I want to talk about friends who still tan. How can we get through to them? A couple of weeks ago, I came home and checked my facebook. As I scrolled down my feed, three of my "friends" had checked in at various tanning salons on their way home from work.
One of them is a life-tanner. If I share something about melanoma or skin cancer, she changes her profile picture to one of her in the tanning bed. She is very proud of her darker than her brown hair complexion.
Another is someone I met when she was in high school, and I was a little younger. Even then, when tanning with the brown and gold bottle that had to have a number 2 on it was popular, I thought she was very pretty as a fair skinned blonde. Now she is always very tan, and even before melanoma, I saw her golden brown skin as a little overcooked.
The final irritated me the most. This is someone who has liked my posts, sent prayers my way as I had my surgery or have awaited results of the maybe 20 biopsies in the past (almost) 3 years. She has brown hair, fair skin, light eyes. She is our target audience. She is who is at risk. She is aware of my struggle, yet she doesn't care.
A few days before this, a friend had posted a status tagging me, saying that she had been told that she didn't look like just gotten off a cruise because she wasn't tan. In the comment stream that followed, she referred to a statement I had made about being miserably sunburned at the end of my high school cruise and not enjoying it, but even more that after hearing about my melanoma experience, she was more aware. So I texted her and told her that seeing these tanning bed posts were like a punch in the gut. We agreed that I would post a stat later, that wouldn't call anyone out, but just bring more awareness.
As I thought about this through the night, I couldn't decide what to do. Then I logged on to Pinterest. The final girl puts everyone to shame with her pinning habit. There it was! That was my new battleground. The last time I searched Melanoma on pinterest, there wasn't much there. It is there now. Since then I have been randomly repinning to my melanoma awareness board. Between that and my facebook posts, which I admit need to be more, I know it will be seen.
I have another sun loving friend who has told me several times that she is more aware of the risks thanks to me, and she appreciates my posts. She still gets very tan, being outdoors a lot, but I believe awareness is the seed that will grow into action. I have been pleasantly surprised that she has repinned every melanoma awareness pin that I have shared. She has a preteen, hopefully the seed will grow in time to prevent bad habits for the little one.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Dermatologist Appointment Approaching
In September, my dermatologist moved me from the 3 month follow up schedule to the 6 month schedule. I expected that to happen in December, so she did catch me off guard. She told me that I didn't have many moles and the few I did have weren't concerning to her and that it had been over 2 years, so she felt comfortable making that conversion. She made it very clear to me that if I had any concerns to call in, and that I should call her advice nurse and remind them that I've had melanoma, rather than just call the appointment line, so that I would get in faster.
I was anxious and around December, I did convince myself that one of my moles was getting bigger. I knew it wasn't, but it is amazing the tricks you can play on your mind at times. Once the stress of my husbands entire family visiting for almost 3 weeks passed, my mind also calmed.
I also was struggling with an important decision regarding my health coverage. Since my diagnosis, my premium has gone from a figure that was about 30% to about 60% of my part time income. I did explore changing insurance companies. I knew which dermatology group I would switch to, highly recommended by others who have experienced all forms of skin cancer. I got quotes and applied. I was told that melanoma was quite common and normally not a big deal. Since I was able to have my site removed and no further treatment, I was hoping he was right. Needless to say that same agent was surprised that I was ineligible by both applications I sent in, and said he would have to find out why. I haven't heard from him again.
So after admitting that I would have to suck it up and pay the higher premium, I decided yesterday to call and schedule my skin check. I would be due in March, but due to work schedules, I asked if I could come in February even though it would be 5 months instead of 6.. I basically got to pick my date. So I get to go on Thursday. Even though I am not concerned about any spots, I do have a list already made of questions for her and I will be asking her about the spot I allowed to get in my head in December along with two others that we have discussed before.
