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I Had Cancer, Part 4

2/4/2015

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I had what would be my final appointment at Moffitt Cancer Center (hopefully, forever) last week.  Alan and I only had to wait a few minutes before being called in - a first!  The nurse practitioner looked me over and asked a few questions.  She categorized my skin cancer as a Stage 1B - you can read more about the stages here.  Basically, it means I had a section of skin around the melanoma, as well as the cancer itself, surgically removed.  She said that there is an 8% chance that the cancer will return...and I'm a slightly higher risk due to my occupation (i.e. working outside).

The doctor came in for only a few minutes, and while he was there, he scolded me for being pink, as in my face - something anyone who knows me can attest to that I've been that way for a very long time.  I have a pink complexion.  And then, he got a phone call.  He stayed on the phone for the next few minutes while the nurse practitioner tried to get an answer out of him as to whether or not I needed to come back.  It seemed she decided that I didn't need to come back, just keep my regular appointments with my dermatologist.  And I was finished.  His bedside manner aside, I was happy to leave, and hope I never have to go back.

I had a previously scheduled dermatology appointment a few days later and nothing was found. Always good to hear that from Robin!  I am to return to the dermatologist every 3-4 months for a skin screening, pretty much for the rest of my life.  But, I will do that, as the alternative is much worse.  I am very thankful this time was caught so early.
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