Staying Strong

Excerp from 1 of the many pages from my medical papers:

" Gentlemen:

This is a letter in follow-up on care for Miss Stephanie Bowen who was seen initially at our clinic on January 3, 2011 for metastic malignant melanoma, N!B with lung metastases. As discussed, she was started on biochemotherapy due to the high growth fraction of her tumor, and for improvement of morbidity.

...

[At this point a lot of medical terms are used to decribe my condition and my reaction to the treatments.] 

We feel fortunate that things have fallen into place appropriately for Stephanie, and will continue to keep you informed of her progress."

This last Monday, 2 days ago, another warrior lost his fight with melanoma. His body was unable to handle the treatments, yet his spirit kept going on.

I know I am blessed to be here. I do not know why I am here, but, I am here.  Melanoma is ferioucious and I always have a shadow of fear that it will return. These days I enjoy my status of NED. While I stay strong....others are literally fighting for their lives. Some do not win this battle with CANCER. SOME PEOPLE LOSE.  IT is extremely SAD. SAD does not even express how one feels when we hear that a warrior has died.

Many of my adventures this summer are dedicated to fellow warriors. I try to raise awareness whenever I am able. I stay strong for those who are fighting.

May angels look after those left behind. May angels look after those who are fighting.

Take care of your skin!

SUNBURN!!

PS, This post is a follow up to my last post. 

SUNBURNS ARE BAD! 

This is what happened to my very own daughter on a "CLOUDY DAY."  YES, you can get a sunburn on an overcast day.  This was an overcast and cool day in Huntington Beach last month.   My response to my daughter is one I will not put in writing. It was along the lines of "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE ##** KIDDIN' ME!!!!!"


So my fellow sun worshippers, every sunburn you get increases your chances of getting melanoma as an adult. I won't throw stats at you, just know that MELANOMA is BAD. Melanoma is CANCER and it KILLS.


Please protect yourselves on these sunny days. I know my daughter regretted this burn and does not want me to get MAD at her again.

MELANOMA IS MORE than SKIN CANCER!!