I was overheard scheduling my appointment and was questioned by a co-worker about why I have to go for follow ups. We have talked about melanoma before, his wife recently had several pre-cancerous places removed, so I do appreciate that he is asking questions.
I was anxious and around December, I did convince myself that one of my moles was getting bigger. I knew it wasn't, but it is amazing the tricks you can play on your mind at times. Once the stress of my husbands entire family visiting for almost 3 weeks passed, my mind also calmed.
I also was struggling with an important decision regarding my health coverage. Since my diagnosis, my premium has gone from a figure that was about 30% to about 60% of my part time income. I did explore changing insurance companies. I knew which dermatology group I would switch to, highly recommended by others who have experienced all forms of skin cancer. I got quotes and applied. I was told that melanoma was quite common and normally not a big deal. Since I was able to have my site removed and no further treatment, I was hoping he was right. Needless to say that same agent was surprised that I was ineligible by both applications I sent in, and said he would have to find out why. I haven't heard from him again.
So after admitting that I would have to suck it up and pay the higher premium, I decided yesterday to call and schedule my skin check. I would be due in March, but due to work schedules, I asked if I could come in February even though it would be 5 months instead of 6.. I basically got to pick my date. So I get to go on Thursday. Even though I am not concerned about any spots, I do have a list already made of questions for her and I will be asking her about the spot I allowed to get in my head in December along with two others that we have discussed before.
I was overheard scheduling my appointment and was questioned by a co-worker about why I have to go for follow ups. We have talked about melanoma before, his wife recently had several pre-cancerous places removed, so I do appreciate that he is asking questions.
Face Mapping
One of the many excuses (notice I didn't say reasons?) people give for wanting to tan is that it gives them a clearer complexion when it comes to the dreaded acne.
I do have to admit that in my early 20's, when I was not living the healthiest of lifestyles, that was one of my excuses too. I have always been lucky, most of my breakouts are thanks to female hormones and are usually just one or two a month. However, at that time in my life, my depressed overeating and the fact that my social life consisted of crashing my friends company happy hours took it's toll on my skin, acne-wise. My answer? I went to the tanning bed. Luckily, I went to a place with sub-par beds and after a month, I quit because I didn't like having stripes down my back.
So the other day I came across this article on face mapping. Basically it is saying that where your acne appears can be linked to your health. I haven't done any follow up to the accuracy of this article, but I do find it very interesting and worth cautiously sharing. I know there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, a healthier lifestyle and less acne do run hand in hand. I also know that looking back at what was going on in my life at times that my face has broken out at various places, this is definitely worth exploring further.
I do have to admit that in my early 20's, when I was not living the healthiest of lifestyles, that was one of my excuses too. I have always been lucky, most of my breakouts are thanks to female hormones and are usually just one or two a month. However, at that time in my life, my depressed overeating and the fact that my social life consisted of crashing my friends company happy hours took it's toll on my skin, acne-wise. My answer? I went to the tanning bed. Luckily, I went to a place with sub-par beds and after a month, I quit because I didn't like having stripes down my back.
So the other day I came across this article on face mapping. Basically it is saying that where your acne appears can be linked to your health. I haven't done any follow up to the accuracy of this article, but I do find it very interesting and worth cautiously sharing. I know there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, a healthier lifestyle and less acne do run hand in hand. I also know that looking back at what was going on in my life at times that my face has broken out at various places, this is definitely worth exploring further.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Adjustments
In Georgia we like to say "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes". I know that statement can apply to many states. This week, Georgia proved it right. Last weekend, we hit 75 degrees, then had a few days of rain where it was 65, then Thursday morning we started out in short sleeves, but by the end of the day, metro Atlanta was on a winter weather watch (translation - there might be about an inch of snow accumulation beginning about rush hour). Nothing happened other than it got bone chilling cold. Friday, we were back up in the 60's and the sun finally reemerged.
