I think of myself as a mind-body/stress management/health coach – helping clients deal with pain, distress and life’s imbalances using manual and mind-body therapies.
But, really – I am in the skin business. I don’t always think of myself this way until I find something on a client’s skin that looks different or new. Then I snap a photo for them, or circle it with a pen, and send them to their dermatologist.
Well, this time it was my turn. My dermatologist, at my annual full-body screening, found something on the back of my arm that looked suspicious. She took a biopsy and guess what? MELANOMA. Of course, I had it removed right away and the margins are clear, after a really hard week of waiting and worrying.
I’ve debated writing about this, or telling anyone for that matter, until I spoke with a friend about it. Here is what she said, “a full body scan? I didn’t know that was a thing!”
Well, friends, it is a thing. A potentially life-saving thing in fact. So, if you are local to Baltimore and don’t have a dermatologist, it’s time to get one and get checked. The thing on my arm I NEVER saw because it was on the back/side, just out of daily view.
My dermatology office is having a free cancer screening on May 11th. Here are the details: http://belcarahealth.com/events/;
And in the meantime, cover up in the sun and use sunscreen! I use the safest products recommended by the Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/
