Updated: Dec. 26, 2015
Originally Published: April 11, 2015
Sitting in the consultation room, I found myself reflecting on my situation. I was there for an initial consultation with a specialist, a Mohs surgeon who would later carry out a precisely controlled microsurgical procedure to excise the basal cell skin cancer my dermatologist had discovered on my forehead.
Skin cancer at my age? It seemed absurd. I always thought it affected older individuals or those reckless enough to use tanning beds. However, I was aware of the reality; my older sister had faced malignant melanoma at just 28—definitely not a case of age or bad choices. We have inherited unfortunate skin genetics, I suppose. Yet, I recognized my fortune in this circumstance. Basal cell carcinoma is the “less aggressive” type of skin cancer; it grows slowly and is generally easier to treat. The success rate following Mohs surgery is impressively high, ranging from 97 to 99.9 percent. Unlike melanoma, which is the more aggressive and frightening form of skin cancer that can spread rapidly.
I reminded myself that I might be the luckiest person in the waiting room—not just because I’m the youngest. Others around me were grappling with far more severe diagnoses than basal cell cancer.
“Ma’am,” the receptionist’s voice cut through my thoughts.
Is she addressing me?
“Ma’am,” she repeated, locking eyes with me while extending my insurance card across the desk. “It’ll just be a few more minutes.”
“Ma’am?” I thought with a mix of disbelief and annoyance as I walked over to collect my card. Surely, she must be at least five years my senior.
As I returned to my seat, I caught my reflection in the waiting room mirror. Who thought a dermatologist’s office needed a mirror? I looked like a “Ma’am,” resembling a 35-year-old mother of three—which, in fact, I was. When did that transformation occur?
It feels like just yesterday that I was in college, yet it seems I’ve been a mom forever. I can hardly believe I have a child in elementary school now, and the memories of the baby years are fading fast—likely a result of sleep deprivation. I’m at that age where routine cholesterol checks are necessary, and I’m witnessing friends transitioning from wedding announcements to divorce news. Instead of baby bump photos flooding my social media feeds, it’s now pictures of kids riding two-wheelers and tweens showcasing their latest hairstyles. Instead of hearing “My mom has cancer,” it’s now “I have cancer.”
How on earth did this shift happen? I always thought I would recognize the moment I matured, that I would feel different and equipped with answers. But here I am, feeling just the same.
Just the other day, my friend and I were outside while our kids enjoyed one of the first warm days of spring. Some kids were playing pirates in the playhouse, while others were drawing with sidewalk chalk. I shared the news of my skin cancer with her.
“Are you OK, though?” she asked, concern evident in her voice.
“I’m fine. The surgery is scheduled for May. It’ll be resolved. I’ll be OK,” I reassured her and myself.
“I mean, emotionally?”
We watched as our children laughed and played, carefree and joyous.
“I just feel like a grown-up,” I admitted, “and it feels overwhelming.”
I then called the children over; it was time to reapply their sunscreen.
For those navigating similar experiences, resources such as the one at Mayo Clinic can provide valuable information on skin cancer and its treatment. Additionally, if you are exploring fertility options, you might find helpful insights in our post about couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination. For men looking to improve their reproductive health, check out fertility boosters that can support your overall well-being.
In summary, while facing health challenges can be daunting, it’s essential to recognize the support available and the strength we possess. Maturity may come with unexpected burdens, but it also grants us the wisdom to handle them.
Keyphrase: skin cancer awareness and treatment
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