As I drove my daughter to school, I was thinking about how the sun used to feel so good on my skin, like a warm hug from God. About how I have struggled over the past 2 1/2 years, because something that was so good, has become so harmful. I finally have come to terms that it is still a good thing, but with all things, should be done appropriately. I knew I had my new facial moisturizer on that has a SPF 50, that I also applied to my hands, so I embraced the warmth through my car windows.
As she left the car in the carpool line, the school administrator, told me to enjoy the sun. I was pondering that, and what kind of post I was going to make regarding sunscreen, as I headed for work. The weather reporter came on the radio and stated that we had traded umbrellas for sunglasses and details would be coming up. I was wishing he also mentioned sunscreen. When he came back he said it! He said we would be needing our sunscreen for the next few days..
There's no point to that story, just events that were on my mind this morning.
I have been contemplating the title of my blog along with the direction it um.. hasn't been going. I have loved the pale movement that we are seeing in celebrities along with all the postings sharing that. Previously tan celebrities are now embracing their natural skin tone. They are all beautiful.
I've found that one of my biggest struggles with going natural over the past 2 1/2 years is that skincare and make up are different. When I am not using the sun to dry out my oil prone skin, I am constantly "de-shining" my face. When I was tan, I could just wear a powder, but fair skinned, I have to wear foundation and finding one that matches my skin tone has proven amusing. "No Ma'am, I do not want my make up to match my freckles.... No, not in between the freckle color and the skin color either." Seriously. Also, when I am fair skinned, the dark circles under my eyes are more pronounced. I have yet to find a concealer that doesn't feel like it weighs 10 lbs, that would do the job. Then there is another surprise, the past year I have been eating healthier, the nutrients in certain foods affect my skin tone. Sometimes even looking like I have been in the sun, when I haven't. You are what you eat, but I never expected it to change my skin tone.
I am going to explore more in the skin care and make-up arena. I know make up isn't as appealing to the men who read my blog, but I hope what I discover about skin care will help everyone.
On top of this, I will also share more of my experiences with getting the word out about melanoma. I have some great stories and observations. Some are on here already, rapidly typed, in need of major editing.
I've found that one of my biggest struggles with going natural over the past 2 1/2 years is that skincare and make up are different. When I am not using the sun to dry out my oil prone skin, I am constantly "de-shining" my face. When I was tan, I could just wear a powder, but fair skinned, I have to wear foundation and finding one that matches my skin tone has proven amusing. "No Ma'am, I do not want my make up to match my freckles.... No, not in between the freckle color and the skin color either." Seriously. Also, when I am fair skinned, the dark circles under my eyes are more pronounced. I have yet to find a concealer that doesn't feel like it weighs 10 lbs, that would do the job. Then there is another surprise, the past year I have been eating healthier, the nutrients in certain foods affect my skin tone. Sometimes even looking like I have been in the sun, when I haven't. You are what you eat, but I never expected it to change my skin tone.
I am going to explore more in the skin care and make-up arena. I know make up isn't as appealing to the men who read my blog, but I hope what I discover about skin care will help everyone.
On top of this, I will also share more of my experiences with getting the word out about melanoma. I have some great stories and observations. Some are on here already, rapidly typed, in need of major editing.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
They hear, even if they aren't listening..
I feel like I refer to a lot that has to do with the melanoma journey as a roller coaster. There are so many ups and downs. Today as I "celebrate" 2 1/2 years since my surgery, I am feeling very reflective.
Just this past month, I have really experienced the extremes of the roller coaster.
I started out the month at a ladies retreat with my church. Now I'm the awkward girl who doesn't really connect with people. I try to treat people as I would like to be treated, but after 5 years at this church, I can say I haven't connected with more than a couple of people that I didn't already know before I began there. So why do I attend a church where you never get past acquaintance stage with anyone there? It is sound and Bible based teaching, and I have learned more and come closer to God in the past 5 years than the 31 before. Anyway, as I found myself sitting at the edge of the crowd looking in, my insecurities kicked in. If I am like this with people I "know", then why am I about to go to another state for two nights to meet people I only know online. Instantly I was reminded of two things, I am going to raise melanoma awareness, and my experience at the last walk I attended.
