Funniest + Sunburn = Seriously?
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.
What's funny about that?
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.
(The site of the first melanoma.)
Melanoma was found in lymph nodes here...
And melanoma was found here...
And here...
(This mole was melanoma (in-situ) as well, March 2013.)
The site of the most recent borderline melanoma in-situ.
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.)
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."
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?
XoXo,
A Sometimes Drama Queen. ;-)
10 comments:
I saw the Ellen site pulled the link!! YEAH!
I saw the Ellen site pulled the link! Yeah!
You are a warrior and I commend you! Ellen and company should have know better. Think of you often stay well!
Good for you! I have been so far this Summer unsuccessful in keeping my mouth shut when people post sunburn pics on Facebook. It's not funny, would you think it was funny to have a contest to see which which smokers have the most damaged lungs?
I love this and I love YOU!
Great post. I have pics of MRI's that show Melanoma Brain tumours for which I've had one brain surgery and some Stereotactic Radio-Surgery. Sun burns are not funny. In my case one mole led to multiple brain tumours. Nothing to laugh about at all. A previous poster says she pulled the link, I hope this is true.
As a dermatologist, I commend you for your blog and all of the valuable information you have posted. I know when I talk to patients especially younger ones about the dangers of their tans and tanning beds all they hear is bla bla bla and I am completely tuned out. You should contact the American Academy of Dermatology office. I think the use of your blog would be helpful to persuade at least some people to change their sun exposure habits. Thanks!
My sister in law, who is 30 has stage 4 melanoma. This is her blog: www.morelikecantcer.wordpress.com
Also, she just shared her story at my church. Although you do not know her, she is very inspiring and going through very similar things, so I thought maybe this would be encouraging for you.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/50602563
Keeping you in my daily thoughts and prayers. God bless! You're such a warrior!
I stumbled upon your blog and just wanted to write you and say thank you. I am also a survivor and actually passed a new law in the state of Kansas for restricting anyone under the age of 18 to use a tanning bed! i hope you are well and life is treating you amazing.
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