I had a weird rash looking spot on my arm that just appeared 3 years ago and has since been growing. It had grown to the size of a dime. I decided that it was time to go and get it looked at. I planned a visit to the doctor and he told me exactly what I figured he would, “Schedule another visit and well just cut it out!” I did just that. July 17th I went in and had it removed then got sewed back up with 15 or so stitches. He then said they would test it and let me know what they found out.

July 23rd they called me back and said that it was cancer. Basel Cell Carcinoma which is generally caused by to much sun exposure was the type that I had. It was strange to me because it was on my upper arm below my shoulder. I don’t normally go without a shirt on or never really did as a child either. I would have thought that if I got it, it would be on my face or lower arms not a part of my body that is normally covered by clothing.

When they called they also told me that the surgery didn’t get it all and I would have to come in for another operation to have another attempt of cutting me up to get it all. July 25, one day before we planned to go on a family Vacation hiking in Arches, was the planned date. They prompted me to come in as soon as possible, for two reasons. One, so they could cut more before the stitches heal and two to get it out before it spread more. For these reasons, I didn’t want to wait till after the trip.

The second time was a lot more painful, and practically made my left arm unusable for several days. It was awkward to sleep, since I normally sleep on my side. Again they cut a part of me away, a part that I will never get back and sent it off to a lab saying that they would again test it and let me know if they got it all.

Aug 1st I received a call from the doctors telling me that they did indeed get all the cancer this time. What a relief. I’m currently cancer free. They told me to wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and a 3” brimmed hat when I go out side. This will be a challenge for me. We’ll see if I can do it.