That night my pastors wife said she wanted to pray over us individually. She wanted the prayers to be from God. As I anxiously walked up for my turn, I didn't know what to expect. She prayed two things for me, one of which was that melanoma would never return to my life and that I would stay motivated to keep spreading the word and educating others. Afterwords she told me she loves my posts and that I should not stop posting. I knew then that I would not let any nervousness stop me from going.
I wish that kept the doubt away, but it didnt. Then the following Sunday at church, I think a group of people could have gotten whiplash turning to look at me for my reaction when the pastor mentioned that he planned to work on a great tan next summer. You could hear the movement. Okay, I'm an outsider, but they are aware of what I have to say.. I'm going to Charlotte next week!!!
So I arrived in Charlotte. To say I was nervous, would be an understatement, but I was also excited. I was so overwhelmed by the welcoming, caring, loving, supportive atmosphere of the entire weekend. I felt like it was someone else's life. I get eye rolls and "here she goes again" looks at home. There, everyone understood. Everyone wanted to know your experience, regardless of how your relationship with melanoma began. Everyone wanted to know you. What was important to you, was important to them. It was really something I was not used to.
My quiet, shy husband left Charlotte talking about next year, what we could do to raise more money next year, and going back and seeing everyone again. He was really touched by the stories he heard this weekend. Although he was quiet with those he met, he was interested as I told him everyone's stories. He was really touched by the testimonials before the walk. I think he transitioned from supporting me so he supported melanoma awareness, to understanding.
Coming home, and back to reality, I don't know how to describe it. When I first got home, I couldn't even explain it to my friend who asked. She said it sounded like I was still on a high from the weekend. I was. I was very overwhelmed. Then reality set in. I was back to work, back to homeschooling the high school son, back to struggling with housework. I had 2 days to plan a birthday party for my 6 year old, 2 days before Thanksgiving. It almost seemed that the weekend was like a dream. A very good dream.
So as I got long winded there... I am motivated. I am wearing my new "Fight The Beast - Melanoma" bracelet. I have ordered a new black ribbon watch (thank you BITNP for the link!) I am using the bracelet as a conversation starter. The watch will be one too. In my nutritional support side hobby business, we always hear "Wear the colors" so that people will ask. I'm going to wear the black ribbon, I'm going to keep on sharing, because as the potential whiplash statement proved, people are hearing, even if it seems they aren't listening. Planting the seed is only the beginning, it will grow, you just have to have faith.
Just this past month, I have really experienced the extremes of the roller coaster.
I started out the month at a ladies retreat with my church. Now I'm the awkward girl who doesn't really connect with people. I try to treat people as I would like to be treated, but after 5 years at this church, I can say I haven't connected with more than a couple of people that I didn't already know before I began there. So why do I attend a church where you never get past acquaintance stage with anyone there? It is sound and Bible based teaching, and I have learned more and come closer to God in the past 5 years than the 31 before. Anyway, as I found myself sitting at the edge of the crowd looking in, my insecurities kicked in. If I am like this with people I "know", then why am I about to go to another state for two nights to meet people I only know online. Instantly I was reminded of two things, I am going to raise melanoma awareness, and my experience at the last walk I attended.
That night my pastors wife said she wanted to pray over us individually. She wanted the prayers to be from God. As I anxiously walked up for my turn, I didn't know what to expect. She prayed two things for me, one of which was that melanoma would never return to my life and that I would stay motivated to keep spreading the word and educating others. Afterwords she told me she loves my posts and that I should not stop posting. I knew then that I would not let any nervousness stop me from going.
