. So I responded to him: "<span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">I
don't think you'll find many of us in the melanoma community who expect
people to hear us "whine" after we participated in activities that may
have caused us to battle a horrifying and incurable cancer. You WILL
hear us share our stories with hopes that others learn from our
mistakes. Please be careful what you say. Melanoma is like lung cancer.
We aren't ALL "at fault" for our diagnosis."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">In my opinion, telling a melanoma patient who used to tan, "Sorry, idiot. You dug your own grave" is like looking at a lung cancer patient who used to smoke and saying "Shit happens. You picked up the cigarettes. Deal with it." Yes, both of statements <i>may</i> be true, but would we <i>really</i> say that to someone? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Would we really <span style="color: red;">blame</span> them for their cancer? </span></span></span></b><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3511852:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3511916:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">This fella responded to the comments: "</span></span></span><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Did
u read my post all the way through. I said people that use tanning beds
know the cosequences before they ever step foot in one. Why be shocked
when people lay in one countless times a week ?? I never said anything
about snyone who got melanoma any other way." (Again, this was copied & pasted directly from Stand Up To Cancer's Facebook.) </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">So this got me thinking. It's 2014, can we really claim to be uneducated about the dangers of tanning beds? </span></span></span></b><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">I didn't even have to turn to Google right away. I thought back to my morning commute into work. I was listening to the radio when a commercial came on promoting Tan for Free at the local tanning salon. At the very end of the commercial, the lady says, "Please tan responsibly." </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Then I turned to Google to browse:</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".10.1:3:1:$comment10100218656731956_3512015:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">-In 2012, Dr. Mercola said, "</span></span></span>High-quality indoor tanning devices are safe if you precisely follow the simple guideline of never getting burned" (<a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/12/can-tanning-beds-decrease-cancer-than-cause.aspx">Read the full article here.</a>)<br />
<br />
-Salons continuously state the "health benefits" associated with year long tanning. There's even a full website called <a href="http://www.tanningtruth.com/">Tanning Truth</a> that explains the perks of using these coffin like beds. Then there's salons like this one who have a full page listing reasons why you should tan. This one particular salon even states that you should tan indoors rather than outside. (To view their list of crap, <a href="http://www.parkslopetanning.com/_blog/Tanning_Salon_Blog/post/Why_You_Should_Tan_-_The_Benefits_of_Visiting_a_Tanning_Salon/">you can click here</a>.)<br />
<br />
-During an<a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/tanning-fairwarning/"> interview with PBS</a> NewsHour, Bridget Huber, who wrote <a href="http://www.fairwarning.org/2012/08/burned-by-health-warnings-defiant-tanning-industry-assails-doctors-sun-scare-conspiracy/">this awesome article</a> I was thrilled to be included in, stated that the indoor tanning association believes groups like the American Cancer Society and dermatologists have scared people into thinking that the sun and tanning beds will cause cancer. Huber stated, the tanning industry believes "these groups are possibly killing more people than
tobacco did by causing what they portray as a deadly epidemic of vitamin
D deficiency."<br />
<br />
-Who is at the highest rate of believing the lies tanning salons spread: Teenagers. Nearly 30% of teenage girls are using tanning beds. (<a href="http://consumer.healthday.com/cancer-information-5/mis-cancer-news-102/many-teen-girls-using-tanning-beds-report-679383.html">Source.</a>)<br />
<br />
-According to <a href="http://www.islandtan-al.com/guide_to_indoor_tanning.htm">this salon</a>, "Scientists have not found any indication that moderate and responsible
indoor tanning over an extended period of time causes skin damage. It
is important that you follow the recommended exposure based on the
tanning unit used and your skin type. Skin damage, including skin
cancer, could occur if a person overexposes the skin to UV."<br />
<br />
-"Tanning beds are the best source of vitamin D." C'mon, don't act like you haven't heard that over and over again. <br />
<br />
I could go on and on and on--I won't, because I want to watch Sunday's episode of Downton Abbey--but you get the point. It's 2014 and tanning salons are still pushing the benefits of indoor tanning. While some adults may have learned that the salons are just trying to make a buck, 30% of teenagers are still subjecting themselves to the class 1 carcinogens. Until minors are outlawed from making the decision to tan, they will continue. It's only natural. We still live in a society that values golden skin. More than anyone, teenagers are influenced by society. Of course they are going to continue to tan if they are allowed. The threat of cancer? That's years away.<br />
<br />
<b>Back to my original point, Do we know the risks when we step foot in a tanning bed? Should we be blamed for our cancer since we did tan? Should we forfeit our right to "whine" since we put ourselves in this position?</b><br />
<br />
I responded to his post:<br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:2"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">"But
do they really know the consequences? That's pretty bold to say since
tanning salons shove the "benefits of responsible tanning" down your
throat. I began tanning at age 14--the law allowed this--because I
wanted to be pretty in my prom dress. All the other kids did it, why
shouldn't I? I tanned off and on until I was 21. It was right around
that time that I figured that maybe tanning beds weren't great for me. I
cancelled my membership and never stepped foot in one again. 2 years
later, I was diagnosed with stage 3 malignant melanoma. I know that my
immature and uneducated decisions more than likely caused me to be
diagnosed with an incurable cancer at age 23, but what can I do about it
now? I can "whine." I can share my scar pictures. I can advocate to our
local government about why we need to protect our minors against these
beds. I can do what needs to be done so that another young girl does not
make the same poor decisions I made. But, I will not be suck it up and
