SELF, June 2012
Today in the break room at my new job this picture caused a great conversation. Y'all know I don't normally discuss melanoma in my place of employment. It makes me feel uncomfortable and unprofessional. What you don't know is that I am really shy if I am around new people. I become a silent observer until I feel comfortable again. Today, I had to break out of my bubble.
Co-worker 1 to other co-workers: "Look at her scar! Her doctor told her it was nothing, it was melanoma."
Co-worker 2: "Wow. Her scar is horrible."
Co-Worker 1: "Melanoma is scary. I tan like once a year but I can't do it anymore."
Co-worker 2: "I tan. That's what this is from, a tanning bed." (Points to face.)
Co-worker 4: "I tan too."
Me--can't keep quiet any longer: "I have melanoma."
...and a huge conversation involving 4 other co-workers takes place. (I even share a dermatologist with one of the co-workers!)
I don't know that my story will make a difference; however, I feel certain that this article in an old edition of SELF forced a conversation that needed to take place. It was obvious that co-worker 1 wanted to get the point across to fellow co-workers that tanning isn't the brightest idea. I'm just grateful I was in the break room when it happened.
Word is getting out there, friends.
............IT MAKES ME HAPPY!
*Must log off computer. I have a speech to write for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Gala which is in TWO weeks! Ah!