I wish that kept the doubt away, but it didnt. Then the following Sunday at church, I think a group of people could have gotten whiplash turning to look at me for my reaction when the pastor mentioned that he planned to work on a great tan next summer. You could hear the movement. Okay, I'm an outsider, but they are aware of what I have to say.. I'm going to Charlotte next week!!!
So I arrived in Charlotte. To say I was nervous, would be an understatement, but I was also excited. I was so overwhelmed by the welcoming, caring, loving, supportive atmosphere of the entire weekend. I felt like it was someone else's life. I get eye rolls and "here she goes again" looks at home. There, everyone understood. Everyone wanted to know your experience, regardless of how your relationship with melanoma began. Everyone wanted to know you. What was important to you, was important to them. It was really something I was not used to.
My quiet, shy husband left Charlotte talking about next year, what we could do to raise more money next year, and going back and seeing everyone again. He was really touched by the stories he heard this weekend. Although he was quiet with those he met, he was interested as I told him everyone's stories. He was really touched by the testimonials before the walk. I think he transitioned from supporting me so he supported melanoma awareness, to understanding.
Coming home, and back to reality, I don't know how to describe it. When I first got home, I couldn't even explain it to my friend who asked. She said it sounded like I was still on a high from the weekend. I was. I was very overwhelmed. Then reality set in. I was back to work, back to homeschooling the high school son, back to struggling with housework. I had 2 days to plan a birthday party for my 6 year old, 2 days before Thanksgiving. It almost seemed that the weekend was like a dream. A very good dream.
So as I got long winded there... I am motivated. I am wearing my new "Fight The Beast - Melanoma" bracelet. I have ordered a new black ribbon watch (thank you BITNP for the link!) I am using the bracelet as a conversation starter. The watch will be one too. In my nutritional support side hobby business, we always hear "Wear the colors" so that people will ask. I'm going to wear the black ribbon, I'm going to keep on sharing, because as the potential whiplash statement proved, people are hearing, even if it seems they aren't listening. Planting the seed is only the beginning, it will grow, you just have to have faith.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Not hiding inside anymore!
Well, once again, it has been a while. So much has been going on, and so much has changed in the past several months. I have at least 8 posts saved as a draft, where I have tried to post here, but my life as wife and mother did not allow me to finish them or edit them.
Some of my held posts are about my observations at Stone Mountain regarding neon 80's clothing and tan, a trip to my neighborhood pool, our first kid free trip (to the beach!) for our 10 year anniversary, the list goes on. I know I have done less through this blog, a tiny bit more through my facebook page, but I have shared more on my personal facebook page than before regarding skin cancer awareness. I have also talked face to face with more people, and been more confident when they challenge what I know as fact.
I have been spending more time outdoors. I have gone to the pool and sat under the umbrella and reapplied sunscreen every time that they announce adult swim. I have gone to the beach, spent the day touring a fort, wearing a tank top. I know I should have covered, but it was 100 degrees and humid, couldn't do it. I returned from the weekend at the beach with my husband, we both have a lot of Irish in us, and before my son (15) said hello he asked how we were at the beach for 3 days and didn't get any sun. I felt a little sense of accomplishment there. Last weekend we went to the lake, with the top and doors off our new vehicle, and did not get sunburned, but did get windburned on the trip on the way there and back (Ouch!)
The past few years, we spent more time indoors and outdoors we were obsessively panicked about sun exposure. When I went for my 2 year skin screen in June, I mentioned to Dr. K. that I was really hard on myself for even being exposed enough that my freckles multiply. She told me (as she removed a mole from my neck and another from my..um.. where the bra under wire sits), that I need to cut myself some slack and that as long as I am following the sun safety guidelines of protection, seeking shade, covering up when possible, and not being out in peak hours, then I need to relax and enjoy myself. Life this year has definitely allowed for that, so I am given many opportunities to practice and be an example of sun safety.