be quiet just because I did this to myself."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">I've met melanoma friends who never used a tanning bed. I've had to say goodbye to friends who never had a sunburn. These people had no control over their cancers, just like an ovarian cancer patient has no control over hers. Some would say I have no right to bitch about my cancer. I did it to myself. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Here's the thing, Mr. Internet Man, no one will ever beat me up as much as I beat myself up. </span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">I did the deed and now I will always pay the price. I get it. I also get that this guy probably wishes he could do anything in his power to prevent <b>his</b> cancer. I understand he may be in pain, he may still be emotionally healing, he may never understand how one could make such a decision that could risk their life. I respect that pain. I <i>understand</i> that pain. But here's the other thing: cancer's a bitch, no matter how you get it and no matter what kind you get. </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Even if I did bring it upon myself, I still want to fight it. I still deserve to fight it.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span><b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">So while this fella may never understand the importance of sharing our stories--whining for our cause--I will continue to do so because it's just so obvious how much work still needs to be done.</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></b>
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Sigh.</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></b>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".r.1:3:1:$replies10100218656731956_3512015:0.1:2:$comment10100218656731956_3512048:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5994336640653689680.post-55940891976300938402014-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-03T06:00:01.193-05:00Words From a Friend<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-33af7a21-f4c6-1374-6350-f16afeee91a6" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sometimes I receive emails from people that I automatically know I'll become friends with. This was one of those situations. Having read her story, I knew that it was one that needed to be shared with all of you. I'm so thankful she agreed to let me share it! So please, meet Chelsea, and share her words with someone who needs to hear them.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSf9Jcuc0hKTcImIKGGs-UMBAVEzT4eaGWfY-Ic7puVLwJnfDkyekRpRAy5eo5vo2awfEDMvr8U53px4Nw-WAYWFzIFKRsNfc_W_TpCamk_jnRkQQql50-qQeW9coWoanKvffD2Ow_g0/s1600/chelsea+sutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSf9Jcuc0hKTcImIKGGs-UMBAVEzT4eaGWfY-Ic7puVLwJnfDkyekRpRAy5eo5vo2awfEDMvr8U53px4Nw-WAYWFzIFKRsNfc_W_TpCamk_jnRkQQql50-qQeW9coWoanKvffD2Ow_g0/s1600/chelsea+sutton.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> "When I ran across Chelsea’s blog, I knew I wanted to know her. You see, not only do Chelsea and I share the same name, we also share an unfair diagnosis, which for both of us, is oddly in the same spot on our backs. I saw the picture of Chelsea’s scar that looked exactly like mine and felt an instant connection to this stranger miles away. When she asked me to share my story, I was a little nervous, because before now, I’ve never put it on paper. The feelings of it, well, they are just overwhelmingly strong, but the truth is, it needs to be told. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m one of the lucky ones, they say. I never had to undergo chemo or radiation, and all my lymph nodes are still in place, but the truth of the matter is that melanoma changed me completely. I was diagnosed at 18 during my freshman year of college. The year prior was full of events that required me to be in evening gowns. There was prom, then the yearly pageant my school held, and don’t forget about those awful vocal music dresses that surely looked better on me when my skin was tan. Those moments in a tanning bed, defined my future. While my friends were vacationing during Spring Break, I was undergoing a wide excision surgery to remove six inches of skin on my back all the way down to the muscle. This surgery was my cure, but it wasn’t completely healing, because the emotional scar runs a bit deeper and has lasted far longer.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> The misconception associated with the word melanoma is that it will simply be cut out and everything will be fine. I can’t tell you how many of my friends spoke those exact words to me when I shared my diagnosis with them. Quite frankly, until I had my doctor tell me that there may be a chance that I could only have five to seven years left to live depending on my test results, I didn’t understand the severity either. My friends couldn’t understand the situation I was in and it wasn’t because I had surrounded myself with people weren’t able to feel empathy; it was because they simply weren’t educated. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> My family, they became my saviors, the people I laughed with to distract me from the constant terror I felt in my stomach, the people who held me when I cried, and the people who found strength for me when I couldn’t find it in myself. In fact, it was my mom, who saved me. She was the one who had noticed the mole on my upper back that had gradually became dark black and she was the one who called me with the information from the doctor of my diagnosis. Often times, I still wonder how she found the strength to call me, her only daughter, to tell me I had cancer. My melanoma diagnosis didn’t just emotionally scar me; it scarred every person in my family. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Life after melanoma is different to say the least. I’m far more cautious and I’m often fearful of reoccurrence. For the rest of my life, every six months, I will visit my dermatologist. I sit undressed in a brightly lit exam room while my doctor goes over every inch of my skin. These checks, more often than not, end with a biopsy of a something that looks suspicious leaving an open wound on my skin that takes weeks to heal. I then prepare myself to tell my loved ones that we are, yet again waiting on pathology reports</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The chance of reoccurrence for me is 2% and while that may seem like a very small number, it is actually quite large in relation to melanoma. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I never dreamed that before I graduated college and said I do, I would be a cancer survivor, but it is my reality. I often have to remind myself to slow things down because facing a diagnosis that could have ended in death caused a horrible sense of urgency for me. Sometimes I have to take a moment to remember that I don’t have to live life so fast because God has given me more time and a chance to leave a legacy. I wasn’t lucky, I was blessed and I feel strongly that I am meant to educate others on how to care for your skin. Unfortunately, I wasn’t educated on the effects of tanning, but don’t let that be your excuse. Don’t be like me. Your desire shouldn’t be getting tan. Your desire should be to stay alive. Educate yourself before you find yourself in a situation that educates you." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #073763;">Please take Chelsea's words and educate someone else on the true dangers of tanning. A big thanks to you, Chelsea, for sharing your story with others! I know it's scary to put yourself out there, but by telling your story, I know you'll save lives. XOXO</span></span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03983041684417338248noreply@blogger.com10