At the beginning of the year I was faced with the devastating news that I had cancer; a very aggressive form of skin cancer called malignant melanoma. I couldn't quite believe what I was hearing. "How can I have cancer? Why me? Am I going to be ok? What am I going to have to go through? " I couldn't speak. All I did was nod and shake my head while inside, my head was going crazy with fear. The first few weeks were certainly the worst, not fully knowing or understanding what lies on the road ahead of you is really frightening. 

As the weeks past, I became more and more aware of how dangerous skin cancer really is. After plenty of trips to the hospital, researching, talking to my Macmillan nurse and joining an amazing support group, it finally sank in. I stopped hiding in my shell, I was not going to sit back and feel sorry for myself, I stood strong and told myself that I am going to fight. 

With the support of the most amazing friends and family that is exactly what I did!

I had three operations, the first they removed the cancerous mole. When that came back positive, I then had a wider local excision and a lymph node biopsy. I was then given the news that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. The last operation was the removal of all of my lymph nodes and surrounding tissues under my left arm. I also had a drain attached to me for five days. It had to come EVERYWHERE with me so I named it Wayne!

A few scans and needles later, I was given the news that all the cancer had gone! They could no longer detect it in my body. Suddenly this massive weight I had been carrying on my shoulders for so long had been lifted. Even though the cancer had spread, I was lucky enough to catch it in time.

I was then sent to a specialist cancer centre in London. There I saw a specialist in Melanoma where I learnt that there is no official 'All Clear' with this type of cancer once is spreads.

Currently, they can no longer detect any of the cancer in my body, but there is still a possibility that it could be in my lymphatic system or blood stream. There is still no way of detecting it until it grabs on to something i.e. an organ.

For the next 5 years I will be kept a very close eye on. This includes scans, blood tests and dermatologist appointments every 3 months. The worry of it coming back will always be in the back of my mind. The scars, swelling and numbness are a constant reminder. I also have to remember to wear sun cream, wear hats and protect myself from the sun at all times. It has definitely changed my lifestyle but it's something I have to learn to live with. I'm also being sent for a gene test to see what my likelihood of developing other cancers are. It’s a personal choice, and I know some people would rather not know, but for me it’s important that I do everything in my power to beat Cancer.

Instead of looking at it all in a negative light, I have been counting my blessings and being thankful that I caught it early. I am so grateful that I am being kept such a close eye on by the hospital and feel very special. If I ever have any worries, I always have someone to talk to which is so reassuring. 

 I now focus on the bigger picture. By that, I mean to focus on the positives in life and push the negative out. If anything, this experience has taught me that life is so short and we must live it to the full. If I’m having a bad day, I look at all the good things I have, such as wonderful family and friends, a roof over my head and a good job. I’m super lucky! 

It's so important for me to raise awareness of how dangerous Skin Cancer is and to teach people how important it is to look after your largest organ!

 

Your support means so much to me.

 

Thank you for reading, please donate kindly. Every penny counts

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx