Don't Forget to Shave!

Have a look-see at a letter I received from a reader today...

Karolyn, I wanted to write you and tell you thanks for writing your blog about your dermotology visit. I remember reading it and thinking that it's been years since I've been to the dermotologist and if Karolyn can bare down...I can too.  The very next day I scheduled an appointment to meet the derm and discuss my body type as well as the numerous "beauty marks" on my body. We met...I loved him, scheduled the full body scan and...cancelled....3 times! I ALWAYS had an excuse. Then, they called last week and said they had a cancellation for Wed and did I want it? I put on my big girl panties (VS, of course) and wore my "real" deoderant (thanks for the tip) and sat, stood and cringed as he shined his light EVERYWHERE. I left with 3 biopsys and 8 photos and orders to come back in 6 months. I thought...well, that wasn't all that bad...I need to write Karolyn and thank her for giving me a "heads up". Everything is easier when you're prepared.  Well, I received a personal phone call from the derm yesterday morning. It seems that one of the spots on my leg is type one melanoma. I'm going Wednesday to meet the plastic surgeon and then we'll go from there. So, now I'm writing you to say, "Thanks! You very possibly saved my life.Thanks for sharing the intimate details of your life! Thanks for encouraging your readers to go to 

the Doctor! You Rock!!"

Side note: my particular melanoma is genetic but is brought out/made worse with the sun. My sister and Mom are both getting checked on May 8th. 

I'd sooo be lying if I told you this didn't make my eyes tear up a bit.  Wow!

So I say again...  

Strip down and get checked!!  You're not too young.  

If you've never read my candid retelling of a visit to the dermatologist, check it out by clicking HERE.

I'll be visiting the good doctor early next week for him to remove a place on my lower neck.  1 out of the 3 biopsies from February came back bad.  

And remember...

People who regularly visit the dermatologist don't die of skin cancer.