Monday, July 29, 2013

Although we camped this weekend with evenings dropping down into the 50's and tubed on the lake at the blistering temp of 70 degrees, it still seems appropriate to spend some time talking about the sun and it's link to skin cancers. 

I have invited my friend Deb to be a guest writer on "Journeys" and share her cancer story with you. Her journey began about the same time as mine so we have shared a lot over the past 18 months. Deb spoke at our Benton County Relay for Life and following is what she had to say about her cancer experience.  Please read her story and then pick up the phone and schedule your full body exam with a dermatologist. You don't have to have a family history or even extensive exposure to the sun to fall victim to a wide variety of skin cancers. 

Thank you Deb for agreeing to be a guest on my blog.  Your story is very inspiring and your strength and courage so uplifting. Thanks so much for sharing!

My Cancer Journey

Deb Wallpe

My cancer journey started with a mole on my left thigh.  It had been there for as long as I can remember.  I kept an eye on the mole over the years because of an awareness of the ABCDE’s of skin cancer. 

·        A is for asymmetry.  If one half is different from the other half, this is a concern. 

·        B is for border.  Borders should not be irregular, scalloped or poorly defined. 

·        C is for color.  Moles that have different shades of tan, brown or black, or appear red or blue are a concern. 

·        D is for diameter.  If a mole is the size of a pencil eraser or larger, you should have it checked. 

·        E is for evolving.  You should always have a doctor look at moles that appear to be changing in size, shape or color. 

Because my mole appeared to be growing taller, I consulted my doctor who advised that it needed to be removed.  I was diagnosed with melanoma in April of 2012.  Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.  When found early, Melanoma is almost 100% curable.  When found later, it can metastasize to other organs and become more serious.  I quickly met with a dermatologist for a full body check to see if I had any other areas of concern.  Luckily, I did not; but, the dermatologist was concerned about the size and characteristics of my tumor.  I was referred to a melanoma specialist/surgeon in Indianapolis for removal of more tissue around the original tumor and removal/biopsy of the lymph node that the tumor drained into.  No cancer was found in the tissue around the tumor, but a small amount of cancer cells were found in the lymph node.  The next step was another surgery to remove all the lymph nodes in my left groin for biopsy.  Thankfully, no cancer was found in the remaining lymph nodes.  Because cancer cells were found in the sentinel lymph node, my cancer was labeled as stage III.  As a result of both surgeries, I was considered to be in remission. 

After recovering from the second surgery seven weeks later, I began seeing a physical therapist and an oncologist.  Having all of the lymph nodes removed left my leg subject to swelling and more susceptible to infection.  The physical therapist taught me how to massage my leg and lymph nodes to help my body move the lymph fluid through a different path.  She also showed me how to wrap my leg to keep swelling down by pushing fluid upward, and trouble signs to watch for.  After two months of physical therapy, I was measured for a compression garment, which I wear everyday.  Swelling is likely something I will have to deal with for a long time. 

Because my melanoma was stage III, my oncologist recommended that I start weekly injections of interferon to help build up my immune system and keep cancer cells at bay.  When interferon first began being used to treat melanoma, patients were admitted to the hospital and put in a semi-coma to make the patient more comfortable due to the severe side effects.  In recent years, the processing of interferon has changed and now patients can receive a weekly injection.  I received my first three injections in August at the highest recommended dosage along with a dozen ‘just in case’ medications to help with the side effects.  Those three weeks were the most difficult in my journey thus far.  Side effects included severe headaches, loss of appetite, severe body aches, fatigue, the rigors, and thinning hair.  There were days when my body hurt so bad that I didn’t want to move from the bed to the couch.  Due to my severe side effects, my oncologist gave me a “two-week vacation” from the interferon to allow my body to get back to normal.  When the injections started again in September, the dosage was cut in half.  I was able to handle the side effects at this lower dosage much better, and was able to return to work.  For four months, I received my weekly injections in the doctor’s office.  In January of this year, I began giving myself the injections at home.  This was a huge step forward for me, because I wasn’t sure I could give myself an injection.  The injections have become a routine part of my week.  The plan is to continue weekly injections for five years. 

Cancer has taught me that I have a lot to be thankful for.  My friends, family, co-workers, and members of my church have been very kind and supportive over the past year.  I deeply appreciate the knowledge, skills, and compassion of all healthcare professionals I have met.  I am very lucky to work for an employer with good benefits and insurance. 

I attend the Benton County Cancer Support Group meetings each month, and the survivorship meetings held by the Lafayette Cancer Care team.  These meetings have provided me with information on diet and nutrition, physical exercise, management of side effects, and much more.  The Benton County Support group meets the last Monday of each month at 7pm at the Otterbein United Methodist Church.  We would love to have any survivors or caregivers attend. 

In closing, I would like to leave you with some advice: 

1.     Always use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when in the sun,

2.     Wear protective clothing:  long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses,

3.     Avoid the mid-day sun and tanning beds. 

4.     Be aware of moles and the ABCDE’s.  If you have a mole or other spot that you’re concerned about, have it checked out.  Don’t procrastinate. 

Thank you for listening to me ramble!  I wish you all good health.