PSA: Get Checked Out

See that teeny tiny spot under my eye?

The one that looks like a pimple?

Well, it popped up on my face back in February. I hardly noticed it at all. And when I did, I assumed it was a pimple. It sure looked like one. The thing was, it never went away. I had scheduled my first skin check at the dermatologist, suggested by my primary care physician because I am fifty now. She thought it would be a good idea. As you may remember, I have OCD and Health Anxiety, and the thought of going to a skin check is one of my triggers. But something about this made me want to get it checked. I called and asked if my appointment could be moved up, and it was.

I went to the appointment, and it wasn't the anxiety-ridden experience I had allowed myself to believe. In fact, it was the opposite. It was very reassuring. All the spots and marks I had feared were totally normal. The doctor explained what they were and gave them a name. All except for this new little pimple. She felt it was nothing sinister, but suggested a biopsy just to be sure. I am so thankful she did. Because that tiny spot turned out to be a Basal Cell Carcinoma. Yep. Skin Cancer. 

You know, the funny thing is, I was ok. First off, Basal Cell is the most common form of skin cancer. It is slow-growing, easily treatable, and very rarely spreads. Also, I realized that this was one of the things I had feared for so long. This was it. All the time I spent fretting and worrying and researching...because that is what Health Anxiety sufferers do...came down to this. And you know what? It was ok! I had it. I found it early. Let's deal with it. And so we did.

Yesterday found me in a dermatologist office a few hours away, having something called Mohs Surgery. And just like that, it is gone. I share this personal information not to frighten or create worry. Rather, simply inform anyone reading to follow your instincts, face your fears, whether imaginary or real and get anything you feel concerned about checked out. It might not be, but if it is, you can deal with it. 

I dislike the sun. I avoid it like the plague. I never tan. I wear sunscreen. I am white as a sheet. I got skin cancer. Most likely from one of two burns I had as a child. So take this as it is offered, please. Not preachy. Not authoritative. Simply as a caring, friendly reminder to take care of yourself. And get checked. 

Have a good weekend, my friends.

I will share some photos of the new house next week.

Thanks for visiting!