As the title says this blog is one man’s effort to make sense out of his journey fighting melanoma. I have enjoyed reading some of my fellow melanoma warriors’ blogs and thought it might be an interesting way to share what this journey has been like for me. If you find this interesting great, if not that’s great also. Selfishly this is more about me getting this out and moving on from being a cancer patient to being a cancer survivor.

Let’s clear up a few things. Yes, I know how to use spell check and no I don’t always use it. I majored in accounting, not english. I have always been a below average writer, which is why I find the therapeutic value of doing this surprising. I think for this blog to make any sense you pretty much have to go to the archive and start from the beginning which is titled “Life Is Good”

I am not a doctor or medial professional of any type. My blog is not endorsed by any medical professional or facility mentioned in it. Every decision I have made about my care was done after careful consultation with my medical team. Decisions I have made were right for me but should not in any instance be considered right for anybody else. I don't recommend taking medical advice from an accountant.


Key West

Key West
Sunset

Sunday, December 30, 2012

My best tan ever wasn’t worth this


My best tan ever wasn’t worth this. 

Friday was surgery day for me again.   That was surgery #8 for those who are counting.    Hopefully next week when the pathology report comes back I get the news that the margins are all clear and I can put this chapter behind me.    It is scary for me to think that in two weeks I will be living in a new town and if I need more surgery it will either have to be with a new Dr or I will have to fly back to Kansas City to have it done.    Let’s hope it doesn’t become an issue.   I am excited to move to Vancouver and am really excited to start my new job there but I am not looking forward to having to find all new doctors.  I heard the statement “It’s just skin cancer” again last week. Well, “Just skin cancer” killed 24 people yesterday, and will kill 24 more today.   One of the lives taken Saturday was a young woman whose mother shared her brave and courageous fight with us.   I can only hope for an ounce of her courage and fight.   RIP Jillian, you have inspired me and I am sure many others.   Thank you Susan for sharing her journey with us.   You have done so much to raise awareness about this horrible disease.  

http://jilliansjourneywithmelanoma.blogspot.com/
Protect your skin, stay out of tanning beds, and see a dermatologist regularly.  


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7 comments:

  1. ChelseaDecember 30, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    Ouch, Paul! That looks like a painful one. Please let us know your results when you get them. I'll be thinking of you!!!

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    1. PaulJanuary 7, 2013 at 8:47 PM

      Thanks Chelsea. Got my pathology back today and finally have clear margins. Time to keep moving forward. I was also happy to hear about your successful trek to NYC again.

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  2. UnknownJanuary 5, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    I hate it when people say "it's just skin cancer". Means we have a lot more educating to do. I hope that everything comes back good and that your upcoming move goes well. :)

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    1. PaulJanuary 7, 2013 at 8:53 PM

      Thanks Melissa. I got pathology back today and all looks good. Really nice job on your blog by the way. I really thought you did a nice job addressing the “what stage are you” issue. This disease sucks for us all and we all have our own reality to deal with.

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  3. Rich McDonaldJanuary 8, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    So glad to hear the good pathology news. Go West, young man!

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    1. PaulJanuary 8, 2013 at 9:12 PM

      THanks Rich. Any chance you will dust off your black Tu Tu and come join us at the AIM walk in Portland May 11th?

      Delete
  4. Tücsök és MucóFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    Great news on your report! I visited your page many times this year but foolishly never read the comments. I was worried the results were bad but I am glad you can look to the future again. Hope Vancouver treats you well! Kat

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