July 2009 - I have an unusual growth on my thigh. It's rapid growth alarms me so I make an appointment with the doctor who examines it and declares "I don't think you have to worry about it being cancer". He sends me to a surgeon who thinks that the growth is a psoriasis lesion and advises me to use my psoriasis cream on it. He says if I want to remove it for cosmetic reasons he will do that for me. I elect to leave it.
May/June 2010 - The thing on my leg has grown to roughly the size of a sweet cherry. We have taken to calling it "my evil twin". I joke about it frightening small children and draw happy faces on it. I begin to think maybe I should just have the ugly old thing removed.
July 2010 - One day at work I brush my leg up against the desk and the tumor breaks open and bleeds profusely. I have trouble getting it to stop bleeding. By the end of the day I haven't been able to stop the bleeding and I call the surgeon to make an appointment.
August 17, 2010 - I have the tumor removed in the doctors office under a local anesthetic. The tissue is sent for a routine biopsy.
August 24, 2010 - The surgeon's office calls and would like me to come in to discuss the pathology report on the tissue they sent out. This is the last thing I expected. I go in later in the day. Cancer. Stupid melanoma skin cancer. He says it is "moderately aggressive" and I will need more surgery. I am referred to a surgical oncologist.
August/September 2010 - Many doctor's appointments and tests. I have a very good surgeon who takes the time to explain EVERYTHING to me which makes it easier to handle.
September 21, 2010 - I have surgery to have a wide margin of skin on my leg removed and several of my lymph nodes removed. After the surgery they give me good drugs for the pain. It takes about two weeks to recover, but the recovery goes smoothly.
October 7, 2010 - The results of the CT scan and the biopsy on the lymph nodes are back - they are both clean. This is VERY good news as it means that the cancer has probably not yet spread to distant sites. I am referred to the cancer clinic for adjuvant therapy.
October 15, 2010 - My first visit to the cancer clinic. Everyone is SO kind and compassionate. The volunteers explain everything thoroughly so I know exactly what to expect. There is a physical exam and blood work and discussion of the upcoming treatment. There is a TEAM of people working for my health. My treatment is scheduled to begin on October 25th and will last for 52 weeks.