With those opportunities have come learning experiences for myself and what I can do too. I also learned firsthand that sunscreen spray versus sunscreen lotion is a very different concept. I used lotion on my and my daughters face, but then I used spray on our bodies. Snow white and I both showed that we need to be using lotion instead of spray, even though spray is so much more convenient. So now I need to find one that works well, but doesn't look funky as we sweat, which unfortunately in our 90 degree high humidity climate is inevitable..
I really want to go to Charlotte in November for the AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk. They canceled the Scan Foundation walk this summer for Atlanta, so Charlotte is the closest campaign to us. I know I am a blip on the radar when it comes to bloggers, but I mention everyone's blogs so much as I talk to others about awareness, I think it would be great to meet everyone and graduate from saying "this blogger I follow" to "my friend". So it looked like my friend was going to go with me, but circumstances changed a little, I'm not sure but I hope she still can. The great news though is that my husband is saying he will come with me! I told him that I know it isn't important to him, but it is to me, and he said that it really is important to him too! He has brought it up several times since then too, so I am really excited.
Some of my held posts are about my observations at Stone Mountain regarding neon 80's clothing and tan, a trip to my neighborhood pool, our first kid free trip (to the beach!) for our 10 year anniversary, the list goes on. I know I have done less through this blog, a tiny bit more through my facebook page, but I have shared more on my personal facebook page than before regarding skin cancer awareness. I have also talked face to face with more people, and been more confident when they challenge what I know as fact.
I have been spending more time outdoors. I have gone to the pool and sat under the umbrella and reapplied sunscreen every time that they announce adult swim. I have gone to the beach, spent the day touring a fort, wearing a tank top. I know I should have covered, but it was 100 degrees and humid, couldn't do it. I returned from the weekend at the beach with my husband, we both have a lot of Irish in us, and before my son (15) said hello he asked how we were at the beach for 3 days and didn't get any sun. I felt a little sense of accomplishment there. Last weekend we went to the lake, with the top and doors off our new vehicle, and did not get sunburned, but did get windburned on the trip on the way there and back (Ouch!)
The past few years, we spent more time indoors and outdoors we were obsessively panicked about sun exposure. When I went for my 2 year skin screen in June, I mentioned to Dr. K. that I was really hard on myself for even being exposed enough that my freckles multiply. She told me (as she removed a mole from my neck and another from my..um.. where the bra under wire sits), that I need to cut myself some slack and that as long as I am following the sun safety guidelines of protection, seeking shade, covering up when possible, and not being out in peak hours, then I need to relax and enjoy myself. Life this year has definitely allowed for that, so I am given many opportunities to practice and be an example of sun safety.
With those opportunities have come learning experiences for myself and what I can do too. I also learned firsthand that sunscreen spray versus sunscreen lotion is a very different concept. I used lotion on my and my daughters face, but then I used spray on our bodies. Snow white and I both showed that we need to be using lotion instead of spray, even though spray is so much more convenient. So now I need to find one that works well, but doesn't look funky as we sweat, which unfortunately in our 90 degree high humidity climate is inevitable..
I really want to go to Charlotte in November for the AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk. They canceled the Scan Foundation walk this summer for Atlanta, so Charlotte is the closest campaign to us. I know I am a blip on the radar when it comes to bloggers, but I mention everyone's blogs so much as I talk to others about awareness, I think it would be great to meet everyone and graduate from saying "this blogger I follow" to "my friend". So it looked like my friend was going to go with me, but circumstances changed a little, I'm not sure but I hope she still can. The great news though is that my husband is saying he will come with me! I told him that I know it isn't important to him, but it is to me, and he said that it really is important to him too! He has brought it up several times since then too, so I am really excited.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Still around..
