As I sit here recovering from my fifth surgery in less than
six months, I’ve decided to share my journey and the lessons I’ve
learned along the way in hopes that my experience might help someone else some day.
In November 2012, I was referred to a dermatologist to check
some abnormal moles on my back. Since that time I have undergone numerous
biopsies and five excisions- two of which resulted in the removal of cancerous,
melanoma cells from my body.
As I’ve traveled down this uncertain road I’ve learned a
lot about skin cancer, but more importantly I’ve learned the value of the
doctor/patient relationship.
Right Diagnosis
I still remember how I felt in that moment when I heard the
doctor say, “Your lab results came back. It’s melanoma and we need to operate
again.”
It’s so surreal, to hear those words. Everything kinda slows down and you feel like he MUST be talking about someone else. I don’t have cancer. I feel FINE.
It’s so surreal, to hear those words. Everything kinda slows down and you feel like he MUST be talking about someone else. I don’t have cancer. I feel FINE.
As scary and frustrating as this diagnosis has been, I realize now
how lucky I am that my cancer was caught so early.
According to SkinCancer.org:
“Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. When not caught at an early stage, it
has a high probability of spreading (metastasizing) and potentially becoming lethal.”
- One person dies of melanoma every 57 minutes.
- About 86% of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
- Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
Right Doctor
Throughout this process I have learned the value of being an educated, empowered patient. All too often patients (myself included) assume
their doctor will take the time to explain your diagnosis and the implications
of your treatment.
However, I’ve learned that you owe it to yourself to do your own research to understand your disorder, which issues are most concerning, and which treatment options are available/most suitable.
However, I’ve learned that you owe it to yourself to do your own research to understand your disorder, which issues are most concerning, and which treatment options are available/most suitable.
You must educate yourself about your disease in order to
know the important questions to ask your physician, not only to learn more about your prognosis but also to help determine if this is the right doctor for you.
When you rely on a medical professional to dictate your path
to recovery, you owe it to yourself to be sure that doctor is caring for you as
a patient AND as a person.
If your doctor is not meeting your needs completely, have the courage to walk away and have the patience to find a new doctor who will provide you with the treatment and care you truly deserve. Do not allow yourself to be blinded by fear or ignorance when your livelihood is at stake.
If your doctor is not meeting your needs completely, have the courage to walk away and have the patience to find a new doctor who will provide you with the treatment and care you truly deserve. Do not allow yourself to be blinded by fear or ignorance when your livelihood is at stake.
For more information on how you can become an empowered patient click the link below for tip sheets about doctor's visits & second opinions.
http://www.empoweredpatientcoalition.org/fact-sheets-a-checklists