Saying the "C" Word

Well... found out I have melanoma, BUT, it's gonna be okay. My dermatologist called me and informed me the mole she removed was positive for melanoma and she was going to refer me to M.D. Anderson's Melanoma Department. If you don't live here, you probably don't know what hearing those words do to you. MD Anderson is the world's leading cancer facility - an amazing place, but when you hear you're being sent there, you think... yikes!

So, let me get to it. I happened (by the grace of God) to have been assigned to the world's leading melanoma specialists - this is no exaggeration. Until you go, you imagine a host of scary thoughts, but I went and it looks as if what I have is very manageable and was caught early.

I'll know more after next week. This gives him time to review the pathology slides, but on the initial visit, he said he didn't think I would need surgery and for a surgeon to tell you this is a GOOD thing. Whew.

This may change if the pathology indicates something he doesn't know, but I feel so much better! And I can say, "cancer," and not freak out.

So, that's that. One thing I know for sure is I really, really WANT to volunteer at MD Anderson - the place is AMAZING. I called to sign up for weekends, but they are booked with volunteers. I'm getting on the waiting list.