One of the things about being a stay at home mom is the dreaded "so what do you do all day?" question. You know you spend your whole day doing stuff, whether it be taking care of the kids, providing shuttle service, grocery shopping, cleaning house, accounting, etc., etc., but when that question comes along... crickets. I wont get into the whole debate of home/working moms. I just am using that to say that is how my past couple of months have been, absolutely crazy building my AdvoCare business, going to the gym, Bible Study, keeping house, fighting off ovarian cysts, Robotics Club mom, ballet mom, sick little one who is most likely going to become tonsil free in the next month. You know, just the same ol' same ol'. Don't understand why I need to catch my breath after just typing that.
So the gym and the AdvoCare are paying off. Personally I am wearing loose jeans that I haven't even been able to wear in 6 years. Today I am trying on my jeans I wanted to be wearing by summer. If that is successful, I will be down 4 sizes since Christmas.
I went to my 21 month check and passed with flying colors. I was concerned about 3 spots, one was nothing, one we are continuing to watch, and another was a seborrheic keratosis, which they froze off. I go back in 3 months and that will be 2 years!
I have had 2 neighbors ask me about suspicious spots that they have. I always get nervous with that, but I feel confident in telling them that too, that regardless of what I say, they should get checked out. Since then, both have asked me about free screenings. Kaiser Permanente usually does them in May, even for non-members, but those dates haven't been released yet. I did find out that the Skin Cancer Foundation tour will be here in April. So I posted the dates and locations on facebook, then I added it to our neighborhood yahoo group wall. They sent the post out by email to the entire neighborhood. It isn't big, but I'm glad I do get to share it.
Here in Atlanta, we are in our second week of 80 degree temps. It is beautiful outside. Of course, we have record setting pollen counts too, I think today is 9369! Luckily all that bothers me is grass and ragweed, and the grass numbers are nothing compared to the trees, so I have been able to get outside some. Although covered with yellow dust in the process. I vowed not to hide from the sun this summer like I have done the past two. I am going to enjoy the outdoors. I was talking to someone after church on Sunday, I told her I wasn't going to be a hermit this year, that my sun-safe message is lost if I am stuck inside. I have been pricing pop-up canopies, they aren't bad, but definitely more than I thought they would be. I will find one though. I also talked my husband into letting me have another year of the pool membership. Promised him that we would use it this year. In return, I have to play tennis with him. The courts are shaded by trees, so an easy agreement.
So the gym and the AdvoCare are paying off. Personally I am wearing loose jeans that I haven't even been able to wear in 6 years. Today I am trying on my jeans I wanted to be wearing by summer. If that is successful, I will be down 4 sizes since Christmas.
I went to my 21 month check and passed with flying colors. I was concerned about 3 spots, one was nothing, one we are continuing to watch, and another was a seborrheic keratosis, which they froze off. I go back in 3 months and that will be 2 years!
I have had 2 neighbors ask me about suspicious spots that they have. I always get nervous with that, but I feel confident in telling them that too, that regardless of what I say, they should get checked out. Since then, both have asked me about free screenings. Kaiser Permanente usually does them in May, even for non-members, but those dates haven't been released yet. I did find out that the Skin Cancer Foundation tour will be here in April. So I posted the dates and locations on facebook, then I added it to our neighborhood yahoo group wall. They sent the post out by email to the entire neighborhood. It isn't big, but I'm glad I do get to share it.
Here in Atlanta, we are in our second week of 80 degree temps. It is beautiful outside. Of course, we have record setting pollen counts too, I think today is 9369! Luckily all that bothers me is grass and ragweed, and the grass numbers are nothing compared to the trees, so I have been able to get outside some. Although covered with yellow dust in the process. I vowed not to hide from the sun this summer like I have done the past two. I am going to enjoy the outdoors. I was talking to someone after church on Sunday, I told her I wasn't going to be a hermit this year, that my sun-safe message is lost if I am stuck inside. I have been pricing pop-up canopies, they aren't bad, but definitely more than I thought they would be. I will find one though. I also talked my husband into letting me have another year of the pool membership. Promised him that we would use it this year. In return, I have to play tennis with him. The courts are shaded by trees, so an easy agreement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)