Quotes

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” -C.C. Scott

“I wanted a perfect ending… Now, I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity.”

Useful Links

National Cancer Institute

http://www.cancer.gov/FAQ/

This page has information on everything from Cancer statistics to information about clinical trials.

________________________________________________________________________

Imerman Angels

http://www.imermanangels.org/

This page is a site for One-on-One support.  It connects Cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers.

After receiving a positive diagnosis for cancer, how likely are you to get a second opinion?

After receiving a positive diagnosis for cancer, how likely are you to get a second opinion?(online surveys)

What are the signs that I should have a mole looked at by a Dermatologist?

In Dermatology, and Dermatopathology, the mnemonic ABCDE is used to indicate warning signs that a mole or lesion could be dangerous and should be looked at by a professional.  Here is the breakdown:

A stands for asymmetry, meaning that the pigmented lesion is shaped in such a way that, if you were to draw a line down the middle, the two halves would not be identical (or close enough to it).

B stands for border irregularity,meaning that the borders may not be smooth like the ones on most moles on your body.

C stands for color variation, meaning that the lesion does not maintain one common color throughout.  In particular, lesions that develop reddish or bluish parts are suspicious.  However, a two-toned brown lesion can also be cause for concern.

D stands for diameter greater than 6mm, meaning that the lesion should be more 6mm or more in diameter.  However, this rule has been adjusted by many leading Dermatopathologists and Dermatologists to incorporate smaller lesions.

While ABCD has been recognized for years as general criteria to aid people and General Practitioners in determining which patients’ lesions should be referred to a specialist for further attention and possibly a diagnosis by biopsy, the “E” part of the formula is a more recent addition.

E stands for Evolving , which recognizes evolving lesions (i.e. lesions that change over time).   Evolving lesions are defined as those which change in respect to size, shape and symptoms, surface or shades of color.  One of the most notable characteristics of melanoma is the evolution or change in the initial characteristics of the lesion.   The addition of “E” to the mnemonic helps to account for nodular melanomas, one of the most deadly forms of malignant skin disease.  Ironically, this particular type of kinds of melanoma lacks all of the first four indicators in the mnemonic.  However, a noticeable change is observed in nearly 80% of cases of nodular melanoma.

My take on this information:  This mnemonic is useful to remind us of things to be looking for.  If you notice a suspicious lesion, ABCDE can be used as points to use a a reference for what to look for.  However, I would like to echo the advice given to me by my dermatologist when I had two skin biopsies done:  Check your skin regularly.  Try to do this at least once a month.  If you can, take pictures to have as a reference.  If you notice something new or something that has changed, make an appointment with your doctor.

To end on a positive note, I can personally vouch for the fact that lesions that DO fit some of the diagnostic criteria listed above are not necessarily malignant.  However, it is always better to err on the side of caution.  If you have any doubt, consult a physician.

Can I go tanning while I am having Chemotherapy?

Generally speaking, tanning is NOT a good idea while undergoing chemotherapy.  Dry skin, irritation, and sensitivity to sun exposure are a few of the many potential side effects of chemotherapy. Even if you do not experience any of these conditions when you begin chemo, tanning can cause an onset of these symptoms.  This happens as a result of  your hypersensitivity to both natural and artificial sunlight.

It is also pertinent to mention here that tanning, in general, is not the healthiest thing for your body, even under optimal circumstances.  If you have had any type of skin cancer, this is particularly risky.  However, if you decide to go tanning despite the risks involved, it is definitely best to wait until you finish your chemotherapy.

I am not here to deliver the same lecture or information your doctor would.  So, here is my take on this issue:  DO avoid the tanning bed.  The side effects mentioned above manifest themselves in different ways but, what I would want someone to warn me about, SPECIFICALLY, is that the increased sensitivity that causes dry skin will also cause it to itch.  Additionally, many people will develop a rash as a result.  Personally, I don’t see the point in being tan if I have a  rash on top of it.  You might not want to look “pale” but, trust me, it is a better option than having skin covered in itchy bumps (sort of like having eczema all over your body).

What is my solution?  If you need to have that summer glow, try spray tanning.  The days when a “tan in a bottle” would leave you orange and streaky are over.  If you need a suggestion of where to go to get a spray tan, send me a message with your location and I’ll let you know.  If you feel inclined to try it yourself, there are many products on the market that range in price from approximately $8 to $250 (maybe more).  Again, if you want a specific recommendation, just ask.

An alternative way of earning money for a cause:

This site is an alternative way of raising money for your cause:

http://www.freefundraising.org.uk/sas/?ref=christie2

Welcome!!!

My life has been impacted by the devastating effects that a diagnosis of cancer can bring to both the person who has the illness as well as their loved ones in many ways. Additionally, much of my life’s work has been related to the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer. My hope is that this page can become a place where I can share helpful information with you and you can share with me and each other. Through this sharing, I hope to provide support. Over the years, I have seen how different one type of cancer can is from another and even how diverse experiences with the same cancer can be. As many statistics as you may find, battling cancer is a unique experience. At the end of the day, when it comes to cancer, I have found only one universal truth: the harder you fight, the better you will do. I have seen the impossible happen, for the better and for the worse. At the end of the day, we are left with the fact that, if you are battling cancer, you ARE in the fight of your life. You are in the fight FOR your life. So FIGHT!!! It may be difficult, but you cannot win if you do not fight. While you do, it is my intention to provide you with as much support, advice, and as many answers as you need. And, I look forward to hearing from you! If you can’t find it here, ask me. Stay positive, fight hard and know that others are fighting with you!