A Texas mother, who bravely faced melanoma, is reaching out to warn others about the dangers of tanning. After a life-altering cancer diagnosis, she has been candidly sharing her journey on social media, illustrating the harsh realities of her treatment in hopes of encouraging others to take skin health seriously.
Meet Sarah Jenkins
Sarah Jenkins is a 39-year-old mother of two from Austin. During her second pregnancy, she noticed a change in her skin above her eyebrow but initially dismissed it as hormonal. “I thought it was just a liver spot growing on my forehead,” Sarah recalls. “It looked like a big freckle.” However, the reality was far more serious—she was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of skin cancer, leading to a grueling three-year battle that cost her significant facial flesh and muscle.
Documenting Her Experience
To document her experience, Sarah established a “melanoma photo diary” on Facebook, posting frequent updates about her condition. These stark images reveal not just the physical toll of the disease but also her emotional struggles. “I’m scared. I want this nightmare to end, but I fear the worst is yet to come. The thought of not being able to have another child breaks my heart,” she expressed.
A Cautionary Tale
Sarah’s motivation for sharing her story is twofold: to process her transformation from a healthy mom to a cancer survivor, and to serve as a cautionary tale for those who love basking in the sun. “It’s hard to watch others tanning,” she admitted. “Please, stop frying your skin.”
The Beginning of Her Journey
Her journey began in late 2014 when the previously harmless spot above her eyebrow developed into a mole that began to ache. Given her mother’s history with melanoma in her 30s, she sought a dermatologist’s opinion. Initially dismissed as benign, a biopsy ultimately revealed that the spot was melanoma, while the mole was a rare type known as desmoplastic melanoma—an important distinction, as many believe that melanoma only appears dark. “Any spot that changes—grows, doesn’t heal, alters in color—needs immediate medical attention,” warns dermatologist Dr. Emily Carter.
Facing Treatment
Following two surgeries and the removal of a lymph node containing melanoma cells, Sarah underwent a skin graft to repair the damage. The recovery was challenging, leaving her with what she humorously referred to as “Sponge Bob’s a–hole,” a protective compression sponge used during her healing process. To eliminate any remaining cancer cells, Sarah underwent immunotherapy and radiation on her head and neck, which caused severe discomfort and altered her taste. Despite the struggles, her primary motivation is her family. “Enduring this suffering for even a few more decades with my kids and husband is worth it,” she stated.
Today and Moving Forward
Today, Sarah is mostly healed, using makeup to cover the affected area and diligently applying sunscreen and wearing hats outdoors. “The sun’s harsh rays won’t touch my face again,” she insists. Her message is clear and urgent: “Stop sunbathing and using tanning beds. A tan is not a sign of health—it’s a sign of damage.”
A Reminder for All
Her story is a reminder that we must prioritize our health as fiercely as we do our children’s. Many parents, including myself, often focus on lathering sunscreen on our kids while neglecting our own skin.
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Ultimately, Sarah’s journey serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of skin health, urging us to be vigilant and proactive in our self-care.